'81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical?

Posted By: 6bblgt

'81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 08/26/13 09:58 PM

A friend has an '81 Imperial & is looking to do something with the car. They're heavy, is staying small block the way to go? What's involved with putting a big-block in one? Has anyone done a modern HEMI conversion?

Digital dash all works, how difficult is it to maintain its use with "major' changes under the hood. What headers work with the stock front suspension/chassis?

Looking for ideas - the good the bad & the ugly!!

Posted By: feets

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 08/26/13 10:18 PM

It's an F/M/J chassis. Any of the stuff used on those cars should fit.

Posted By: stumpy

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 08/26/13 10:19 PM

That is not what I would call a good project car. They aren't very popular so anything put in it will not be salvageble as far as resale goes. If your friend want's to hotrod something I would suggest selling the Imp and getting something else.

Posted By: MarkZ

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 08/27/13 12:03 AM

Quote:

That is not what I would call a good project car. They aren't very popular so anything put in it will not be salvageble as far as resale goes. If your friend want's to hotrod something I would suggest selling the Imp and getting something else.

I suppose so, but it does get tiresome seeing the same cars over and over again with varying paint and trim packages. You don't have to get crazy with it to turn it into something nice if it's already in good shape.

I think those J bodies have a curb weight of about 3600 or 3700 lbs. 360s will slide right in and all the cop car goodies from the Diplomats are direct bolt-ins (sway bars, axles, coolers, etc). Headers for F Aspens will go in without any clearance issues. Firm Feel also makes a plethora of parts for the platforms now too if you want it to really stay glued to the road.

Remy-Z has a really cool one he just put together last year if you're looking for ideas.

Posted By: Magnumguy

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 08/27/13 12:20 AM

I know he's not allowed to be mentioned (so I've heard) or his website, but on Mopar style dot com, Dave has done a beautiful job with his J Imperial.

Crate motor, and such.

Just go to his site and go to forums.

Posted By: Commando1

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 08/27/13 02:42 PM

Quote:

I know he's not allowed to be mentioned (so I've heard) or his website, but

Wait. This is a new one on me. What did I miss?

Posted By: Mr.Yuck

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 08/27/13 02:49 PM

Depends on how much he wants to spend and how much work he wants to do. On the cheap and cam, intake carb swap with headers would be a start. If he wanted to step it up one, a 360 Magunm engine w/ cam upgrade along with the above would be next, One could go w/ a stroked small block or Big block if the sky's the limit.
Not crazy about the shaker, but I think those cars a re cool.

Attached picture 7829114-1981ChryslerImperialProStreet.jpg

Attached picture 7829114-1981ChryslerImperialProStreet.jpg

Posted By: feets

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 08/27/13 05:00 PM

I like the cars and wouldn't mind driving one. The tacky woodgrain decals tend to turn purple with time.

Done right they can be pretty cool.

Posted By: RUNCHARGER

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 08/27/13 05:07 PM

I think they'd be cool with a new "Hemi" conversion. You could swap in a big block easily but it wouldn't be as cool.

Sheldon

Posted By: Magnumguy

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 08/27/13 05:40 PM

Quote:

Quote:

I know he's not allowed to be mentioned (so I've heard) or his website, but

Wait. This is a new one on me. What did I miss?

Goes back aways. Probably late 1990's or so. Must be OK now. It's a Mopar only site, never quite got why it was taboo for awhile.

Posted By: therocks

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 08/27/13 05:52 PM

A local guy was running one with a turbo or super charger.I cant remember which and some other goodies.It moved pretty good for what it was.Rocky

Posted By: dogdays

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 08/27/13 06:31 PM

It's a perfect place to put a GIII Hemi and matching automatic transmission. Sort of a retro 300. About the same size and weight, so you know it'll go and still get good mileage so it can be driven.

I really like those cars, as drivers or cruisers. Also can't keep my eyes off clean Miradas. They have very nice lines.

Can't remember the last time I actually saw one of the late Imperials on the street.

If you want a hot rod get a Duster. But for a smooth driving car that has a little class, a Hemified Imp would be first-rate.

R.

Posted By: Chris2581

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 08/28/13 12:38 AM

440 or late model Hemi is what I'd go with.

Posted By: Copper Dart

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 08/28/13 03:13 AM

Quote:

I think they'd be cool with a new "Hemi" conversion. You could swap in a big block easily but it wouldn't be as cool.

Sheldon

Posted By: Joesixpack

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 08/28/13 12:43 PM

lol they were weird looking Pro Stocks...thats for sure

Attached picture 7830472-LarryPeternelProStockChryslerImperial.jpg

Posted By: Joesixpack

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 08/28/13 12:45 PM

Super Gas anyone?

Attached picture 7830473-MoparMissile01-reg.jpg

Posted By: BigBlockMopar

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 08/28/13 01:02 PM

Quote:

... but on Mopar style dot com, Dave has done a beautiful job with his J Imperial.
... Just go to his site and go to forums.

I used to hang around there I think 4-5 years ago but I thought 2 years ago that site had folded already. Site or forums are nowhere to be found at least.

Moparstyle.com-domain doesn't resolve to anything although it still seems visible under Google.

Did he block foreign countries from his server perhaps?

Posted By: feets

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 08/28/13 04:00 PM

With Dave there's no telling.
He landed a ton of money in a very short period of time. The cash got to his head and he started throwing money everywhere.
When there was a fuss that arose between his attitude and Moparts he took his toys and went home to make his own site.
I met Dave long ago and wasn't impressed at the time. He was far too cocky.

Maybe he either calmed down and settled back into society or ran out of money.

Posted By: cudaboy

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 08/28/13 04:18 PM

Quote:

Quote:

... but on Mopar style dot com, Dave has done a beautiful job with his J Imperial.
... Just go to his site and go to forums.

I used to hang around there I think 4-5 years ago but I thought 2 years ago that site had folded already. Site or forums are nowhere to be found at least.

Moparstyle.com-domain doesn't resolve to anything although it still seems visible under Google.

Did he block foreign countries from his server perhaps?

its still around.

http://www.moparstyle.com/forums/activity.php

Dennis

Posted By: feets

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 08/28/13 04:41 PM

The NASCAR Imperials looked good but lacked power.

Posted By: cudaboy

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 08/28/13 04:50 PM

Quote:

lol they were weird looking Pro Stocks...thats for sure

Maybe, but I would watch again if they looked like that.

Dennis

Posted By: Commando1

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 08/29/13 02:09 PM

Quote:

With Dave there's no telling.
He landed a ton of money in a very short period of time. The cash got to his head and he started throwing money everywhere.

REAL hippies eschew money.

Posted By: bboogieart

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 08/29/13 03:47 PM

I can see it now. The car is done and it's very nice, the owner is proud, and now we get the post.
"Why does every one call my Imp a Thunderbird?"

Seriously though what's up with use a different car to hot rod. That's what hot rodding is take what you got and hop it up. Different used to be what it's about. I like the idea. Go all out and surprise the boulevard cruisers.
I would think a built 360 with all the f body goodies mentioned above.

Posted By: dogdays

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 08/29/13 04:13 PM

"built 360"?????

That's a WhoGAS motor in a WhoGAS car.

Now, on the other hand, ANY 5.7 Hemi will turn the car into a Wow! car.

If you want a hot rod, build a Duster. That's the proper place for a "built 360".

R.

Posted By: feets

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 08/29/13 06:44 PM

A new hemi and 518 would be the ticket.

I've been pondering what I'll get when the lease is up on the smart.
Building a wedge Imperial with that drivetrain is tempting.

Posted By: 5thAve

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 09/22/13 12:59 AM

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

... but on Mopar style dot com, Dave has done a beautiful job with his J Imperial.
... Just go to his site and go to forums.

I used to hang around there I think 4-5 years ago but I thought 2 years ago that site had folded already. Site or forums are nowhere to be found at least.

Moparstyle.com-domain doesn't resolve to anything although it still seems visible under Google.

Did he block foreign countries from his server perhaps?

its still around.

http://www.moparstyle.com/forums/activity.php

Dennis

I used to go there sometimes until my account got deleted after I didn't visit for a few months. I never bothered joining again.

I liked Dave's Imperial, he did a good job with it. I have no comment on anything else.

Posted By: tpabayflyer

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 09/22/13 04:42 PM

I had an 83 Cordoba for a while and built a nice 390stroker....... 3.73 gear 8 3/4 with 2600 stall L/U a-999......... Ran 13.12 with a crappy 60ft......
A/C worked and I put buckets in with a center console. Welded in sub-frame connectors and big meats on the back the car was very comfortable to drive. This car was a ton of fun on the street and beating up on 7 series beemers was easy! I say stroker gen 3 hemi with an A-518 would be awesome! TBF

Posted By: dOrk !

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 09/22/13 04:59 PM

Got a bud up in mid central Florida who has a stock eliminator car and is also going to build a GT car also ....when I roll through there in a couple of weeks I will get a couple of pics ....

Posted By: 500ciDuster

Re: '81 IMPERIAL project what can be done/what's practical? - 09/22/13 06:17 PM

I like em too!