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What to do with 73 Plymouth Satellite Custom 400ci

N

NewToBB

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Recently acquired a 1973 Plymouth Satellite Custom from my Uncle, that I drove a time or two when I was younger.

Not sure what to do with it. Not real sexy or real fast at this point. I have a few ideas of my own but not real sure I know what I would be getting into.

It has a factory 400ci engine and seems to run well and the overall condition is also pretty good. still drives straight and comfortable. a little rust behind the rear wheels and the vinyl roof is flaking off and the temperature control's seem to be stuck on Max Heat All of the Time.

I was thinking of converting it to a convertible and pulling the engine and making it a stroker 440 shaft and 6 barrel carb.

Thanks for listening.
 
:welcome:. Heat problem can be solved by adjusting the water valve on the passenger side inner fender by closing the valve where the cable wire that controls it connects. Use penetrating lube to lubricate the cable and the valve to free it up (if the valve is in place and in reasonable condition). Or you could just bypass the valve and heater core altogether since it's summer anyways. Edit: Just thought of this. You might possibly have a vacuum operated valve?)

You could poke around the internet for some images of inspiration, there have been some really cool more doors on this site and others. I myself prefer the 72-74 Coronet ones but the Plymouths are cool too. Maybe look into a cop car type build (cop wheels, stance, etc). Good luck on whatever you decide.
 
I wonder what would be involved in swapping a 71-72 front bumper onto it, to me that's what kills the looks. I imagine it would require fenders at the very least.

I agree, drive it and get a feel for what you like or dislike but I'd stick with the 400.. great motors and you can stroke them as well.
 
Welcome to the site. How about some pictures to see what you’ve got to work with. 400s are great engines.
 
Ron_M said:
:welcome:. Heat problem can be solved by adjusting the water valve on the passenger side inner fender by closing the valve where the cable wire that controls it connects. Use penetrating lube to lubricate the cable and the valve to free it up (if the valve is in place and in reasonable condition). Or you could just bypass the valve and heater core altogether since it's summer anyways. Edit: Just thought of this. You might possibly have a vacuum operated valve?)

You could poke around the internet for some images of inspiration, there have been some really cool more doors on this site and others. I myself prefer the 72-74 Coronet ones but the Plymouths are cool too. Maybe look into a cop car type build (cop wheels, stance, etc). Good luck on whatever you decide.
Click to expand...

Thanks Ron!

I will check to see what is up with the temp controls, now that I know to start looking for a water valve and do some research to see if it has a vacuum valve instead.
 
The water valves have a tendency to bind up over time. Generous amounts of spray lube typically frees them up. The cables tend to bind also, spraying some lube on a wiping towel and running over the wire within the insulation. It may take a couple of applications and it will be locally, meaning the cable that comes into and out of the insulation. Penetrating lube works best, or Mopar once made a heater control valve spray lube with graphite if you find some.

Vacuum operated valve would a vacuum canister and vacuum line.

Don't "fight" / force the controls. Patience.
 
Welcome from NY.

How about some pictures???

The roof is part of the structure of the car so unless you have a special set of skills I wouldn't go and cut that off.
 
A 400 can give you a lot of fun with some mods. A 3.75 440 crank does amazing things or a longer stroke to kill the tires.
 
Most likely has 2.7s for gears. If lucky, the rear differential is 8 3/4 but probably an 8 1/4 (not the end of the world). I would start with some gearing like 3.2 or 3.5, then graduate to a dual plane intake manifold with a 4 bbl carb and some cam. All low cost items that will enhance the performance and will maintain reliability.
 
66Satellite47 said:
A 400 can give you a lot of fun with some mods. A 3.75 440 crank does amazing things or a longer stroke to kill the tires.
Click to expand...
I'm also in favor of a classic 451 build from the 400? Find out block info? If running decent? Very good candidate for the 451 stroker option. (400 Block.. +035 bore . 440 forge crank.) It wakes the B- block up like it should have been made from the beginning?
 
Maybe sell it to someone that wants a project, big block car with beefier components. These cars have not been hit with the high prices of popular models, but still have the motor and suspension of the in demand cars.

Would make a car that would be fun to cruise.

i051897.jpg
 
Welcome to the site. Where in Virginia are you? I am in Madison Co. Big block cars have plenty of possibilities. A 73 Satellite has plenty of possibilities.
 
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