The 300 name returned to the Chrysler line in the spring of 1979; this time based on the Cordoba coupe. The 300 was a $2,040 option package featuring special emblems and traditional "cross-hair" 300-style grille. It was available in Spinnaker White (perhaps 30 were painted Rallye Red) with a red-leather interior and red pin stripes. The model came with the code E58 195 hp (145 kW; 198 PS) 360 cu in (5.9 L) V8, featuring a four-barrel carburetor, a performance camshaft, and dual exhausts. Other features included police-spec suspension with 15"x7" wheels, heavy duty torsion bars/leaf springs/shocks, front and rear sway bars, and a 3.23 rear gear ratio. The deteriorating U.S. domestic economic conditions that led to the early 1980s recession reflected in low demand and less than 2,900 were built. The 300 model was planned for the 1980 model year using the new 2nd-generation Cordoba (based on the downsized Chrysler J platform), but was instead called the "LS".
I've owned 3 of these, yes real 79 300s. Sold 1, stripped and junked 1, and still have 1 nice 1 left that I resto-modded in '00. It looks like a stock brand new 79 300. It even has its numbers matching 360, but that's been warmed up considerably. Anyhow, I like these cars. They actually handle and brake quite well for their size when all the parts are working. Stock 1's aren't fast for certain, but they can be made to move quite nicely. These cars are special. Chrysler used every HD part they had at the time all in 1 package, which resulted in a very expensive option for the 79 Cordoba, like $2100 to the base price! With that, you got the E58, true dual exhausts, ( fun fact, these cars had a modded floor pan and seat tracks to accommodate the dual cats) HD 9 1/4 rear end with 3.21 gears, special gas charged shocks, HD torsion bars, HD springs, firm feel steering box, 15x7 aluminum wheels with the very expensive GR60 GoodYear Aramid belted tires ( a $320 option on regular Cordobas) 11 inch rear drum brakes, HD front sway bar unique to cop cars, HD 727 non lockup trans with high stall converter, HD cooling system with 7 blade viscous drive fan, and HD 100 amp alt, ( the gauge is a dummy. The wiring was eliminated at the factory due to fire risks) . And you got the leather, console shift, tach, dual sport remote mirrors, and passenger recliner seat, std. I think your car was Canadian, as the emissions equipment (AIR system) is different than US models, not to mention the speedo. Like all late 70s Mopars, these things rust like crazy, so finding 1 that hasn't is rare. I hope you do something with it! Either way, have fun!
Yes, it’s Canadian. I thought I had said that in the video but maybe not. I read about the floor mods! Someone somewhere was very proud to have come up with a power seat setup that fit. Ahhh, that makes perfect sense on the ammeter. There’s no way it could’ve handled that much load. It’s a really interesting package, and I’m looking forward to getting the brakes functional and taking it out for a drive.
@@DeadDodgeGarage my very good friend back in high school let me use his 79 300 for prom,, just a few years later he sold it and went into the state police and he said the St. Regis cruiser he was issued after academy was clearly related to that 300. I ended up buying the St. Regis at state auction. Still have it today. Super sure footed on the interstate.
I love this car!! I had a 78 big block Cordoba that i bought in 1980. It does an old Mopar enthusiest's heart good to hear her run. She is indeed a rare car and worth saving from the jaws of the crusher. These do drive extremely well and are exceptional on a road trip. Last year i drove a 79 318 car from Washington to Oklahoma in 2.5 days. A great road car. Cudos, Jamie!!!!
I had the same car about 5 years ago. It was sitting in a commercial building for about 15 years. I cleaned it up, got it running sold it to a guy that knew what he got, he was at the Woodward cruise last year.
I owned one of those back in the 80s. It was a great car. The E58 Police Heads on the 360 ran surprisingly well for the size of the care. Thanks for sharing.
I had a 1976 Charger and it was a Cordoba with a great leather interior and the Round single headlights. It was actually a pretty good running car with the 360 in it.
Those were some striking looking cars; I've never had one but I would not turn down a chance to have one, especially a sweet exclusive like that one. Love the B-body Magnums too.
My wife owned one of those when we were married,I can tell you when it's opened up on the highway, the speedo and tach go in one direction and the fuel gauge goes the other,I entertained the idea of redoing it but in the pre internet days a lot of the special trim pieces were very hard to find,if finances permitted I wouldn't mind owning another one 😂
My parents bought a 1978 Plymouth Fury Sport (the same platform with 318/automatic) when I was in high school. My parents loved the car but I was upset because I had been promised our old 1965 Plymouth Fury (383/auto). They decided to sell that car to a cousin who just abused it. My mom's old car would be the one I would "buy" (1975 Fury), their plan not my choice) from them instead. I drove the car several times and it was nice although the power windows and white seats were not exactly what I would have considered cool as a teenager. It was actually a nice car and drove well (as was my 75 Fury). I wish I had one today. I hope you are saving this one. I recognized it when I saw the thumbnail image and they were rare and special even then. In 1980 the Cordoba was downsized and the sport model became the LS along with the Dodge Mirada.
These aren’t horrible, but a little crusty. The reclining function being broken is a problem. I do find that strap design a little curious. It’s kind of like having two belts jammed into your back. I’d probably get used to it I suppose.
Always liked these things. It wasn't til later that I learned it was a B-body lurking underneath all that federally mandated safety & emissions stuff. Imagine a 69 Charger and then, just 10 years later, this. Still love all the mix of luxury, malaise, police stuff, performance and 70's Huntsville technology in a decent looking (profile anyway) package. Wish it was a big block 300 but that all ended the year prior (unless you had a Winnebago). Love the fact you got it going - these things still make me smile. 👍
I saw some of the early ideas in script for these cars, which borrowed from the 78 Dodge Magnum GT. Those cars were supposed to get the 440, but Chrysler had to drop them from the line up due to CAFE standards for 78. A handful of 78 Magnums got the 400 P code engine, but that too was dropped for 79, leaving the 360 as the strongest mill. Even with the 20hp boost for 79, the 360 was just no match for the 4200lb 300, and they were really slow.
My uncle had many Cordoba when I was growing up. And sad but true, he also had one Dodge Magnum that he purchased as a running and driving car that was in remarkable condition, he removed the transmission and then junked the rest of the car. The nicest Cordoba of all of them was his black 1978 with gray leather interior and the 360 engine, it was the nicest Cordoba I myself have ever seen in person,he had purchased it in about mid 1985 with about 24,000 miles on it in like new condition. And out of six of seven different Cordoba he had over the years he kept the black 1978 the longest and drove it the most until finally selling it in the late 1990s with nearly 200,000 miles on it.
Being in the UK we never got these fancy motors , im learning tonnes of stuff about cars il never own - its great fun so keep on posting stuff so i can advance my bank of useless but important ( to me ) knowledge
Uncle Tony introduced you to me, now subscribed. Recently bought a 1986 Ford XF Falcon ute with a 289 conversion, project. Probably you have not heard about these but they have a cult like following down under. Figure no need for all the shiny shit, fine the way they are and not much money really considering how much fun they are. thank you for your no bullshit lets have fun approach. Confirmed for me the basic bogun path i am on. cant get Mopar down here...
I've been wanting one of those since the year they came out. One of my instructors was from Canada and he had the Canadian version. One of the red ones.
Modern day Christine. That vibrating sound while he is driving reminds me of when Arnie pull up in front of Darnells garage and asked his friend to honk the horn because Christines doesn't work. Darnell tells Arnie to pull that mechanical asshole into the shop and shut it down. This Cordoba 300 came out in September 1978, the same month Arnie in the movie buys Christine. When the movie Christine came out in 1973, this Cordoba was a mere four years old
I know you meant ‘83 - dang ol keys getting in the way. Many people have commented and said this car gives them Christine vibes - to the point that I’m getting nervous… I’m definitely hoping to drive it some and not die.
@@DeadDodgeGarage lol, in your video after backing off the trailer,, when you proceed across the camera's view to the right,,, it sounds exactly like Christine in the scene at Darnells. I agree totally. But so long as you don't have a fresh engine some afternoon, without rebuilding it yourself,, you should be OK. Now,,, as far as zoning board nazis go,,, I wish the Dozer from Colorado would show up on my property and go after the commies....
That thing is sweet, my folks bought a 79 Lebaron new, mom wanted it but dad and myself wanted the white 400 magnum but she stopped that in a hurry but i do remember one like yours that was on the show room so seeing this brought back memories 👍👍👍👍👍✅✅✅✅✅
Wow. You got yourself a car that is from Canada 🇨🇦. That car was built in Windsor, Ontario. About 1978, Canada went on the metric system. All cars from 1978 to present have metric speedometer. Kilometers Per Hour large numbers. Miles Per Hour small numbers.
1) The rare Hantavirus Thermoquad 2) When you discovered there were missing brake lines a child yelled in the background, perfect timing. 3) If you ever want to make an old guy do a sad face, mention Lean burn, opera windows and 85 mph speedometer... the wasted malaise decade. Thanks Jamie you can even make 195 net hp interesting
I do know that my mopar buddies back in the early 80s were quite fond of the 78 cordoba motor as a cheap replacement for thier beat to death 383 in older road runners and such anything that was a big block that went right in
Thank God you saved it! Im a Chevy guy, but I have total respect for anything that are this special. MOPAR.. Move Over Power Approaching Rapidly 👍💪! By the way, the Dodge boys took a page out of the Chevy book and tried to compete with the Monte Carlo 😲
👍Good stuff. My back hurts just watching ya under that hood! Great channel my man! Appreciate ya J! Best to you from KY. (Yes, we Kentuckians now have shoes to wear & dental plans…well, most of us 🦷 👞:-) keep up the good work!
I know exactly what you are saying about liking them. I was the same way I honestly didn’t like anything after the 73 Rd., Runner up till the past few years I don’t know if it’s the fact that I just don’t have a car and I’ve been feeling sentimental lately, but I would take anything mopar. The last time I had anything was in 2012.
I think our tastes change as time moves on. I used to be very, very particular in the cars that I liked. These days, I like a lot of different stuff… as long as it’s Mopar. Haha.
Back in the early 80s when I was in high school my friend had an identical 300 and we cruised around in it all the time. It wasn't so cool then compared to my Mustang or my friends Camaro, etc. Ironic.
That’s a great project, my buddy had a dodge magnum of that era - I didn’t mind those we had a monte carlo too and they did look so alike Too bad 4spd wasn’t really offered with any of those, or if it was I never saw any that weren’t auto
Those cars were built in Windsor Ontario Assembly plant and I know this because some of my family worked there at the time and that is why it has KMH instead of MPH. The 360 that is in that car came in my 1979 Aspen R/T too it's the E58 360 police 360. My Aspen R/T did not come with the lean burn system but those lean burn systems are hit and miss if they work they work good and if they don't work they are a pain in the royal arse. Me I just toss a points distributor in the thing and good bye lean burn or many use the MSD ignition box and that works too.
Yep. I was thinking stock electronic, but points sure would be easy. The pertronix ended up being super simple too. As I understand they didn’t all have the KM/H speedo. Very interesting. This one is definitely Canadian. And that’s awesome!
Just watched this 7 month old video. Comment re: 7:45 - VW & Porsche had functional EFI before Nissan/Datsun on their VW Type 3 & Porsche 914 back in 1969. I still have the 914. BEST VW I ever owned!!
I just love the seventies cars! What they "lack" in power they made up in style and ideas. The German "Oldtimer Markt" magazine once did a take on the 300, they found a pristine one, kinda like the pretty sister of this one. Please make it pretty again, this one has a lot going for it, still. Hope You got better, caffeine is a bitch.
I've owned 3 of those cars, actually at one time. 2 T-Top cars and one Hardtop. 2 were really super clean original California cars (the HT and one T-Top) with both having around 46-48k miles. The first one I got was a somewhat, just somewhat ragged Northeast (Conn/NY) T-Top car. I liked it so much, after investigating fixing it up I bought the other 2 (since sold). I learned quite a bit about those cars. BTW, the E58 was an HD or heavy duty/endurance engine NOT a HP engine. My only advice about those cars is find the very nicest one you can afford or find, which shouldn't be hard, people pretty much saved most of them. Restoring one is a losing proposition. Which is why I just bought already 'nice' examples. It was WAY cheaper. BTW, the engine on those (E58) had LESS compression than the regular 360. It was ADVERTISED at 8.0:1 so it was more likely 7.5:1. As far as spicy, it had the standard '360 2bbl' cam which was a dog. It was parkerized for endurance in the 'police' engine. I believe the cam timing was retarded 2 degrees in those engines to stretch the powerband. Those engines will take a lot of spark advance, but the chambers are horrible. They ran HOT even though the AF calibration was backed down to the 15:1 range from the 'Lean Burn' era 17-18:1 range. I recalibrated the TQ on mine and it ran great. I actually bought an NOS Canadian 150mph (240kph) speedo to replace the 85mph unit in mine.
Apparently there is a lot of contrasting information out there. For one thing, I found an engine code list for 78/79 that showed two or three different versions of the E58 - one that is supposedly stamped ‘360HP,’ and a separate ‘police’ engine. Many people in forums and such claim that the E58 has a ‘340 cam,’ and I’m guessing that’s because it has been said that the high performance 360s starting in ‘74 (after the 340 left the building) did. I had zero luck confirming camshaft specs for any of the late engines. Frankly, it’s potato-padildo, because one would have to put their tongue in cheek to really call a late 70s small block high performance. Whatever this thing is, it sounds pretty peppy to my ear for a dog from ‘79. I hope to give it some more thorough testing in the near future.
@@DeadDodgeGarage I looked into that because I owned cop cars which had the 360 from 77-78. From what I recall, and I have a complete set of Chrysler parts catalogs from '68-'88 or '89, the last use of the '340' cam in an HP or HD 360 was '76. Definitely not beyond that for emissions reasons. The standard 360 cam was 252 degrees (int/exh) and the lift was .410 or something relatively tame. It was cut on a 109 cl though I think top get the overlap up for EGR effect dilution for emissions. The first 300 I bought the guy put a cat-free Summit header dual exhaust on it, Edelbrock Performer RPM and a Mopar Perf. elect Ign. I think it even had the OE carb, and it was a screamer. Ran pretty decent for a mild engine. I think the pipes were 2 1/2 through 'Summit' Turbo mufflers which were 'IMCO' sourced at the time. Those 3 basic things really woke that engine up. If you look at the 1977-1979 service manuals the 360 used one set of cam timing events. I always wanted to run that 340 cam but never did. Besides I now just remembered, the 360's of that era had Ex valve rotators (which the E58 didn't have) but the 360 springs were a lot weaker than the 340 springs. I will say one thing, those E58 had some super premium exhaust valves to ensure they wouldn't burn, (which they needed). They were made of a super-alloy called Nmonic. Went to NAPA to get a replacement once for one and it was like $75. BTW, only the '78 Lil Red had the 340 cam (auto version) (due to NO cats and looser emissions regs for that trucks GVWR). 1979 they used the standard 360 (2bbl) cam. All of the 360 HD engines had the standard cam. '74-'76 would have been the 'HP' 340 cammed version. '77 up (to '80) was the HD.
The 79 E58 got it's compression dropped to 8.0 to 1 because it couldn't pass NOx requirements at the std 8.4 with the 4bbl. They all had the "410" cam from 77 on. Ditch the ESC system and add the Mopar Purple Shaft 430/450 cam, lifters and spring set, and you will be amazed, even at 8 to 1.
@@adamtrombino106 Yes. I always intended to install a 340 cam or a Crane '268-Z' cam but never got around to it before I sold the car. 2 of mine were Calif. cars and had the 'pup' converters on the driver's side. Another way to change NOx is modify the camshaft overlap or lower cumbustion temps with EGR.
Had a triple black 78 Magnum XE 360 inch back in the 80s.Like new.Important note bias plays on the front and fat radials in the back wrecks you in the rain.First and last time I did that.A half gallon of Lord Calvert split 4 ways didn't hurt I'm sure.Broke her so bad I couldn't fix her.RIP
Doctor Frankenstein the monster lives. Sounds like a v7 or christine. The longer it runs the better it sounds. Those guys in norway would die to own this. Paycheck
I was thinking the E58 engines had different paint for some reason. I have a E58 powered Aspen, true duals with no cats, 8.25 SG 3.21 gears, no A/C and 727 trans, and it's valve covers definitey aren't corporate blue. I was thinking they were black "crackle" paint like the 273 HP covers and unsilenced BB air cleaners were. It's out in the country at my junkyard, so now I have to go check..LOL.
Interesting. I know the Lil Red version had chrome covers to match the air cleaner, but beyond that I wouldn’t know. Other than that, Hemis, and those 273 covers, I can’t currently think of any other instances where the covers were painted differently. Muscle era HP engines got normal painted covers, the 340 did, heck even the 440 six pack. Isn’t your Aspen supposed to have cats though? Did someone do some hot rodding in the day?
Chrysler had the best styling of the colonnade cars with the round head lights. The square quads, not so much. They we're comfortable cars when new, with decent handling. The wheels are pretty cool.
GOT DANG CLOSE TO BUYING ONE BACK THEN ODDOLLS OF MONEY . ANYWAY MECHANIC TOLD ME NO LEAN BURN . MY DAD HAD FOUR DOOR 1970 440 CHRYSLER THREE HUNDRED GREAT CAR 112 MPH ALL DAY .JAMIE BY THE TIME END OF VIDEO THAT 360 SOUNDED REALLY STRONG GAVE ME A BONER.THANSK FOR SAVING ANOTHER PIECE OF HISTORY LOVE THAT 360.❤😂🎉🎉
Very cool. Yeah, Lean Burn is just a mistake… the 360 sounds awesome! Obviously the carb needs work and I will actually check the timing with a light at some point, but it’s a really sweet running engine. I was very pleasantly surprised by that.
@@DeadDodgeGarage yes,yes,yes. Maybe a drag engine ? You wonder why I like enjoy your channel . I liked Mopars when I was young and did not understand . 225 slant six ? BADD AZZ especially with a two barrel I had one for work 1977 . I was a Mopar guy and didn't know it LOL thansk for keeping my interest alive peace out Bill
My car got a transplant of a 360 from a Sheriff's car from the early 70's. I believe that the motor and transmission was a 72' or 73' , I am surprised that I got my hands on the engine in 1987.
Yep. I considered that too. That would only be one new added connection. Haha. That’s what had been done on my slant six 80s truck. I just figure electronic is the better fit for a 70s car, and in theory less to worry about. Especially with how crappy points seem to be getting lately.
@@DeadDodgeGarage Yea electronic for sure,when I was doing that swap was early 80's and point types were most common.Our 71 Charger has the updated electronic and we won't ever go back lo.Keeping points on the 65 just to be old school.
I seem to recall a 300 version that was based on the Dodge Mirada. Same white color, cross-hair grill, and other appointments, but far more visually appealing than this boat.
According to some reading I’ve done, they did plan one - but it ended up being called something else instead of 300. Can’t remember what that is, but I’m guessing that’s what you are thinking of.
If you noticed,,newer cars has the same grill design,,CORDOBA,'S were pretty dandy and the model that followed it ,,( Magnum) overall,,this car looks great,,give it a detailing it will be a looker
Last year of the b body cordoba. I have the first year but with a hot 440. Lots of fun but rides like a dream. Check out “440 Mopar with Holley Sniper start and rev”
Cool that you got it to fire up & show signs of life. Blowing out the mud potatoes was funny but that carb- rodents suck! The Speedometer & Tach being front & center is something Chrysler did get right- should be 150mph! Those knobs were definitely a 'Got Wrong'- for a few dollars more to match or raiding old parts bins to get close at least. Lean Burn- Always Wrong-can we use it as curse word?
Lean Burn is now officially a curse word. Haha. People refer to it as a ‘150 MPH speedo’ but the highest label is 140, and it doesn’t quite look like there is enough length there for 150. Either way, I think it’s wishful thinking…
I have literally looked everywhere for the lock linkage rods that go between the door lock and the latch assembly for my 64 dodge 440 2 door hardtop till I just gave up. It’s the little things that will get you on these old mopars. My car doesn’t have them so I can’t lock it.
I've been looking for one for an early 50's Mopar 2 door, drivers side. The classic car junkyard guys that have them said they can't be bothered removing them. I have one for a four door and am wondering if I can get a local shop to lengthen it.
