I picked up another carb'd car, but it isn't a 3g . . .

[Edison Carasio]

Howdy folks. Got rid of my CRX and picked up this.

1966 Chrysler Newport
383 cu. in (6.3L) 4 bbl
57,800 original miles when I got it.

[Edison Carasio]

[Vanilla Sky]

Yes sir, you have a nice boat right there. Been looking for a big wagon or sedan for a while. That's a beaut.

[Edison Carasio]

Thanks!

It sat for five years I think where I got it. But with some gas, a new battery and starter fluid it started up and ran beautifully on the test drive. So far since I got it I have had the choke adjusted (the screw from the arm to the choke plate backed out, so choke wasn't opening manually) and replaced the sending and returning fuel lines (one had rotted out so just had both done). That's it so far. Running on 93 octane.

These cars came with two options on the 383: a low compression (9.0:1) 2 bbl carb and a high compression (10.1:1) 4 bbl carb. This car has a 4 bbl on it but I don't know if its the low or high compression 383 yet. It gets up and moves though. Its not FAST but its not SLOW either. It also has true dual exhaust and the low compression 383 came with single exhaust. The VIN decoder says it is a 2 bbl car but who knows if a modern VIN decoder is accurate for a 50 year old VIN, and someone has had 50 years to do engine/carb swaps on it.

But I'm loving it so far. The head nods, thumbs up and random middle aged guys stopping me to talk about it are a nice change of pace from the mean mugging and revving that Honda and other import kids gave me in my Civic or CRX =/ I still have love for Hondas and have my Civic and Fit still but this is the first big American thirsty V8 I've ever driven and now I understand why people drive em despite the 8 mpg. The sound of the 383, the comfort, the ride is like being on clouds.

Also have a new fondness of Carb's which many guys will appreciate here. Wouldn't mind getting myself another 3g. Two cars with carbs and iron blocks in the drive way but from different sides of the planet would be neat

[Vanilla Sky]

I'd be finding a 440 for it. My mom had a '70 Polara with a 440 as a first car. Motor was quite warmed over. It could outrun everything the police department and sheriffs department had, because they took them all out and raced them all. Too bad that wouldn't happen today.

[Edison Carasio]

Yeah, a read to drop in crate 440 would be great. Or at least a blower on the 383 maybe.

My plans for it are (VERY far down the road):
Convert to power disc at all four corners (power drums currently)
Rebuild transmission and rear end
440 crate or rebuild on the 383 with cams, high compression, overbore etc

Until then it will be:
Maintenance (plugs, wires, dizzy cap/rotor, set ignition)
New timing chain and water pump.
Fuel system flush (the lines are new but I'm sure the tank could use a clean)
Cooling system (new radiator and hoses)
Headers and exhaust
Carb upgrade

[Dr_Snooz]

That car kicks butt! It's in amazingly good shape too. Very nice!

[Edison Carasio]

Thanks! Also a good chance to really learn more about carbs. I understand the basic principals and this is the third carb'd car I have owned, but time to REALLY get down and dirty with how to adjust, rebuild etc. Considered just hitting up the junk yard for a cheap old carb, taking it home and ordering a rebuild kit. Figured that would be a cheap way to get into it without messing with my own car