Tech Q and A

I’m in the process of restoring my 1970 Plymouth Barracuda and need a front grille. Do you know where I can find one?

MM: Mopar has a grille for your Barracuda, Part No. 77R06149 (above). For more information or to order, contact your Chrysler Group dealer./p>

When I drive my 1970 Super Bee down the road it sways back and forth. I’ve changed the end links and frame bushing and had the front end aligned. Is there anything else that could cause the car to sway?

MM: Try checking the height of the vehicle (make sure it’s the factory height). Also, make sure all of the suspension bushings are in good condition (control arms, leaf spring, etc.). While you’re checking the bushings, make sure all the ball joints and tie-rod ends are intact and don’t have any play in them. We recommend checking with ESPO Springs ‘n Things (springsnthings.com) and look into replacing your suspension bushings with polyurethane if they’re worn. /p>

What are the exact dimensions of the pilot hole in a small block Mopar crankshaft (1970 Plymouth Duster 318 V-8) intended for 4-speed use? I’m converting from an automatic to 4-speed and the existing crankshaft has no pilot hole—just a small indentation. I want to use the stock .941" diameter pilot bushing and I do not want to clip my transmission pilot shaft or use the newer style hub pilot bearing. I need these pilot dimensions (diameter and depth) so the machinist knows what to drill. I imagine the pilot hole needs to be deep enough so the pilot shaft does not bind—also allowing for crankshaft thrust and expansion. Since the pilot hole is drilled with a bit, do I need the depth to the apex of the drilled hole since this is practically what can be measured on a blind hole?

MM: Mopar Performance does not recommend this modification. We recommend purchasing a crank that is already machined for a pilot bushing—318 crankshafts are fairly easy to come by—due to complications that can arise from machining that crankshaft.

I’m going to purchase a 570 hp 440 big block engine in the near future and would like to mate it to a 4-speed manual transmission. Any suggestions on what transmission and any modifications I would need to make to it? The pair will be placed into a 68’ Dodge Charger.

MM: The 4-speeds have proven to be very stout transmissions. Depending on what you plan on using the car for (street/strip) will dictate how you want to set-up your transmission. Visit Passonperformance.com, they specialize in Chrysler 4-speeds.

I have a 2009 Dodge Challenger SE. Why do some Challengers have an insulation pad on the inside of the trunk lid and what purpose does it serve? My Challenger doesn’t have it. Do you have a part number for the insulation and the pins that hold it on? I would like to order one from Mopar

MM: Typically, any type of insulation pad would be installed to dampen exterior road noise. Visit your local Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge and Ram dealer and they’ll help you order the parts.

I recently purchased a 2-barrel aluminum intake for a Slant 6 (#4273131) with no manufacturer’s identification stamp on it (“#427...” seems similar to a DC number). The intake has a torque setting stamped on an end runner. It’s crudely welded, appears unused and looks like a prototype. Do you have any ideas on who made it and from what era it was made?

MM: We don’t believe it’s a Mopar intake. The only Mopar Slant 6 number we have on file is P4532056. For more info, visit slantsix.org—they may be able to shed light on the manufacturer of this part.

I would like your help in locating either new or very good used quarter panel extensions (fillers) for a 1980–83 Chrysler Cordoba, Chrysler Part Nos. 4240 318(R) and 4240 319(L).

MM: The two part numbers you have listed have been discontinued from Chrysler since the early 80s. We suggest locating a salvage yard that specializes in Chrysler vehicles, such as Texasacres.com, or fabricating your own parts.

I’m from Germany and own a 1972 Chrysler Newport 4-door sedan. When I bought the car three months ago the moldings where dismantled after a new painting—the moldings where in the trunk without any fastening material. I’m looking for the right clips to fasten the moldings on the car. Also, I’m looking for a short passenger-side molding, between the wheelhouse and the passenger door on the right front fender. Finally, I also need both A-pillar and B-pillar dark blue interior covers. Where can I find these items? I want to make my car look as authentic as possible.

MM: For the A- and B-pillars visit Texasacres.com, for the fasteners visit Yearone.com.

I own a 1954 Chrysler New Yorker Town & Country station wagon. I cannot find any info on the Web about this car, such as, how many where built and where they were built. I do know that it has a 331 cid HEMI® 2-speed transmission. If you could lead me in the right direction—a Web site or phone number—I would really appreciate it.

MM: A great resource is the Walter P. Chrysler Museum at wpchryslermuseum.org. They can help you identify your vehicle. Contact the museum by e-mail, info@wpchryslermuseum.org or mail: One Chrysler Drive, Auburn Hills, MI 48326-2778.