kkritsilas
Well-Known Member
- Local time
- 10:01 PM
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2014
- Messages
- 56
- Reaction score
- 30
- Location
- Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Hello,
I am a new member here. I have a 1982 Dodge Mirada CMX (318 4 Barrel, fully loaded except leather, cruise control and automatic air conditioning, bucket seats and console shift) and a 1980 Cordoba Crown (318 4 Barrel, fully loaded with cruise, automatic air conditioning, but no rear amplifier, split bench, column shift, no leather). The Cordoba will probably be on the road by September, the Mirada has a ways to go. Both will need to be repainted. These are the replacements for the Magnum/Charger and first generation Cordoba, and are called the J bodies. They have the transverse torsion bar suspension set up.
I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
That was more of an introduction. Closer to the subjects of this board, I would like to get an opinion, and some information regarding the 1979 Magnums. There are two that I can get to that are for sale, one is an XE, black with what is described with a full load of options except for the sunroof, including leather seats, no rust (but needs to have the vinyl roof replaced, and no engine for $600. The other is a green Magnum GT with T-Tops, no leather or sunroof, otherwise fully loaded, but has some rust and the ECU and power brake booster has been removed (replacement supplied) for $2600. Either car will need to be flat bed trailered out, which I can have a friend go out and do with me. The questions are:
1. I am leaning towards the XE due to lower amount of rust. It isn't the GT model, but I think it is overall a car that would be easier to get into good condition. Is the extra money and bodywork cost worth it on the GT? I am also not a big fan of the green color of the GT.
2. If I do get the XE, it will need an engine. I think that the Magnums in 1979 only had 360s as the biggest engines. I know a Big Block would probably fit with the correct engine mounts (like from Shumacker). What is the clearance around the suspension/steering components like? It can be an issue with the J body cars. How about header clearance on the big blocks. I know I will need to get a big block A727 transmission, and probably have to move the transmission mount around. I would appreciate knowing if this is worth it, or just stick to a 360. By big Block, I am talking about a 440.
3. What rear end was used in 1979? On the J Bodies that I have, it is an 8.25", both open differentials with 2.94 ratios. Did the 79s come with 8.25" or did they have 8.75" rear ends. Did the GT have a limited slip standard? Consensus on the forfmjbodiesonly.com web site is that the 8.25" is only good for about 300-325 horsepower (using street tires). If I get a big block into the XE, I guess I will probably be needing to find an 8.75"?
4. How bad is it trying to get the Magnum's headlight doors to work? Do they break often, and how hard is it to find parts for repairing them? Motors, linkages (if any) and covers.
I'd appreciate any guidance anybody could provide regarding buying either of these cars.
Kostas
I am a new member here. I have a 1982 Dodge Mirada CMX (318 4 Barrel, fully loaded except leather, cruise control and automatic air conditioning, bucket seats and console shift) and a 1980 Cordoba Crown (318 4 Barrel, fully loaded with cruise, automatic air conditioning, but no rear amplifier, split bench, column shift, no leather). The Cordoba will probably be on the road by September, the Mirada has a ways to go. Both will need to be repainted. These are the replacements for the Magnum/Charger and first generation Cordoba, and are called the J bodies. They have the transverse torsion bar suspension set up.
I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
That was more of an introduction. Closer to the subjects of this board, I would like to get an opinion, and some information regarding the 1979 Magnums. There are two that I can get to that are for sale, one is an XE, black with what is described with a full load of options except for the sunroof, including leather seats, no rust (but needs to have the vinyl roof replaced, and no engine for $600. The other is a green Magnum GT with T-Tops, no leather or sunroof, otherwise fully loaded, but has some rust and the ECU and power brake booster has been removed (replacement supplied) for $2600. Either car will need to be flat bed trailered out, which I can have a friend go out and do with me. The questions are:
1. I am leaning towards the XE due to lower amount of rust. It isn't the GT model, but I think it is overall a car that would be easier to get into good condition. Is the extra money and bodywork cost worth it on the GT? I am also not a big fan of the green color of the GT.
2. If I do get the XE, it will need an engine. I think that the Magnums in 1979 only had 360s as the biggest engines. I know a Big Block would probably fit with the correct engine mounts (like from Shumacker). What is the clearance around the suspension/steering components like? It can be an issue with the J body cars. How about header clearance on the big blocks. I know I will need to get a big block A727 transmission, and probably have to move the transmission mount around. I would appreciate knowing if this is worth it, or just stick to a 360. By big Block, I am talking about a 440.
3. What rear end was used in 1979? On the J Bodies that I have, it is an 8.25", both open differentials with 2.94 ratios. Did the 79s come with 8.25" or did they have 8.75" rear ends. Did the GT have a limited slip standard? Consensus on the forfmjbodiesonly.com web site is that the 8.25" is only good for about 300-325 horsepower (using street tires). If I get a big block into the XE, I guess I will probably be needing to find an 8.75"?
4. How bad is it trying to get the Magnum's headlight doors to work? Do they break often, and how hard is it to find parts for repairing them? Motors, linkages (if any) and covers.
I'd appreciate any guidance anybody could provide regarding buying either of these cars.
Kostas