Dodge’s Aspen Super Coupe, Could Be A Good Base For A Weekend Project Car!

Dodge’s Aspen Super Coupe, Could Be A Good Base For A Weekend Project Car!​

The 1970s Style, With Muscle Car Attitude...​

As emissions regulations, high-insurance premiums, and rising gas prices continued to pummel North American automakers in the mid-1970s, automakers fought back by downsizing much of their lineups. This included both the Dodge and Plymouth brands. In 1976, the Chrysler Corporation introduced the Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare as its new compact offerings. Now, while the Aspen and Volare were compact by 1970s standards, they were close in dimensions to today’s full-size Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger.

Dodge's Aspen Super Coupe, Could Be A Good Base For A Weekend Project Car!

As emissions regulations, high-insurance premiums, and rising gas prices continued to pummel North American automakers in the mid-1970s, automakers fought back by downsizing much of their lineups. This included both the Dodge and Plymouth brands. In 1976, the Chrysler Corporation introduced the...

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[Ron E]

I'm seeing curb weights from 3200 lbs. for base 6 cylinder models to 3472 lbs. for a R/T coupe. A great place for a current hemi engine/trans swap. The weight savings suggest a full second reduction in quarter mile times compared to the current platforms. Personal preferences would include 4 wheel disc brakes and rack & pinon steering. It would be a tedious swap but the results would be worth the effort, If the intended result is more toward performance and not a traveling entertainment center with 14 speakers and a 3K watt sound system the finished weight could easily be over 1000 lbs. lighter than current models. I think your choices would need to include traction control or be prepared to use a narrowed rear end and wheel tubs. A 392 would be unmanageable without one of these options. And, a 6.2 would be like driving on ice. Even a current 5.7 combo would be a hoot at 3500 lbs.
If a more traditional swap is more what you have in mind a 360 stroker motor with an upgraded top-end at that weight would be entertaining and a lot less involved to pull off.

 

[VANISHING POINT #1]

What are the advantages of a heavier vehicle? We know the disadvantages, more fuel usage, lower performance, higher maintenance for wear items like brakes and tires. But what about weight? The more weight a vehicles has must have some advantages over a much lighter vehicle??