All of my Imperials/cars are strictly stock, with the exception of
adding radial tires where possible. That seems to be my only concession
to modernity, as I really like the way that they feel on the road.
Mechanically, I am satisfied with having the original heads rebuilt
with hardened valves and valve seats, just because today's gas isn't
what it should be for our cars. Power wise, even in de-tuned form I
have found the performance of any Imperial in decent running shape to
be more than adequate.
That said, if ones desire is to turn the thing into a hot rod, and be
able to inspire "ooo's and ahhh's" by opening the hood to show off
polished aluminum and chrome, so be it. I have seen Imperials with 20'
wheels, flames painted on the sides and professionally done wild
colored furry interiors.. That is the prerogative of the owner. I
remember hearing past old timers (now I am one myself) stating things
like "too bad about the way they did this or that".
I think we need to be tolerant of what others want to do, especially if
we want to keep the interest in our cars alive. These days most kids
don't grow up dreaming about cars. Our culture is such that now the
emphasis is on something very different, video games, I think. Anyway,
my point is that if souping up an Imperial is someone's idea of fun,
they should be supported whether the purists agree or not. Nobody is
saying that we have to do these things to our own cars. The only part
that scares me a little is that once I am gone, and the cars move on to
their new owners, maybe some of my venerated original cars will end up
that way themselves, but I guess by then it won't matter much to me
anyway.
Paul W.
-----Original Message-----
From: sjak brak
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Mon, 22 Oct 2007 12:13 am
Subject: Re: IML: Aluminum Heads on an Imperial 413/440 ???
This is certainly true.
Its as much of a challenge to build a high performance imperial as to
make a perfect restoration. Both projects have their own specific
difficulties, and none will be cheap. For others, its mainly the
driving pleasure that counts and will only do routine maintenance and
necessary repairs. Different ways to enjoy these amazing cars.
I recently spotted these two very nice cars on ebay, they almost define
this contrast, and I'd love owning either one of these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1964-Chrysler-Crown-Imperial-Convertible-1-of-922-Made_W0QQitemZ180164642857QQihZ008QQcategoryZ43905QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hot-Rod-Street-Rod-Pro-Street_W0QQitemZ260165839731QQihZ016QQcategoryZ43905QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
On 10/22/07, santiam oregonwrote:
I love this thread.....laughs. It goes to prove that not everyone has
the same interpretation of
what an Imperial should be or look like. Some of us have a narrow
interpretation and may only like 2 door cars from a particular era,
whereas some may like 4 doors that are souped up.
I recall making a snide comment on a Riviera email list when several
members were making fun of a neon pink 73' boat tale Riv. I have never
cared for the look of post 68' rivs, esp. boat tales, so just to stir
things up, I said "are we commenting on the tacky body style or color?"
needless to say, I was quickly rebuffed.
I have kicked around rebuild options for my 392, moving it up to stock
300 dual 4 status, but had to remind myself I am not 18 anymore,
members-only jackets are no longer in style and I will probably not be
trying to take out any Camaros with this sled.
Todd
Portland, OR
"RODGER D. REDDISH"wrote:
Hola All
This series of posting on alum heads, alum intakes and the such seems
use-less to me as some another's have already stated.
Other than some lessor pounds of weight ( less some 10 pounds vs the
5,000 pounds of the vehicle ), what is the advantage over an OEM
factory intake and the power or torque produced at the user RPM's or
MPH. Case Closed. Do they produce power & torque where you drive at,
or at the mid to upper RPM's ??? Case Closed.
If one was to go beyond the original heads of the 375 horse powered
440 and the feeling of greatness of the first heads of that era, and
move on to the last series of heads the MoPar Engineer's had issued.
The MoPar Performace Tech Line will also state the last series of heads
flow better than the 1967 era heads. If you was to compare the last
series of 440/400 heads with the cast number ending in 452 with the
older heads on an flow bench, then what.
If you was to port any of the OEM 383, 400, 413, 426 wedge or 440 heads
that you already have of any year with MoPar's P4120437 Porting
Template and compare them with a set of E-brock Alum heads on the flow
bench ... and cost, then what. Case Closed.
Another mix-match is using the P4452783 cam assembly when there is the
P4286675 cam assembly waiting for you at your driving speeds.
When you get dressed to go out for the evening do you wear poka dots
and stripes just because the both fit ??? The Alum heads, alum intake
and etc will make an difference on an much lighter Dodge Dart being
used for the drag strip, But this is not an Dart Drag Strip Site.
Rodger & Gabby
COS
----- Original Message -----
From: sjak brak
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Saturday, October 20, 2007 6:00 PM
Subject: Re: IML: Aluminum Heads on an Imperial 413/440
The weight advantage on our cars is mainly the ease of installation;
for the same reason, I never put back iron intakes on my cars. If I
pull one, an alu intake goes back.
And come to think of it, now there are also alu heads which are
identical to stock heads on the outside, and will work with stock
intakes and exhaust manifolds, check www.440source.com
Other brands alu heads will require some or more modifications. Indy
heads wont work with stock intakes, Edelbrock heads do but have spark
plugs unaccessible if youre not using headers, B1 are full out racing
heads, etc. But if youre into serious performance, aftermarket heads
are a must. The flow from stock heads is limited. Also, rebuilding a
worn out 40 year old pair of cilinder heads will cost more than a set
of new Edelbrock performer heads (depending on where you live, in
Europe, decent machine work is very expensive). And remember that the
915 and 906 heads were very fine performance heads in the sixties, but
Big Block Mopar technology steadily advanced since then.
But on a stock engine, alu heads offer no real improvement. For
blocking the exhaust crossover, there's a nice valleypan gasket set
from felpro, cheap and very easy to install.
On 10/21/07, Kenyon Wills < imperialist1960@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Well, keep in mind that there is that WEIGHT ADVANTAGE
where you can save 100lbs off of your 5000 lb car.
Maybe I spoke too soon on that?
-K
--- Rob van der Es < R.vdes@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> Hi Kenyon!
>
> I like that last option, since my 60 Imp is almost
> finished now I was
> looking for other ways to throw my money around :)
> Your kind suggestion set my right on track LOL
>
> Have a nice (fast) weekend with your favourite
> woman!
>
> Robert
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Kenyon Wills" < imperialist1960@xxxxxxxxx>
> To:
> Sent: Friday, October 19, 2007 6:52 PM
> Subject: Re: IML: Aluminum Heads on an Imperial
> 413/440
>
>
> Profit to grief (cost) ratio is out of whack in my
> book.
>
> Have what's in there redone if you're concerned
> about
> the lead thing (I'm not, since there are so many
> un-rebuilt cars from before unleaded still running
> around just fine).
>
> You can block the crossover passages pretty easily
> with a gasket or metal shim.
>
> Spend the money on a new water pump/hoses and redo
> on
> your radiator and your engine will probably run
> cooler
> and be that much more dependable.
>
> If you've already done that, go spend it on women
> and
> fast living.
>
> You'll get a marginally higher payoff that way.
>
>
>
>
> -K
>
>
>
>
> Kenyon Wills
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam
> protection around
> http://mail.yahoo.com
>
> ----------------- http://www.imperialclub.com
> -----------------
> This message was sent to you by the Imperial Mailing
> List. Please
> reply to mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and your
> response will be
> shared with everyone. Private messages (and
> attachments) for the
> Administrators should be sent to
> iml.webmonster@xxxxxxxxx
> To UN-SUBSCRIBE, go to
> http://imperialclub.com/unsubscribe.htm
>
>
>
> ----------------- http://www.imperialclub.com
> -----------------
> This message was sent to you by the Imperial Mailing
> List. Please
> reply to mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and your
> response will be
> shared with everyone. Private messages (and
> attachments) for the
> Administrators should be sent to
> iml.webmonster@xxxxxxxxx
> To UN-SUBSCRIBE, go to
> http://imperialclub.com/unsubscribe.htm
>
>
Kenyon Wills
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com
----------------- http://www.imperialclub.com -----------------
This message was sent to you by the Imperial Mailing List. Please
reply to mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and your response will be
shared with everyone. Private messages (and attachments) for the
Administrators should be sent to iml.webmonster@xxxxxxxxx
To UN-SUBSCRIBE, go to http://imperialclub.com/unsubscribe.htm
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com
________________________________________________________________________
Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail! -
http://mail.aol.com
----------------- http://www.imperialclub.com -----------------
This message was sent to you by the Imperial Mailing List. Please
reply to mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and your response will be
shared with everyone. Private messages (and attachments) for the
Administrators should be sent to iml.webmonster@xxxxxxxxx
To UN-SUBSCRIBE, go to http://imperialclub.com/unsubscribe.htm
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com