1970 Coronet 383

JST · 07-07-2023, 07:58 AM

Got a chance to drive my cousin’s husband’s 1970 Dodge Coronet 383 yesterday. Actually, it was my daughter who asked first, so she got first crack at it (and stalled it less than I did).

I’m not sure what all he’s done to it, but it’s a 383 bored 30 over with 10:1 compression, roller lifters, fuel injection that mimics the six pack look, a 3.91 rear end, and a four speed manual with a Hurst pistol grip shifter.

It’s something else. By modern standards it’s not all that fast, but it feels like you’re going a lot faster than you are, and with the super short rear ended you can shift twice before you hit 60. The exhaust dominates; no symposer or fake engine noise here.

Steering feel is absent, and the wheel has a lot of play, so it is more of a suggestion about direction than anything else. And while the chassis reinforcement he’s put in mean it handles better than you might expect, this is a car that turns corners just to line up for the next straight.

On a warm Michigan evening running up though the gears, it’s easy to see the appeal, and to understand why so many people around here have cars like this.

SCA · 07-07-2023, 09:37 AM

Nice! Thanks for sharing.

lip277 · 07-07-2023, 09:57 AM

Cool. You don't see those every day. Sounds like a fun weekend drive....

IndyMike · 07-07-2023, 09:57 AM

Nice example of American muscle. Love the white raised letter tires. Had them on my Mustang II and later Trans Am. Definitely an "American" thing.

Hate to have to detail and wax that thing. Back in the day when it was new would have probably required a whole jar of Turtle Wax.

JST · 07-07-2023, 10:58 AM

Yeah, he’s a real Mopar guy. Has I think three of these now in various states of restoration, as well as a couple of later Roadrunners that he’s rebuilding. He’s also got a nicely built C4 Corvette that he’s had for years.

Always fun to come out and see what he’s got in the shop.

Pinecone · 08-22-2023, 07:22 PM

My boss goes to Mecum in Harrisburg every year. I told him I would go with him, but he was to promise to keep me from buying anything.

Too many cars like the Coronet that I would buy.

07-07-2023, 07:58 AM	#1
JST 195 Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 24,611	1970 Coronet 383 Got a chance to drive my cousin’s husband’s 1970 Dodge Coronet 383 yesterday. Actually, it was my daughter who asked first, so she got first crack at it (and stalled it less than I did). I’m not sure what all he’s done to it, but it’s a 383 bored 30 over with 10:1 compression, roller lifters, fuel injection that mimics the six pack look, a 3.91 rear end, and a four speed manual with a Hurst pistol grip shifter. It’s something else. By modern standards it’s not all that fast, but it feels like you’re going a lot faster than you are, and with the super short rear ended you can shift twice before you hit 60. The exhaust dominates; no symposer or fake engine noise here. Steering feel is absent, and the wheel has a lot of play, so it is more of a suggestion about direction than anything else. And while the chassis reinforcement he’s put in mean it handles better than you might expect, this is a car that turns corners just to line up for the next straight. On a warm Michigan evening running up though the gears, it’s easy to see the appeal, and to understand why so many people around here have cars like this. Attached Thumbnails

07-07-2023, 09:57 AM	#3
lip277 The old cranky SOB.... Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: several cars... way too many.... Location: Near Seattle Posts: 4,798	Cool. You don't see those every day. Sounds like a fun weekend drive.... __________________ *Kevin* 1970 2800CS - - 2001 740iL - - 2006 997.1 - - 2012 Escalade 1968 Mustang GT Convertible - - 2003 Ford F250 PSD - - 1985 728i

07-07-2023, 09:57 AM	#4
IndyMike Elected by grace Join Date: Feb 2006 Carmudgeonly Ride: 11 1 M; 11 328iT; 22 M240ix Location: Brickyard Posts: 1,962	Nice example of American muscle. Love the white raised letter tires. Had them on my Mustang II and later Trans Am. Definitely an "American" thing. Hate to have to detail and wax that thing. Back in the day when it was new would have probably required a whole jar of Turtle Wax. __________________ The path to God is clear.......and it takes us to the cross.

08-22-2023, 07:22 PM	#6
Pinecone Carmudgeon Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 2,717	My boss goes to Mecum in Harrisburg every year. I told him I would go with him, but he was to promise to keep me from buying anything. Too many cars like the Coronet that I would buy. __________________ Terry Carraway 2002 Topaz E46 M3 2000 Dakar M Roadster 1995 Alpine E36 M3 LTW 1990 Red/White Spec Racer

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07-07-2023, 09:37 AM	#2
SCA Jaded Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 9,048	Nice! Thanks for sharing.

07-07-2023, 10:58 AM	#5
JST 195 Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 24,611	Yeah, he’s a real Mopar guy. Has I think three of these now in various states of restoration, as well as a couple of later Roadrunners that he’s rebuilding. He’s also got a nicely built C4 Corvette that he’s had for years. Always fun to come out and see what he’s got in the shop.