|
Post by jdcrawford on Oct 4, 2021 16:48:34 GMT -5
Hi guys, I'm new here.
I fell in love with 3rd generation chargers growing up in the 70s, and now have finally bought one! Its a 1971 500 with 383 magnum factory finished in plum crazy purple, but the dealer added some super bee trim on the outside (unfortunately I can't seem to post a picture).
I'm reading everything I can about these cars but I'm not very mechanical, so I hope I can ask questions and get answers here.
Regards, JD
|
|
|
Post by hanks73340 on Oct 4, 2021 17:19:00 GMT -5
Welcome from Michigan jdcrawford. Sounds like you have a very nice 3rd gen and a great color. Try to use flickr to post a pic. Dave can help you also.
|
|
|
Post by jdcrawford on Oct 4, 2021 17:47:47 GMT -5
Welcome from Michigan jdcrawford. Sounds like you have a very nice 3rd gen and a great color. Try to use flickr to post a pic. Dave can help you also. Thanks hanks73340! Here's a youtube video made by the dealer: I live in Ontario, where these bad boys didn't last very long; this one came from out West. -JDC
|
|
|
Post by jdcrawford on Oct 5, 2021 8:28:47 GMT -5
So, here are a few questions I hope you can help me with.
First, the 383 magnum engine is not original but is supposed to be period correct. How can I tell if its the detuned 300HP 1971 version, or one of the earlier versions?
Second, notice it's got the flat, ridged hood rather than the power bulge hood. I'm fine with that, but it poses a couple of questions:
- I'd like to add a '383MAGNUM' logo plate, but where should it go? I've never seen one on a flat roof model, have you?
- I really like the louvred hood insert on the 71 super bees, which would also provide a spot for the engine logo. But this would normally go over a hood bulge. Has anyone seen a charger hood insert installed on a flat roof? I worry that if it was bolted directly over a hole in the flat hood it might look odd (with the hood ridge sticking up on either side) and might sit too low over the engine, but perhaps it could be raised up a bit with a spacer.
(Note that right now its still with the dealer for a bit of interior work, so I can't measure details right now).
Any knowledge or opinions appreciated.
Thanks, JDC
|
|
|
Post by jeremy on Oct 5, 2021 11:04:55 GMT -5
I believe you're going to have to hunt up an original louvered hood. The plain power bulge and air grabber hoods have been repro'd, but I haven't seen either of the insert hoods repro'd. Here's a thread that might be useful - hoods
|
|
|
Post by jdcrawford on Oct 5, 2021 11:28:05 GMT -5
Thanks Jeremy.
I've located some hood inserts, but they are either very expensive or need a lot of work. So I'd like to know if its a good idea before getting in too deep.
JDC
|
|
|
Post by hanks73340 on Oct 5, 2021 12:36:32 GMT -5
So, here are a few questions I hope you can help me with. First, the 383 magnum engine is not original but is supposed to be period correct. How can I tell if its the detuned 300HP 1971 version, or one of the earlier versions? If I remember correctly( need Nacho to put some input on this) the 383 for that year was automatically detuned by 30 horse power with the new regs coming into play. The 383 was also detuned in order to run on regular fuel. I also think that the 383 2bbl and the 4bbl 300hp each had a lower compression ratio again because of the new regs coming into play. Second, notice it's got the flat, ridged hood rather than the power bulge hood. I'm fine with that, but it poses a couple of questions: - I'd like to add a '383MAGNUM' logo plate, but where should it go? I've never seen one on a flat roof model, have you? - I really like the louvred hood insert on the 71 super bees, which would also provide a spot for the engine logo. But this would normally go over a hood bulge. Has anyone seen a charger hood insert installed on a flat roof? I worry that if it was bolted directly over a hole in the flat hood it might look odd (with the hood ridge sticking up on either side) and might sit too low over the engine, but perhaps it could be raised up a bit with a spacer. Personally, I would try to find a nice bulge hood and then put the 383MAGNUM emblem on that. I know they are not cheap but they are out there. (Note that right now its still with the dealer for a bit of interior work, so I can't measure details right now). Any knowledge or opinions appreciated. Thanks, JDC
|
|
DynoDave
CO-ADMINISTRATOR
Motown Mopar-Wizard
Posts: 11,150
|
Post by DynoDave on Oct 5, 2021 14:03:52 GMT -5
Welcome aboard jdcrawford! That's a great looking 500. It may not have come from Canada, but with rear defroster and no A/C, it's sure built right for it. It's going to be pretty hard to know where you are horsepower-wise without knowing what went into the engine (pistons, heads, cam, etc.). As for photo hosting, sadly we are out of room on the forum itself. You will need to have your photos hosted with a service somewhere, like Flickr. Once you have that, you can follow these instructions (which are specific to Flickr, but will get you started using other hosts too). HOW TO POST IMAGES WITH FLICKR
|
|
|
Post by jdcrawford on Oct 5, 2021 14:47:26 GMT -5
Thanks Guys for the comments and info. DynoDave: Well, I don't plan to test the defroster. But it actually gets pretty warm up here in the summer: often over 90F, and on rare occassions 100. So I guess I'll have my windows down quite a bit. Hanks: you may well be right that I have to go all or nothing on the hood. I'm actually pretty happy with the 500 body, its just that the dealer took it halfway to superbee and now my perfectionist side wants to take it all the way. Nice to meet all of you. I hope I can contribute something to this community in time. Regards, JDC
|
|
|
Post by 71se3834v on Oct 6, 2021 7:03:53 GMT -5
As far as the 383, is it a 4 bbl? If so should have high flow exhaust manifolds also a windage tray but you won't see that from the outside. There is a pad on the right (from the driver's seat) of the distributor with letters and numbers stamed into it. Gather that info and go online to find out the specs. Will tell you the year etc. If you see a HP stamped it is a real 383 4bbl. Up to 1970=330hp, 1971=300 HP. On the passenger side where the oil pan meets the block is a flat spot that has the last 8 digits of the VIN. If it matches your cars Vin it's the original engine. Casting numbers on block also provide info.
|
|