Some Late M-Body Questions?

randomguy

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It's been a while but, I have a few questions pertaining the last of the M-Bodies (Fifth Avenues). So, did the 88-89 all get the Nippondenso alternator? Next, did they come with the mini starter or still receive the older style starter?

Next question was there any other electrical updates compared to the earlier M-Bodies like the wiring or relays to accommodate the newer alternator?

Did these car have a change in the body panels or rust proofing techniques? IIRC I could of swore I read that the later ones had galvanized steel used just couldn't remember the changeover to material.

The other question is does the 318 in these seem to run a little better? I know the later ones had a roller cam in them after 85/86 MY from memory.

The Holley vs. Carter 2bbl. The one I had a Carter 2bbl (feedback) and I was wondering how the Holley compared to the Carter? I was thinking of converting over to fuel injection if I could get a later model that's decent enough for a decent deal.
 

randomguy

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One more question. What would you pay for a low mileage maintained Fifth Avenue? I've seen some really nice ones with 30-40k miles. Price seem to be all over the place. Thank you in advance.
 
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Justwondering

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randomguy --
I can say the cost of fifth avenues is based on a combination of the following:
1. mileage
2. paint and interior
3. if it runs
4. how badly your wife wants you to get rid of it

I've seen beautiful exteriors with non-functioning engines for $800.
Ugly outside and functioning engine for $1100
Beautiful everything but high mileage $7000
Beautiful everything and low mileage $2700.

In north east texas, most of the prices are between 1000 and 2200 for running car with decent interior (headliner is sagging) but the exterior paint needs help. These are non-rust cars since they lived their life with no salty roads. I just don't see them as often as time goes by.

So anything in the 3000 to 5000 range would have to be in excellent shape.
 

Justwondering

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Here's an example for today from craigslist - they are asking $3,000:
1984 Chrysler Fifth Avenue - ONLY 22,000 miles

Picture:
fa example.jpg

and here is the writeup:
GEM of a classic 80s car. One owner, with 22,350 miles and pristine carfax history.

Notice is it Brown (not my favorite color), no picture of interior, no hubcaps - but it looks good sitting on the road.
When you zoom in it looks like something funky is in the back seat or the seat has issues (can't really tell) and the passenger front seat looks okay but you can't tell much about the driver's seat.

But the trim looks good, the landau roof looks good, and the hood doesn't have any crimps/dents. Everything looks good from 20 foot away when they took the picture. Just sayin.
 

BudW

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It's been a while but, I have a few questions pertaining the last of the M-Bodies (Fifth Avenues). So, did the 88-89 all get the Nippondenso alternator? Next, did they come with the mini starter or still receive the older style starter?
In ‘88 Chrysler went to Nippondenso (or Denso for short) across the board for alternators and starters. The starters will interchange and many people desire them because smaller, lighter, crank the engine over faster and don’t give as much problems (not like the older ones gave a lot of problems).

The alternator is not quite a easy swap. The alternator brackets are different. The output is a bit more and (I need t verify this) the wiring connectors are different (not yet confirmed).

Did these car have a change in the body panels or rust proofing techniques? IIRC I could of swore I read that the later ones had galvanized steel used just couldn't remember the changeover to material.
No idea - not sure. I know sales were dropping in ‘88 and so low they stopped selling them in ‘89 - so other than minor trim changes, I would guess not (but could be wrong).

The Holley vs. Carter 2bbl. The one I had a Carter 2bbl (feedback) and I was wondering how the Holley compared to the Carter? I was thinking of converting over to fuel injection if I could get a later model that's decent enough for a decent deal.
Finding a 318 with throttle body injection from a pre-magnum (truck) engine is a common changeover - but they are getting harder to find.

I like Carter better than Holley 2 bbls. The last Carter carburetor was in ‘84 (when they closed their doors), so anything after that is either a Holley 2 bbl or a Rochester Quadajet.

My stock ‘86 5th Ave 318 missing its Holley feedback 2 bbl and an older Carter BBD (non-feedback) is in its place. The Lean Burn computer just doesn’t know it yet.
The Holley now is just taking up valuable real estate in my garage.
 

randomguy

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Thank you all for the information. The reason why I was asking these questions is because I have another M-Body on the consideration list. I miss mine and realized I should have kept it for what I paid. I got a great deal for a dang nice car and probably won't find it now. Mine was an '84 though as well but, I paid $2k plus shipping. The one in the above link is IMO is worth $1,500 to $1,800 to me but, then again the market has changed some?

The passenger side fender has a crease or looks bent from what I see in the one photo. It's missing hubcaps as you said, and the paint is faded. I'm wondering if the mileage is being confused 122k miles?
 

BudW

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When you get a chance, look at the brake petal pad.
Most likely it will tell you the difference between 22k miles and 122k miles.
 

Justwondering

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randomguy - where are you located?

My fifth avenue has 38k on it and its an 87 so its possible to have the low mileage.
All its petals are still fresh and the brake pedal shows minor wear. lol
 

randomguy

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Justwondering, I'm located about 50 miles north of Indianapolis, Indiana. I was thinking while finding a lower mileage one would alright having one cared for is just as important as well. As I posted in another post I'm looking for an R-Body really but, would consider a decent M-Body as well.
 

Justwondering

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randomguy - go out to craigslist and check the dallas or texoma listings in texas. Narrow it down to chrysler or dodge or plymouth or mopar and you can see the ones down here and prices .. I noticed more chrysler's than normal in the listings this past week.
 

randomguy

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Justwondering thank you and yes I have already been searching craigslist. Right now the prices are pretty high given the mileage and condition on some. Some not so bad so I'll just wait and see.
 

Justwondering

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I hear that.
Folks seem to be really proud of things they don't want.
Watch things this year and next year. Economy usually does a nose dive right before/after the election. Outgoing party sabotaging the incoming party, incoming party highlighting the dirt swept under the carpet by the outgoing party.

I think we will see quite a turnover within the next 6 to 18 months.

Just an opinion.
Course I guess that depends on whether the socialists stay in the white house.
 

randomguy

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It depends as well. As I said I had really nice and wish I never sold it. I had a little money into but, hindsight I should of kept and added aftermarket fuel injection. What I bought to replace was a 79 Cordoba with a 360 and I still have that car because it is a nice car and the prior owner gave me a ton of spare parts as the deal. But, I've had some health issues coming up and have thought about my simplifying my life.

To be honest the Fifth Avenue I had was more comfortable car and seemed a little better built. But, my Cordoba runs well and is cool in its own right. When I bought the Cordoba I was really looking for a Magnum and had found one but, the seller not got back to me.

Going back to the Fifth Avenue; don't ask me why but, I felt like a million bucks driving that car or I felt like an executive. Now the Mercury in some ways is more awesome because the 460 pulls the car around well even the current carb has some issues (Motorcraft 4350) and the ride is really good because of the long wheelbase and body on frame.

But, as I said I figure I would give the Ford thing a try and to be honest I'm comfortable with Mopar stuff. I like how Mopar did some of their mechanicals better as opposed to the other brands.

Anyways, that's kind of my story. As I keep saying I'll see what happens. To be honest I have spare parts from my Cordoba to install on an R-Body because it is the same platform just stretched. But, if I find another M-Body like we'll see what happens. This week I'll either fix a few things with the Mercury clean it up and throw it up on eBay see what happens and go from there.
 

Jack Meoff

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Same ol story but.....if I had the coin and the space AND it was closer I'd grab that Merc in a heartbeat.
 
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