Quoting Christopher Hoffman <imperial67@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>: > Was 143 a typo? I doubt a '68 Imperial would do 143 mph without some major > modification > imagine the engine could not overcome the aerodynamic drag of the body, and You probably need to replace the cam to the one closer to the HP 440 version, and dual exhaust. Then, these speeds are certainly within the power potential of the 440. Again, the chrysler 440 was capable of propelling a C-body polara at 147 mph (a bit lighter than the Imp, but weight is a small factor at top speed, and the bias-ply tires of the day probably got more rolling resistance than a radial imp, in spite of the imps weight). All these C-bodies had about the same aerodynamics (CD probably about 0.45, and frontal area of about 2.3 m^2). A stock 67 Imp with its single exhaust and restrictive 906 heads was tested at 125 (see a road test in the site). An ex owner of a 67 coupe (now owned by Mike P.) had said that a cop friend of his had clocked his stock 68 LeBaron with his radar gun at 135 (I am wondering if he gave himself a ticket). > (and a fair portion of insanity on the part of all aboard). I That's all relative ! :) > that would be a good thing since the rear-axle lift at that speed would > probably cause uncontrollable fishtailing or at least dangerous instability. Not really. There is plenty of weight back there to keep the car safe down to the ground. The squarish body actually is fairly good keeping the lift coefficients down, and the large weight keeps the car very contollable at super high speeds, even with gusty cross winds. A slightly tail up attitude can reduce both drag and lift (my sedan needs its back end lifted some). The long wheel base also helps high speed stability (that's why the cops all used the 124" wheel base C-bodies for high speed police work). > > I know D^2 likes to drive fast, but not even he'd go that fast in a 40yo > Imperial (I hope)! I think this has been answered. > I've spent some time on Germany's Autobahns, so I know > what 143 (or 155) feels like. I've even done 145 in a diesel-powered sedan. > But each time I was in a modern German car (and a couple of MB prototypes) > with excellent aerodynamics and modern chassis designs. The good thing with German roads is they are designed for these speeds, and the fellow drivers have the discipline to not cut you off. In the US, this type of speed can be maintained only briefly. The roads are not designed for it, and most important, 90% of the drivers do completely unpredicted moves. D^2 ----------------- 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 webmaster@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx To UN-SUBSCRIBE, go to http://imperialclub.com/unsubscribe.htm