Quote:

---

The vast majority of 383 4-spd cars with A/C are 3.23 geared.

I've heard but have no proof, which is why I've refrained until now to add it to this fantasy witch hunt for cars Chrysler didn't build. Chrysler didn't want to deal with A/C compressor warranty issues arising from high RPM decel on 440 4-spd vehicles, most with 3.54 gears. Decel having more "violent" RPM changes than accel.

In the '60s 440 4-spd cars were "race cars" for the street not cruisers that most owners wanted W/O power steering, power brakes, or A/C.

Chrysler execs had "company cars" for short periods of time. Wild, exoticly optioned factory assembly line built exec cars do not exist.

---

pretty much my thoughts as well. Sure you might have been able to order a 383 with a 4spd, A/C and 3.55's...but the vast majority were 3.23 cars and all 440 4spds were 3.54's or better. I believe the compressor explanation but it doesn't need to be perfect, someone just figured that they'd have far less warranty claims if they eliminated A/C on the 440-4spd cars.

I agree that the theory that 383 4spd AC cars with optional rears would pose as much of an issue with compressor reliability as would 440 4spd cars....but I think the assumption that because one was available, the other must be is erroneous. For whatever reason Chrysler figured it was in their best interest to forbid the 440hp 4spd AC combo....probably because the 440 had a steeper base gear and because it was deemed to be a higher performance engine.


Dave