Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: AARCONV]
#2729759
01/03/20 07:00 PM
01/03/20 07:00 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 25,050 Texas
GoodysGotaCuda
5.7L Hemi, 6spd
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5.7L Hemi, 6spd
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 25,050
Texas
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While my ride quality is a bit stiff [in the name of handling], I can put my finger on what made me fall in love with my car again. Most of which has to do with EFI, overdrive, good sound insulation and a/c.
I'd suggest writing down a few things that annoy you about the car and potential fixes. It rides stiff? Shocks are a quick place to start at a relatively low cost. Does it run too slow/high rpm on the highway? An overdrive makes highway cruising completely different.
After doing my Hemi swap, 6-speed conversion, good brakes, etc, if I could feel comfortable leaving it at walmart occasionally and could avoid bad weather days, I'd daily drive it without hesitating.
Last edited by GoodysGotaCuda; 01/03/20 07:03 PM.
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Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: PLUM_72]
#2729832
01/03/20 09:47 PM
01/03/20 09:47 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 31,077 Oregon
AndyF
I Win
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I Win
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 31,077
Oregon
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If you care to read the long post, thanks...I had to vent a little about my car. I have had a 72 Challenger for many years now. Its was restored back in the early 90's somewhat stock with several custom touches here and there. The last 5 to 10 years the car has taken a backseat to life, kids activities and other interests. The car always comes out a few times each year, not nearly enough though. Anyway, through a series of events, I had the car running and drove it last night and today. While there is that old car cool factor, the ride quality and overall experience is lacking. There is this hard, rough and tumble nature of it. I cant put my finger on what it is exactly. My 1980 Buick Regal drove better than this thing ever has. While I don't expect the 72 to be like my 2013 Challenger, I do wonder if something is wrong with the car, or if my age and expectations of the car have changed. While I would never sell the car, its been a big part of my life, it needs something. Just not sure where to go as the car starts okay, drives and brakes straight. Its not like I can point to one thing that would improve the experience. Any body else feel this way?
Thanks! I feel that way every time I drive my Coronet. These cars are pigs compared to anything built in the last 20 years. You can close the gap pretty well with a good set of radial tires, high quality shocks and upgraded torsion bars/anti-sway bars. You'll need disc brakes to close the gap even more. Just pick a compromise that works for you. If you want to keep the car 100% original then it will be a pig to drive. Either accept it or sell it. Ever drive a stock Model A? Those are even worse. Try a stock Model T sometime. Most people can't even figure out how to drive those stupid things.
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Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: PLUM_72]
#2729862
01/03/20 11:48 PM
01/03/20 11:48 PM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,763 Myrtle Beach, SC formerly the ...
340wedge
master
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master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,763
Myrtle Beach, SC formerly the ...
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I look at it differently. My Duster has radial T/As, and KYB shocks with manual drum brakes and steering. No it doesn't handle or brake as good as my 2006 Charger Daytona but for it's age and technology it tracks and stops straight and handles okay for what it is at legal speeds on modern roads. I compare that the 1956 Chevy was only fifteen years between the two and having owned one I can say it rode like a truck, didn't like turns at all and the fact that a passenger side sun visor was an option, the technology and ride is night and day. You have to enjoy an old muscle car for what it is and was, a different time. I wouldn't compare a 1971 RCA Television with rabbit ears to a 60 inch smart LCD flat screen TV either.
1971 Sassy Grass Green Duster 340 2006 Charger Daytona GoMango
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Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: poorboy]
#2729863
01/03/20 11:50 PM
01/03/20 11:50 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 43,624 Round Lake Beach, Illinoisy
Rhinodart
Rhinotruck
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Rhinotruck
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 43,624
Round Lake Beach, Illinoisy
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I would LOVE to go for a ride in my 69 Dart, maybe someday again...
The funny thing about science is that if you change one miniscule parameter you change the entire outcome to the way you want it.
JB Rhinehart, Realist
A-Body's RULE!
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Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: PLUM_72]
#2729892
01/04/20 08:14 AM
01/04/20 08:14 AM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,320 Prospect, PA
BSB67
master
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master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,320
Prospect, PA
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I think all the views stated are probably true, despite some are conflicting. You might need to get more specific on what it is you don't like and determine if it's the car, or the expectation, and if it can be made better. Maybe ride in some other Mopar muscle cars and see if it's much different. My personal experience and opinion is that the E-Body cars are the worst cars for their "feel" of any muscle car I've owned or been in. From the moment that I open the door, it feels like a cheap cheap car to me. Unfortunate, as they are such great looking cars. But I'm not sure we're necessarily talking about the same thing.
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Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: PLUM_72]
#2729896
01/04/20 08:31 AM
01/04/20 08:31 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,965 Greenville, PA
redraptor
master
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master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,965
Greenville, PA
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you didn't mention any specs on the car ? Engine ? Transmission ? Rear gears ? The car has a 340/727 and 3.91 gears out back. The engine has a mild Comp 262 cam. Suspension was rebuilt using stock parts with a mix of poly and rubber bushings. I guess I think it should ride/perform like an 80's Camaro or Mustang. It seems pretty far off from that and not in a good way. And what is it you do with this car? Shows? Cruise-ins? Is what you do so far away that you hate the drive? Sure after almost 30 years you can dump a ton of money in it again to make it ride and handle like a new Challenger, but is that what you really want? If you're not going to part with it maybe you can mothball it for 5 or 10 years then see how you feel.
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Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: PLUM_72]
#2729909
01/04/20 10:34 AM
01/04/20 10:34 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,545 Albany, NY
67SATisfaction
The member whose name is actually Art
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The member whose name is actually Art
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,545
Albany, NY
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... last 5 to 10 years the car has taken a backseat ... comes out a few times each year, not nearly enough though... .... the ride quality and overall experience is lacking... There is this hard, rough and tumble nature of it. ..it needs new tires. I Have Spoken. - Art
65 Satellite hardtop 361/4bbl console 727 2.76 67 Satellite convert 383/2bbl column 727 3.23 67 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato. Alloy body, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd 67 Lancia Fulvia Rallye 1.3. Alloy panel, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd 71 Alfa Romeo GT Junior 1300 Zagato, 1.3L 4cyl DOHC hemi 5-spd 82 Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5L SOHC hemi V6 5-spd transaxle 75 Maserati Bora US spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF 77 Maserati Khamsin Euro spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF 07 Aston Martin DB9 6.0L DOHC V12 6spd transaxle
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Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: PLUM_72]
#2729957
01/04/20 12:57 PM
01/04/20 12:57 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 15,938 Central Florida
larrymopar360
Stud Muffin
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Stud Muffin
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 15,938
Central Florida
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you didn't mention any specs on the car ? Engine ? Transmission ? Rear gears ? The car has a 340/727 and 3.91 gears out back. The engine has a mild Comp 262 cam. Suspension was rebuilt using stock parts with a mix of poly and rubber bushings. I guess I think it should ride/perform like an 80's Camaro or Mustang. It seems pretty far off from that and not in a good way. I think once you've gotten used to newer stuff and the nicer ride etc., and aged and honestly, testosterone may have dropped, you might not have the passion anymore. Plus, 3.91 gears with a 727 aren't so fun. I find joy getting out of my newer Charger and back into the old stuff with that sound and feel. Btw, an 80's Camaro is a rattle trap POS.
Last edited by larrymopar360; 01/04/20 12:59 PM.
Facts are stubborn things.
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Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: 67SATisfaction]
#2730139
01/04/20 11:25 PM
01/04/20 11:25 PM
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,310 Walnut Creek, CA
blown340
master
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master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,310
Walnut Creek, CA
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... last 5 to 10 years the car has taken a backseat ... comes out a few times each year, not nearly enough though... .... the ride quality and overall experience is lacking... There is this hard, rough and tumble nature of it. ..it needs new tires. I Have Spoken. - Art Listen to Art. Old tires wreck the ride and drive experience of our cars. Start by putting new tires on it. If that doesn't make it better get it aligned and put new mild shocks on it. If you still want more improvement look into sound deadening improvements. Seriously, if your tires are more than 10 years old replace them regardless of remaining tread. A more conservative approach from others is to never use tires over 6 years old. Tires. -Jon
70 challenger convertible. 340/5 speed. blown, intercooled, efi, blah blah blah
71 valiant scamp 318/A833OD/AC/PS
00 dakota RC 4.7L 5 spd autoX'r. SRT10/T56 swap in process
73 W200 Power wagon, PTO winch, 4 spd
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Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: blown340]
#2730146
01/05/20 12:11 AM
01/05/20 12:11 AM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,924 Calgary, Alberta Canada
a12rag
master
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master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,924
Calgary, Alberta Canada
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Uhh, not really disappointed with the old ride (my 70 Sport Satellite, sb, factory ac, cruise control, 727, buckets, console) . . . just realistic that it won't be like my 06 Magnum RT AWD. I like to travel long distances in my cars, and for years had C bodies, along with my 74 Duster360 - had that car 32 years. The goal with the B body, was a somewhat larger car than the Duster, but something with factory air, etc, that would be driven. I put larger tbar's in it, FF 3 box, KYB gas shocks, rubber bushings, tubular upper control arms, front disc brakes (manual), front factory sway bar, 3/4" addco rear sway bar, 15" rubber, 3.23 sure grip . . . new foam in bucket seats, along with covers (houndstooth cloth inserts for comfort) . . .
The Satellite is great, but I have said often, if it ever came down to ONLY one car that I could own, it would be my Magnum . . . I have owned since new and put 120k miles on it. As a daily driver this is a great car for me ! Up here in winter the AWD is very welcome (I like fact it is AWD all the time, and not one that senses slip & engages), gas mileage is fine for me, love all the creature comforts . . .
And that is the concern, as one gets older - the creature comforts begin to be more important . . . I love my old cars, but am loving the newer ones too ! Just depends on what you want . . . good luck !
Cheers
Mark
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Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: PLUM_72]
#2730164
01/05/20 01:32 AM
01/05/20 01:32 AM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,018 Salem
Grizzly
Moparts Proctologist
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Moparts Proctologist
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,018
Salem
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the ride quality and overall experience is lacking. There is this hard, rough and tumble nature of it. I cant put my finger on what it is exactly. My 1980 Buick Regal drove better than this thing ever has. While I don't expect the 72 to be like my 2013 Challenger, I do wonder if something is wrong with the car, or if my age and expectations of the car have changed. While I would never sell the car, ................ it needs something. Just not sure where to go as the car starts okay, drives and brakes straight. Its not like I can point to one thing that would improve the experience. Any body else feel this way?
Thanks! I edited a bit to try to help as best I can. Yep, I feel this way in my E-bodies too. I have suspension from bone stock low mileage survivor to Trans Am. And I think the biggest difference you are feeling is IRS. Every solid-axle leaf-spring machine from cars to trucks has an awful feel in every situation. The first vehicle I owned with IRS I know it could hang a beating on my Mopars on a track..........and it was an SUV. Shock calibration on these new vehicles is thousands of hours on a suspension dyno and that can never be duplicated by the aftermarket. The OEM's have surpassed Hot Rodders and the aftermarket many years ago in suspension, engine (within emissions regs), handling, and sound deadning. Also, these things can cruise all day at 70mph+ and they hold the road the faster you go. The oldies, well, 3000 rpm at 60mph getting 12 mpg and getting passed by Kia's gets old. Now, having said that, there are setbacks to that new SRT whatever: 1. Complicated: dealer-only repairs on even the most basic items 2. dealer support/parts end 10 years after production 3. No aftermarket support. And there never will be. PERIOD. I see others have given up arguing with me on this and it's about time they realize I'm right. "Diablo Tuner" cannot diagnose the ABS or security system on your SRT whatever. "Hemifever" cannot diagnose a transmission issue, fix your drive-by-wire or re-initialize a dead PCM 4. Expensive and a depreciating asset. As for the '80 Buick, yes, they were a pretty luxurious car, but wouldn't that thing weigh about 4000 pounds? Maybe you need a '72 Chrysler for comparison?
Mo' Farts
Moderated by "tbagger".
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Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: PLUM_72]
#2730217
01/05/20 10:30 AM
01/05/20 10:30 AM
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,356 Kentucky
dfsmopars
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,356
Kentucky
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It got to where I didn't want to drive mine. Thought of selling it. Long story short - I installed a Tremec and side exhaust with cutouts and I love to drive it agin and there are no thoughts of selling it. It used to be refined but now I love the attitude. As they say - put nothing in and you get nothing out. We get bored with them.
‘72 Charger, 5.9 Magnum, Tremec 5 spd., Pro-Touring ‘14 Big Horn, Quad Cab, 4x4, 1500
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