07-07-2023, 07:58 AM | #1 |
195
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 24,613
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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. |
07-07-2023, 09:37 AM | #2 |
Jaded
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 9,050
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Nice! Thanks for sharing.
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07-07-2023, 09:57 AM | #3 |
The old cranky SOB....
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: several cars... way too many....
Location: Near Seattle
Posts: 4,798
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Cool. You don't see those every day. Sounds like a fun weekend drive....
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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 |
Elected by grace
Join Date: Feb 2006
Carmudgeonly Ride: 11 1 M; 11 328iT; 22 M240ix
Location: Brickyard
Posts: 1,962
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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.
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The path to God is clear.......and it takes us to the cross. |
07-07-2023, 10:58 AM | #5 |
195
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 24,613
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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. |
08-22-2023, 07:22 PM | #6 |
Carmudgeon
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Maryland
Posts: 2,717
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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.
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Terry Carraway 2002 Topaz E46 M3 2000 Dakar M Roadster 1995 Alpine E36 M3 LTW 1990 Red/White Spec Racer |
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