Im looking to purchase a 1973 charger with a 440 (not matching) and i have tons of questions of course. this is what I know and what has been told to me about a specific car im looking at.

-no rust (claims0
-clean title
-440 engine
-runs good and can be daily driver

1. can these be considered daily drivers?

2. Will the old chargers pass arizona emsissions?

I probably have more, but cant think of any right now.

 

If you dont care about gas milage, yes it can be a daily driver. Does it need to pass emissions? Usually it is 1975 or newer.

For rust check the trunk area, around the back window, rear quarter panels, and underneath. If it has been in Arizona all its life, good chance it is rust free.

 

Don't forget check the under the dash at the cowl on the inside[top of the firewall behind the dash] but an az car should be ok.

 

LAC -

Yeah, the daily driver thing may be a little tricky with today's gas prices (depending on the compression, expect to need premium). I don't know what you're used to driving, but most cars of that era do NOT handle like more modern cars. There is more body roll and no anti-lock breaks. I still have to remind myself when driving mine that I actually have to drive it - and not expect the computer to cover my butt.

Also remember that you can't jump in cold, turn the key and expect to drive off like in a new car. There is a warm up period required. Yes, a lot will have to do with how much work the engine has had done to it.

Lastly, back to the gas thing. Current ethanol infused gas will make the engine run hotter. Living in AZ you might have less of a warm up problem and more of a heating problem don't know what traffic is like down there.

Not trying to turn you off to it (I certainly love mine), just think twice about it being basic transportation.



Archer

 

Expect 8-10 miles to the gallon with a 440. Especially with today's ethanol fuels

 

thx for the replies guys stuff I wanted to hear (honest truth). Yeah gotta watch out for gas prices for sure and I know about the 8 to 9mpg thats for sure hahaha..man that be killer. Might give it a whirl and test drive her thats for sure....thx again.

Archer - with an upgraded radiator (more modern not stock of course) would the heat still be a issue?

 

LAC -

I can be. I'm running a Griffen aluminum radiator, huge fan and a 160 degree thermostat. As long as I'm moving, the temp stays at 160. If it's hot and I'm stuck in (non-moving) traffic, the temp starts to climb. Happily with that set up, it's never gotten critical, but it does get warm. I generally don't like running over 210, but a lot of guys are happy with that.

Archer

 

hmm...thats interesting to know then and im gonna assume, if its ok, that being in arizona where in summer it gets up to 115 max 120 that I will probably run into that issue of overheat and not drive her much during the summer months.

gonna check out some radiators....

oh boy found some so called 'Be cool" radiators at summit costing upwards to 2k...WOW thats for a 1970s charger