6thGenImperial
Well-Known Member
While the 318 was commonly equipped with the cursed nylon-toothed timing gear, I am wondering if Chrysler's attitude around the Imperial was a little better. Since they went to so much effort to basically offer the best they had, does anyone know if this extended to the engine, and perhaps it was spared the leisure suit version of a timing gear? I mean, they got 360 heads and a unique version of the 360 intake. Or were run-of-the-mill short blocks the same for the Imperials too? I will have to know before I do much driving on my recent acqusition. That time bomb is in my mind. Had one come apart on me in my dad's '84 Ramcharger a few years ago. That 318 sounded like it had about 5 cylinders, but it got me home. Bent most of the pushrods, 3 valves, punched thru 2 rockers, but she still got me home. I was stunned when I pulled her down and saw what had happened. I vowed to NEVER run one of those cursed sets in anything I own. They're only a money saver til they grenade, and let's be clear, it was purely to save money. I know the story was to reduce noise. Really? Did the 360 get the same treatment? Pathetic excuse, but even a few cents per unit turns into millions saved in a company that was struggling. And once they went to the late 80's EFI, they all got nice wide metal sets because they HAD TO maintain tight timing to meet newer emissions requirements and coordination with the EFI. Not a peep about the noise. BTW, with new parts, that RC engine runs better than ever now.