What were and/or are your experiences ?
I recall talking to a guy at a campground about 20 + years ago. He was towing a large, heavy tent trailer...had towed it over the Rockies...he was from B.C. Used around a '50 Ford woody wagon (beautiful) with a 472 Cadillac. Lot's of power..towed over the mountains with ease.
In the 60's and 70's lots of folks pulled TTs with sedans & station wagons with receiver hitches or the old clamp on to the rear bumper hitches.
It can be done.
David & Teresa
2017 Cedar Creek Silverback 37 MBH
2017 Silverado 3500HD Duramax 4X4 Crewcab longbed dully
Winnebago 2101DS TT & 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71, WindyNation 300 watt solar-Lossigy 200 AH Lithium battery. Prefer boondocking, USFS, COE, BLM, NPS, TVA, state camps. Bicyclist. 14 yr. Army -11B40 then 11A - (MOS 1542 & 1560) IOBC & IOAC grad
(1)(1).JPG)
TakingThe5th - Chicago, Western Suburbs
'05 Ford F350 Crew 6.0 DRW Bulletproofed. Pullrite Super 5th 18K 2100 hitch.
'13 Keystone Cougar 333MKS, Maxxfan 7500, Progressive EMS-HW50C, Grey Water System.
TakingThe5th wrote:
I think the old Chevy big blocks - the 348 and 409 - began life as a truck engine. If memory serves, the 409 was advertised as a 409 hp engine with 409 lbs torque. That should get most people up the hill, but I think without computers and fuel injection we saw more engines running leaner in the thin air and overheating back then.
I think the old Chevy big blocks - the 348 and 409 - began life as a truck engine. If memory serves, the 409 was advertised as a 409 hp engine with 409 lbs torque. That should get most people up the hill, but I think without computers and fuel injection we saw more engines running leaner in the thin air and overheating back then.
Ahh the Chevy 409 V8. Quite an engine. Lots of character, unlike the plastic shrouded engines of today.
Loved the scalloped valve covers in the shape of a 'W'.
In fact, I have mounted in my garage, just above my Vincent motorcycle advertising tin plate...two truck 409 valve covers. They're Chevy orange, no bowtie emblem stamped into them (as they're Canadian market) , beat up and were used in a heavy highway (C80) transport truck in the prairies in the 1960's.
Power rating for the 409 truck engine was 252 hp @4000 and 390 lbs. ft. of torque @ @2400. Note the low rpm...this is a big inch, low rpm torque meister in the truck tune.
K Charles wrote:
My parents pulled a pop-up with a falcon. In '62 they traded in the falcon for a falcon wagon and went from a 144 cu in to a 170 cu in. Dad said that was a power house and pulled the pop-up much better.
My parents pulled a pop-up with a falcon. In '62 they traded in the falcon for a falcon wagon and went from a 144 cu in to a 170 cu in. Dad said that was a power house and pulled the pop-up much better.
I remember the 144. A GF had one in her '62 Mercury Comet. Not enough power to pull off the skin of a tapioca pudding. Your dad was right, the 170 inline Ford six was a powerhouse compared to the 144 cube. I think your dad would of been very impressed with the Ford 300 cube inline six.
![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/smile.gif "smile")
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We sold fuel at our lil country grocery store. I remember dad adding a tank & pump for unleaded and a few years later the switch to regular unleaded. It was about the time cigarette taxes were going up about every six months. I remember people swearing they were going to quit when it got to a dollar a pack. But very few did. Good for you with the boat & road runner. Today that would draw a crowd to watch you use the road runner at the boat ramp to launch the boat. I still have the 87 Buick grand national that I bought new.Built a 509ci Cadillac for in an 87 Olds 442. Always wanted to use it to tow my 87 Buick Grand National to car shows but never got to. Strong as I had that 2004R transmission built up it wouldn't of liked it. The Cadillac power forum I frequented over the years had several members who had 350/454 pick ups that they replaced with 472s & 500s. Many claimed they both towed better and generally used less fuel.
Also had a neighbor when I was a kid that towed a TT and his lil speed boat with his Olds 455 wagon. He used them big Rectangular strap on mirrors that was common on pick ups of that era. Come to think of it he had an Olds 455 in his 70s jet boat.
Transportr TT & boats RAM EconoDiesel Factory TBC, Tow mirrors, Hitch camera, Axle to frame air bags, Tune w turbo brake, Max tow 9,200 CGAR 7,800 CVWR 15,950 axle weights 3,340 steer 2,260 drive Truck pushed head gasket at 371k has original trans at 500k
romore wrote:
We wanted acceleration for short distances not towing and that is what they were built for. Those big carburetors and high lift long duration cams would suck for towing unless we stayed in second gear and fuel consumption would break the bank. The 472 Caddy would have towed with ease but I'll bet it was thirsty. K Charles, that is funny. Obviously your dad didn't have high expectations.
We wanted acceleration for short distances not towing and that is what they were built for. Those big carburetors and high lift long duration cams would suck for towing unless we stayed in second gear and fuel consumption would break the bank. The 472 Caddy would have towed with ease but I'll bet it was thirsty. K Charles, that is funny. Obviously your dad didn't have high expectations.
Think the more streetable 409 (340 hp job with hydraulic lifters) or the Mopar 426 wedge street engine @ 365 hp would of pulled fine. These versions designed for the street, had less compression, hydraulic lifters and milder cams, but still lot's of punch and they were civilized to boot.
drmopar wrote:
Cool topic-I used to tow my boat with my 1969 Road Runner 335 horse-4 speed with no problems at all. Sure it hurt the mileage a tad, but at $ 27.9 cents a gallon for Leaded Premium it was worth it. No problem pulling out at launch ramp with 355 gears and Sure Grip. Still have the Boat and Road Runner!
Cool topic-I used to tow my boat with my 1969 Road Runner 335 horse-4 speed with no problems at all. Sure it hurt the mileage a tad, but at $ 27.9 cents a gallon for Leaded Premium it was worth it. No problem pulling out at launch ramp with 355 gears and Sure Grip. Still have the Boat and Road Runner!
Great that you have it. The Road Runner/ Super Bee has always been one of my all time favourites and the standard engine the 383 with 335 hp is a wonderful muscle car engine. Think your version had a hotter cam and 440 heads, bigger 4 barrel and was under rated at 335 hp.
In '69 I was pulled over by a Minnesota Highway Patrol trooper in a late '60's Mopar police package, with the 383. I was driving my '67 Camaro 327, 4 speed Muncie, RS coupe. No ticket, just wise advice to a young guy.
![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/wink.gif "wink")
bgum, I bought a 1970 454/390. SHOULD HAVE done the 350/350. You made a good choice.
The second day I had the Super Bee I went by the dealer for something, and a mechanic took me for a ride at 140mph, and said now it will be good to go.
* This post was edited 09/21/17 06:21pm by garyp4951 *
I towed with a Monte Carlo with 350 (?) engine
and a Chevy Impala 327 engine
Traveling with my best friend, my wife in a 1990 Southwind
![[image]](https://i.imgur.com/KipnBgy.jpg)
![[image]](https://i.imgur.com/O2VDYLj.jpg)
"Never trust a man who has not a single redeeming vice" WSC
2011 RAM 3500 SRW
2015 Grand Design Reflection 303RLS
Lessmore wrote:
I remember the 144. A GF had one in her '62 Mercury Comet. Not enough power to pull off the skin of a tapioca pudding. Your dad was right, the 170 inline Ford six was a powerhouse compared to the 144 cube. I think your dad would of been very impressed with the Ford 300 cube inline six.
K Charles wrote:
My parents pulled a pop-up with a falcon. In '62 they traded in the falcon for a falcon wagon and went from a 144 cu in to a 170 cu in. Dad said that was a power house and pulled the pop-up much better.
My parents pulled a pop-up with a falcon. In '62 they traded in the falcon for a falcon wagon and went from a 144 cu in to a 170 cu in. Dad said that was a power house and pulled the pop-up much better.
I remember the 144. A GF had one in her '62 Mercury Comet. Not enough power to pull off the skin of a tapioca pudding. Your dad was right, the 170 inline Ford six was a powerhouse compared to the 144 cube. I think your dad would of been very impressed with the Ford 300 cube inline six.
They took what was the US Ford Six, built a totally different engine around it in Australia Last development was the turbo 4 Litre Barra engine with 420hp and 430-470lbs ft ( 470lbs ft for a minute)of torque at 1800 rpm. Dead flat torque curve from 1800rpm. Used in the Falcon Ute and some versions of the Territory SUV. Tuners were getting 1000hp as a " streetable" engine. Straight six made it easy to extract horsepower
![[image]](https://preview.ibb.co/bEuQ15/image.jpg)
![[image]](https://image.ibb.co/iax3M5/image.jpg)
* This post was last edited 09/21/17 04:13pm by RobertRyan *
www.canadiancoasters.ca
John
Clandeboye , Manitoba
2006 Silverado 1500HD Crew Cab 2WD 6.0L 3.73 8600 GVWR
2018 Coachmen Catalina Legacy Edition 223RBS
1991 Palomino Filly PUP
wilber1 wrote:
I have this beast. 440 TNT 365 HP. It has the power but I would add a big transmission cooler if I was going to tow with it. Those old 3 spd autos don't have locking torque converters and can get pretty warm.
I have this beast. 440 TNT 365 HP. It has the power but I would add a big transmission cooler if I was going to tow with it. Those old 3 spd autos don't have locking torque converters and can get pretty warm.
Beautiful car, Wilbur. In the late '60's our home room and biology teacher at high school, had around a '66 (maybe '65 or '67) Chrysler 300 with the 440 V8. We were impressed.
In contrast, our math teacher had a '60's Ford 300 with a 223 six and a three on the tree. He impressed us with his knowledge of higher math, but not with his car choice.
Dave & Mary
2012 Denali 289RK
Ford F250 Lariat Powerstroke 6.7L Diesel
![[image]](http://thackerspeed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Early-1961-VW-40hp-Engine.jpg)
![[image]](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a6/f1/5a/a6f15a8697ece20a496717757e227ea5.jpg)
Bedlam wrote:
My old classic is only 40 hp, but it didn't stop people from towing with it. This 1200cc model had a long production run from 1961 to 1985.
My old classic is only 40 hp, but it didn't stop people from towing with it. This 1200cc model had a long production run from 1961 to 1985.
Not sure that qualifies as a "muscle car".
dfletch wrote:
Well I had a 1970 Chevell SS back in the day. It would put out 425 HP and do a 12 second 1/4 mile. Prob could have pulled a TT but might have slowed me down to much. LOL
I also had a '70 Chevelle, but the more "streetier" model, with the 350. With that and a bumper hitch I pulled a U-haul with all our stuff clear across the country. Except for fuel consumption it was no problem at all.
Well I had a 1970 Chevell SS back in the day. It would put out 425 HP and do a 12 second 1/4 mile. Prob could have pulled a TT but might have slowed me down to much. LOL
wnjj wrote:
Not sure that qualifies as a "muscle car".
Not sure that qualifies as a "muscle car".
You mean no one is bragging about their 73 cubes with 59 lb ft of torque on tap? At least mine is a 4-speed with gear reduction axles, but no synchro on first gear.
I don't remember the make or model.
![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/biggrin.gif "biggrin")
Quote:
Beautiful car, Wilbur. In the late '60's our home room and biology teacher at high school, had around a '66 (maybe '65 or '67) Chrysler 300 with the 440 V8. We were impressed.
Beautiful car, Wilbur. In the late '60's our home room and biology teacher at high school, had around a '66 (maybe '65 or '67) Chrysler 300 with the 440 V8. We were impressed.
Would be a 66 or 67. This is 66 Chrysler 300. 66 was the first year for the 440 and it was in the full size cars only.
2015 Backpack SS1500
1997 Ford 7.3 OBS 4x4 CC LB
wnjj wrote:
Not sure that qualifies as a "muscle car".
Bedlam wrote:
My old classic is only 40 hp, but it didn't stop people from towing with it. This 1200cc model had a long production run from 1961 to 1985.
My old classic is only 40 hp, but it didn't stop people from towing with it. This 1200cc model had a long production run from 1961 to 1985.
Not sure that qualifies as a "muscle car".
I did have a '69 VW Beetle with the 1500cc 53.5 hp engine. I raced it at the drags ...best time 19.4 seconds @ 68.5 mph...fast for a stock VW Beetle, but alas not a muscle car.
wilber1 wrote:
Would be a 66 or 67. This is 66 Chrysler 300. 66 was the first year for the 440 and it was in the full size cars only.
Quote:
Beautiful car, Wilbur. In the late '60's our home room and biology teacher at high school, had around a '66 (maybe '65 or '67) Chrysler 300 with the 440 V8. We were impressed.
Beautiful car, Wilbur. In the late '60's our home room and biology teacher at high school, had around a '66 (maybe '65 or '67) Chrysler 300 with the 440 V8. We were impressed.
Would be a 66 or 67. This is 66 Chrysler 300. 66 was the first year for the 440 and it was in the full size cars only.
Must of been the '66 as he talked about having the 440 V8. Which impressed us as the Plymouth GTX used the 440, although the 375 hp version.
gbopp wrote:
My grandmother from Pasadena had a red car in her rickety old garage.
I don't remember the make or model.
My grandmother from Pasadena had a red car in her rickety old garage.
I don't remember the make or model.
I do !! It was a super stock Dodge parked in her rickety old garage !
If I guessed right, what do I win ?
Lessmore wrote:
I do !! It was a super stock Dodge parked in her rickety old garage !
If I guessed right, what do I win ?
gbopp wrote:
My grandmother from Pasadena had a red car in her rickety old garage.
I don't remember the make or model.
My grandmother from Pasadena had a red car in her rickety old garage.
I don't remember the make or model.
I do !! It was a super stock Dodge parked in her rickety old garage !
If I guessed right, what do I win ?
A trip down memory lane. Or Colorado Boulevard, take your pick.
![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/cool.gif "cool")
Lessmore wrote:
Must of been the '66 as he talked about having the 440 V8. Which impressed us as the Plymouth GTX used the 440, although the 375 hp version.
wilber1 wrote:
Would be a 66 or 67. This is 66 Chrysler 300. 66 was the first year for the 440 and it was in the full size cars only.
Quote:
Beautiful car, Wilbur. In the late '60's our home room and biology teacher at high school, had around a '66 (maybe '65 or '67) Chrysler 300 with the 440 V8. We were impressed.
Beautiful car, Wilbur. In the late '60's our home room and biology teacher at high school, had around a '66 (maybe '65 or '67) Chrysler 300 with the 440 V8. We were impressed.
Would be a 66 or 67. This is 66 Chrysler 300. 66 was the first year for the 440 and it was in the full size cars only.
Must of been the '66 as he talked about having the 440 V8. Which impressed us as the Plymouth GTX used the 440, although the 375 hp version.
The TNT was 365 HP in 66 and 375 in 67 and later. Different exhaust manifolds. Engines designated, TNT (Chrysler) Magnum (Dodge) and Commando (Plymouth) were all the the same HP rating.
Bedlam wrote:
My old classic is only 40 hp, but it didn't stop people from towing with it. This 1200cc model had a long production run from 1961 to 1985.
My old classic is only 40 hp, but it didn't stop people from towing with it. This 1200cc model had a long production run from 1961 to 1985.
Those little air cooled VWs don't have much power stock, but it doesn't take much effort to get them from 40 hp to 80 or 90. 90 hp in a 1700 lb car is pretty snappy!
1999 R-Vision Trail Light B17 hybrid
2006 Explorer Eddie Bauer
2002 Xterra rollin’ on 33’s
1993 Chevy Z24 Convertible
Lives in garage 71,000 miles
I wish I had more photos of this. I was 8 years old when Mom and Dad got the car and trailer. I remember trips to Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Philadelphia (from Central Indiana).
So yea, those older cars were already "muscle" before "muscle" became a fad!
Somewhere in Florida, 1963 or 1964 (I'm the kid squatting)
![[image]](https://i.imgur.com/ncfoKPK.jpg)
Johnson City, Texas, 1968
![[image]](https://i.imgur.com/IS5fBTd.jpg)
DutchmenSport wrote:
Not what you would call a "muscle" car, but my dad bought (new) a 1963 Pontiac Catalina Station Wagon. I think it had a 425 engine. The camper was a 1963 Phoenix. Mom and Dad had that camper for about 18 years, but the car was traded for a utility van somewhere around 1970. Dad towed that trailer with all sorts of family sedan cars after that.
I wish I had more photos of this. I was 8 years old when Mom and Dad got the car and trailer. I remember trips to Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Philadelphia (from Central Indiana).
So yea, those older cars were already "muscle" before "muscle" became a fad!
Somewhere in Florida, 1963 or 1964 (I'm the kid squatting)
Johnson City, Texas, 1968
Not what you would call a "muscle" car, but my dad bought (new) a 1963 Pontiac Catalina Station Wagon. I think it had a 425 engine. The camper was a 1963 Phoenix. Mom and Dad had that camper for about 18 years, but the car was traded for a utility van somewhere around 1970. Dad towed that trailer with all sorts of family sedan cars after that.
I wish I had more photos of this. I was 8 years old when Mom and Dad got the car and trailer. I remember trips to Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Philadelphia (from Central Indiana).
So yea, those older cars were already "muscle" before "muscle" became a fad!
Somewhere in Florida, 1963 or 1964 (I'm the kid squatting)
Johnson City, Texas, 1968
Now that is cool! Sat facing backwards in the rumble seat?
I used to have to ride in the open bed of a pickup from MD to visit my moms family in Florida before 95 was built. Good times
Camping near home at Assateague National Seashore with our wild four legged friends
Car and Driver 1960's
* This post was edited 09/22/17 08:22am by noteven *
I think the 283 upshifted about 7000 rpm....
Giving my age away (I'm ancient), I had a 65 Impala SS 409 with a Powerglide. Powerglides never shifted, the 'glided' into gear. Very popular with drag racers in the 60's.
Those were the days. Backseat like a couch and drive in movies every Saturday night....
Bedlam wrote:
My old classic is only 40 hp, but it didn't stop people from towing with it. This 1200cc model had a long production run from 1961 to 1985.
My old classic is only 40 hp, but it didn't stop people from towing with it. This 1200cc model had a long production run from 1961 to 1985.
Way back then I had a VW Microbus with a 40 horse engine I blew but I knew a wrench who had a Porsche motor that would drop in. Then I had a Micro Rocket bus.
Great cars.
An oldie but a goodie!
~ Too many freaks & not enough circuses ~
"Life is not tried ~ it is merely survived ~ if you're standing
outside the fire"
"The best way to get a bad law repealed is to enforce it strictly."- Abraham Lincoln
TakingThe5th wrote:
I think the old Chevy big blocks - the 348 and 409 - began life as a truck engine. If memory serves, the 409 was advertised as a 409 hp engine with 409 lbs torque. That should get most people up the hill, but I think without computers and fuel injection we saw more engines running leaner in the thin air and overheating back then.
I think the old Chevy big blocks - the 348 and 409 - began life as a truck engine. If memory serves, the 409 was advertised as a 409 hp engine with 409 lbs torque. That should get most people up the hill, but I think without computers and fuel injection we saw more engines running leaner in the thin air and overheating back then.
http://www.348-409.com/specs.html
Chris
2021 F150 2.7 Ecoboost - Summer Home 2017 Bighorn 3575el. Can Am Spyder RT-L Chrome, Kawasaki KRX1000. Retired and enjoying it! RIP DW 07-05-2021
alboy wrote:
Pulled a 22ft scamper tandem axel TT with a 70 Chevelle LS6 auto 454/450 hp back in 71,no idea the weight,sure pulled it easy.
Pulled a 22ft scamper tandem axel TT with a 70 Chevelle LS6 auto 454/450 hp back in 71,no idea the weight,sure pulled it easy.
Passing performance on the highway was excellent I would imagine. Did you encounter any wheelspin with the trailer attached, when you gave that big 'rat' motor it's head ?
Maybe a precursor to the Anderson gooseneck hitch some fiver owners use?
I'm not one of those guys that says " I didn't even know it was back there, but it really did tow it with extreem ease.
1993 Dodge W350 Cummins with all the goodies
2014 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn 2wd 395hp
2017 Forest River Surveyor 243 RBS
2001 Super Sherpa & 2012 DL650A go along also
You've been warned.......lol
To everyone else, cool pics and stories !
2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
2017 Heartland Torque T29 - Sold.
Couple of Arctic Fox TCs - Sold
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2007 Keystone Outback 25RSS - R.I.P.
gbopp wrote:
My grandmother from Pasadena had a red car in her rickety old garage.
I don't remember the make or model.
My grandmother from Pasadena had a red car in her rickety old garage.
I don't remember the make or model.
I remember "brand new shiny red Super Stock Dodge".
Bedlam wrote:
I grew up in the era of tighter emission requirements for gassers and the switch from leaded to unleaded gasoline. Our '74 Windsor 302 V8 had 140 hp which was the same as our '89 Cologne 2.9 V6. I also drove a normally aspirated Perkins diesel in the early 80's with 0-60 times of 22+ seconds, so hp didn't happen for me until the big displacement turbo diesels and the speed came from two-wheeled vehicles.
I grew up in the era of tighter emission requirements for gassers and the switch from leaded to unleaded gasoline. Our '74 Windsor 302 V8 had 140 hp which was the same as our '89 Cologne 2.9 V6. I also drove a normally aspirated Perkins diesel in the early 80's with 0-60 times of 22+ seconds, so hp didn't happen for me until the big displacement turbo diesels and the speed came from two-wheeled vehicles.
Perkins diesel...what kind of vehicle did you have that English made engine in ?
As far as speed back then coming from 2 wheeled vehicles....I know what you mean. In the '70's I had a '73 Toyota Corolla and a '76 Chevette...fortunately I had a motorcycle too, which gave me the speed in my vehicle 'stable'.
K Charles wrote:
My parents pulled a pop-up with a falcon. In '62 they traded in the falcon for a falcon wagon and went from a 144 cu in to a 170 cu in. Dad said that was a power house and pulled the pop-up much better.
My parents pulled a pop-up with a falcon. In '62 they traded in the falcon for a falcon wagon and went from a 144 cu in to a 170 cu in. Dad said that was a power house and pulled the pop-up much better.
Lessmore wrote:
I remember the 144. A GF had one in her '62 Mercury Comet. Not enough power to pull off the skin of a tapioca pudding. Your dad was right, the 170 inline Ford six was a powerhouse compared to the 144 cube. I think your dad would of been very impressed with the Ford 300 cube inline six.
I remember the 144. A GF had one in her '62 Mercury Comet. Not enough power to pull off the skin of a tapioca pudding. Your dad was right, the 170 inline Ford six was a powerhouse compared to the 144 cube. I think your dad would of been very impressed with the Ford 300 cube inline six.
Hey, now, my current TV is 183 cu inches (i.e., 3.0 liters) and a whopping 265 HP (but being a diesel, 425 lb-ft of torque). It is a a real torque monster, but of course, limited to 6,000 lbs towing capacity.
drmopar wrote:
Cool topic-I used to tow my boat with my 1969 Road Runner 335 horse-4 speed with no problems at all. Sure it hurt the mileage a tad, but at $ 27.9 cents a gallon for Leaded Premium it was worth it. No problem pulling out at launch ramp with 355 gears and Sure Grip. Still have the Boat and Road Runner!
Cool topic-I used to tow my boat with my 1969 Road Runner 335 horse-4 speed with no problems at all. Sure it hurt the mileage a tad, but at $ 27.9 cents a gallon for Leaded Premium it was worth it. No problem pulling out at launch ramp with 355 gears and Sure Grip. Still have the Boat and Road Runner!
X2 except for 727 auto. I used to see the tail pipe extensions white with a light purple tint from the heavily leaded fuel.
2021 Winnebago View 24J
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1969 Plymouth Road Runner
1994 GMC Suburban K1500
2005 Trail Cruiser TC26QBC
1965 CHEVY VAN, 292 "Big Block 6" (will still tow)
2008 HHR
L(Larry)V(Vicki)J(Jennifer)J(Jesse)J(Jason)
At the time, changing from diesel to a big gas engine was a big increase in power!
The 472/500 Caddy is indeed a great truck motor.
2017 Northern Lite 10-2 EX CD SE
99 Ram 4x4 Dually Cummins
A whole lot more fuel, a whole lot more boost.
4.10 gears, Gear Vendors overdrive, exhaust brake
Built auto, triple disc, billet shafts.
Kelderman Air Ride, Helwig sway bar.
![[image]](https://i.imgur.com/1C5DguRl.jpg)
2007 Chevy Silverado Crewcab Duramax.
2016 Wildwood 31qbts.
73guna wrote:
What a beautiful combo. Wonder if the Olds has a an Olds 455 under the hood. That Corvette is stunning....'56...'57 ?
They didn't have to go to the dealer every time some "module" that costs $500 went out and set off trouble codes and put the thing into "limp mode".
I've still got my '55 Chevy, and when I finally went diesel for my truck I kept my old GMC carbureted gas big-block truck. I can't sell it because it ALWAYS runs and it's always there ready to save the day when one of our over-complicated later models fails. It has zero electronics. If the rods aren't through the side of the block, it WILL run.
burningman wrote:
It's amazing just how good-looking a lot of American cars used to be, when you see them in great condition with the right wheels and good colors. And while they are considered archaic now, they could tow big trailers and they could be fixed at home by a guy with some tools and general sense.
They didn't have to go to the dealer every time some "module" that costs $500 went out and set off trouble codes and put the thing into "limp mode".
I've still got my '55 Chevy, and when I finally went diesel for my truck I kept my old GMC carbureted gas big-block truck. I can't sell it because it ALWAYS runs and it's always there ready to save the day when one of our over-complicated later models fails. It has zero electronics. If the rods aren't through the side of the block, it WILL run.
It's amazing just how good-looking a lot of American cars used to be, when you see them in great condition with the right wheels and good colors. And while they are considered archaic now, they could tow big trailers and they could be fixed at home by a guy with some tools and general sense.
They didn't have to go to the dealer every time some "module" that costs $500 went out and set off trouble codes and put the thing into "limp mode".
I've still got my '55 Chevy, and when I finally went diesel for my truck I kept my old GMC carbureted gas big-block truck. I can't sell it because it ALWAYS runs and it's always there ready to save the day when one of our over-complicated later models fails. It has zero electronics. If the rods aren't through the side of the block, it WILL run.
We used to have a '76 Impala with the 350 V8. Parents bought it new in Dec., '75, we bought it from them in '84 and ran it till '97. IN '97 engine went into an '81 Firebird, rad and HEI into a street rod, transmission into a Chevy pickup truck, when it was time to say goodbye to the old workhorse.
It would always start up and run. I recall one day when the temp was 38 to 40 below...I live where they film Ice Road Truckers...many modern cars would not start. I spent part of the morning in the 20 year old Chevy picking up other workers, bringing them to work.
It was reliable, durable, relatively simple mechanically, with no fancy electronics, except an early HEI electronic ignition system. It kept on going, when other newer vehicles surrendered and ran up the white flag.
Not a proud era for automobiles in general. There's a few goodys that came out of that but not many. I could count them on both hands vs now or 60s models which I could turn into Jay Leno with if given the $ and space!
Grit dog wrote:
But you gotta admit, from '73 up til the late 80s, Detroit really produced a lot of big, or small, ugly, underpowered bags of ______!
Not a proud era for automobiles in general. There's a few goodys that came out of that but not many. I could count them on both hands vs now or 60s models which I could turn into Jay Leno with if given the $ and space!
But you gotta admit, from '73 up til the late 80s, Detroit really produced a lot of big, or small, ugly, underpowered bags of ______!
Not a proud era for automobiles in general. There's a few goodys that came out of that but not many. I could count them on both hands vs now or 60s models which I could turn into Jay Leno with if given the $ and space!
I agree. I feel fortunate to have been an older teenager...young man...during the muscle car era of the late '60's to and about 1972/73.
Quite true from the early '70's to late '80's there wasn't much available that IMO, could compete with the golden era of musclecars.
The later '80's Buick GNX turbo 3.8 V6 comes to mind, but other than late 80's Mustang/Camaro/Firebird V8's....it was a dry period for performance.
Lessmore wrote:
What a beautiful combo. Wonder if the Olds has a an Olds 455 under the hood. That Corvette is stunning....'56...'57 ?
What a beautiful combo. Wonder if the Olds has a an Olds 455 under the hood. That Corvette is stunning....'56...'57 ?
I dont remember all the details of the cars, but the Cutlass has a 455ci and a 5-speed.
A guy on Team Chevelle forum built it and owns it.
73guna wrote:
I don't remember all the details of the cars, but the Cutlass has a 455ci and a 5-speed.
A guy on Team Chevelle forum built it and owns it.
Lessmore wrote:
What a beautiful combo. Wonder if the Olds has a an Olds 455 under the hood. That Corvette is stunning....'56...'57 ?
What a beautiful combo. Wonder if the Olds has a an Olds 455 under the hood. That Corvette is stunning....'56...'57 ?
I don't remember all the details of the cars, but the Cutlass has a 455ci and a 5-speed.
A guy on Team Chevelle forum built it and owns it.
That Oldsmobile looks like a regular Cutlass from that era. What a great 'sleeper' with the 455 V8 and 5 speed (manual ?). I'm sure other drivers in other cars, have been surprised with it's acceleration.
At the Michigan State Police trials, a later version (slightly detuned) ran a 14.0 at 107-mph with a couple of big old boys and representative trunk weight.
A friend (former CHP) said the A38s could cruise at 130-mph for hours. Maybe a Hemi Coronet or 427 'vette could lose one. The T-Rex of the open road.
"Drive like Gramps" . . yeah, right. That car was something.
Muscle cars were for little boys. Couldn't go anywhere or carry anything. It was a 300 Letter car or the later A38 that defined highway performance. Took another forty years to exceed them.
When they set out the small craft warnings, it was The Big Iron that headed out into the night. There's a whole continent out there to see and explore.
(That combined rig based on memory of how they packed, plus factory data, tells me it was in the range of 12,300 to 12,700 as to weight ).
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1990 35' SILVER STREAK Sterling, 9k GVWR
2004 DODGE RAM 2WD 305/555 ISB, QC SRW LB NV-5600, 9k GVWR
Hensley Arrow; 11-cpm solo, 17-cpm towing fuel cost
Slowmover wrote:
Grandparents used a '68 Dodge Polara A38 Police Pursuit. Actually a special-order fully-optioned Monaco with all HD/Police options. V8-440, T727B and 3.23 gears. 10-mpg towing or solo. The U.S, Canada and deep into Mexico with their 28' Streamline.
At the Michigan State Police trials, a later version (slightly detuned) ran a 14.0 at 107-mph with a couple of big old boys and representative trunk weight.
A friend (former CHP) said the A38s could cruise at 130-mph for hours. Maybe a Hemi Coronet or 427 'vette could lose one. The T-Rex of the open road.
"Drive like Gramps" . . yeah, right. That car was something.
Muscle cars were for little boys. Couldn't go anywhere or carry anything. It was a 300 Letter car or the later A38 that defined highway performance. Took another forty years to exceed them.
When they set out the small craft warnings, it was The Big Iron that headed out into the night. There's a whole continent out there to see and explore.
(That combined rig based on memory of how they packed, plus factory data, tells me it was in the range of 12,300 to 12,700 as to weight ).
.
Grandparents used a '68 Dodge Polara A38 Police Pursuit. Actually a special-order fully-optioned Monaco with all HD/Police options. V8-440, T727B and 3.23 gears. 10-mpg towing or solo. The U.S, Canada and deep into Mexico with their 28' Streamline.
At the Michigan State Police trials, a later version (slightly detuned) ran a 14.0 at 107-mph with a couple of big old boys and representative trunk weight.
A friend (former CHP) said the A38s could cruise at 130-mph for hours. Maybe a Hemi Coronet or 427 'vette could lose one. The T-Rex of the open road.
"Drive like Gramps" . . yeah, right. That car was something.
Muscle cars were for little boys. Couldn't go anywhere or carry anything. It was a 300 Letter car or the later A38 that defined highway performance. Took another forty years to exceed them.
When they set out the small craft warnings, it was The Big Iron that headed out into the night. There's a whole continent out there to see and explore.
(That combined rig based on memory of how they packed, plus factory data, tells me it was in the range of 12,300 to 12,700 as to weight ).
.
They had the police package by the sounds of it. Better rad hoses, bigger rad, heavy duty/performance suspension/brakes/wheels/tires/ alternator, etc.
Many muscle cars back then had 3.73's , 3.90's, 4.10's...which with 3 speed automatics limited their top speed. Muscle cars were generally spec'd out to hit their top speed, just a bit past the 1/4 mile. Police cars (highway interceptors) were spec'd to be able to run at fast speeds (if the occasion demanded it) for long periods...thus they needed extra cooling, higher gears like 3.23...3.00, etc.
A police package car would be a very good driver's car, then or now. Hard to get new though, although used is easier.
I envy your grandparents'....that would of been a wonderful automobile. Do you know what happened to it ?
The 455/5 spd is not original to the car, but it sure looks it.
73guna wrote:
Yes the Cutlass is a manual.
The 455/5 spd is not original to the car, but it sure looks it.
Yes the Cutlass is a manual.
The 455/5 spd is not original to the car, but it sure looks it.
Thx for checking.
Sounds like a very appealing car. A buddy had a '70 Oldsmobile 98, black, 4 door sedan with the 455 and turbo hydramatic 400. It was a former funeral car, very few miles, excellent condition and I was surprised how quick that big Olds would move when you put your foot into it.
I can only imagine how a much lighter and smaller Cutlass would move with the 455/5 speed manual.