6thGenImperial
Well-Known Member
Soooooo, I got the '83 (my Avatar) in september of 2016. Before I could even get into the thing, I had a various issues that delayed me for several months. Then it rained for 8 months (literally) in 2017. Finally started getting come traction more recently and thing are happening. Initially, I had plans of doing some mods to increase the 318's power, but on reflection, I decided to wait and actually get the car running first, then flesh out a few things. I have the cam, etc, for a later date. I figure, when I go in to replace the plastic timing gear, I will do the other mods then. Yes, I said plastic timing gear. I know the literature says the Imperials got all premium stuff, but I believe the short blocks were pulled from regular production. Why? cuz I managed to spy a glimpse through the manual fuel pump location. I pulled the block off plate, and there it was, plain as day. I could see the fuel pump eccentric. Now why would a fuel injected car with an electric fuel pump in the tank, have a fuel pump eccentric for a manual pump in the engine? It was just easier, I figure. Unfortunately, that forces me to believe there's a plastic timing gear in there too. So, I managed to get the 4v to 2v adapter drilled to fit the weird bolt pattern on the intake. Right now, I'm just using a Rochester 2J used by Mopar in the early 70's. Same size as the Carter BBD's and Holley 2280's. I used a quickie drop in, ready-to-run HEI-style distributor. Again, I was already over a year behind. Ultimately, I want to re-incorporate a Mopar electronic distributor, but this was quick and cheap. That car had 4, yes 4!!! fuel filters. To quote Top Gun, "Not one pair, two pair!" That was factory stuff. So I took all that out, simplified the setup and did the customary single filter before the carb. Started right up and runs great. I've only done a short run down the road. The transmission didn't want to shift at first. I was zipping along in 1st (2.24 final drive), and after some running and heat generation, plus a manual run through on the shifter, the trans came to life as if jolted by the sudden realization that it was supposed to change gears. I do plan on a fluid/filter change with band adjustment now that it has shown it is capable. It engages instantly when at idle, so I'm feeling good about it. The rear diff looked brand new with a very light proper pattern on the teeth. This car had been stored for over 30 years. The previous owner had bought her at an estate sale, and was bogged down by the fuel injection system. He just wanted his money out of it. I looked at it and while I hate to admit I didn't know about that particular FI unit at that time, I had a good idea on how to get around it. I know purists are groaning, including the fellow who sold her to me. He droned on and on about keeping her original, while at the same time talking about how he couldn't find replacement parts for what he'd literally burned up trying to get it started by pouring gas into the throttle body. To me, it's better to have her on the road, not on blocks waiting for original parts. Anyway, it's SO wild, even on MayPop tires, that are outta round, the ride is something I'd forgotten. Cars have changed so much, and they just don't ride like they did back then. I know they handle better, but the loss of comfort, to me, is not worth the trade-off for slot-car handling. So, just wanted to post a long-overdue update. The Imperial, she's coming back. Next up, new tires. Then she will be road-ready. I still have things to do. The stereo powers on, but none of the buttons respond.The driver's side seat is pretty far gone (leather), but the rest looks new. Someone unhooked the power to the instrument panel, so that too. Dunno if the AC works at this point, it's still an R12 setup. The radiator was leaking, but luckily, a spare Ramcharger truck unit is a perfect fit, and virtually identical. The driver side electric window is a little jerky when lowering, and the windshield wipers aren't hooked up. Still, I look forward to cruising on sunny days til I get the wipers working again. Stepping out of a PT Cruiser and into an '83 Imperial is a total mind-blower. Keep that old iron running!