73 Charger 400-4BBL mechanic's update

[WH23G3G]

I talked to the shop where I took my 73 Charger. They told me I should be able to pick it up within a week or two more after they fix a small radiator leak and after they let it run for a few hours to see if it operates ok idling.  It's been there all summer and now all winter. They tweaked the suspension and steering and tried to get the engine running perfect. They fixed the vacuum leaks and exhaust manifold gasket leaks, and set the timing. It doesn't overheat any longer. They said they got it running as good as possible but they still think I have too much cam. I told them time and again all I put in there was a Sealed Power CS-661 which is aftermarket replacement for 72-79 400 4bbl engines. I rebuilt the engine which is already .040 over with new rings, seals, bearings, and rebuilt heads, stock 73 heads were used. They said either the cam is too big or there is a high stall converter in there. He says it will start right up and idle fine but because of that if you stomp the gas going like 40 it will probably shut off. I had them try two restored part number correct Thermoquads that they couldn't get to work at all. Then I was told to buy an Edelbrock. So I bought the emissions one so I can still hook up the vapor canister, I think it's a 600 or 650CFM. They said it's running the best they can get it. Now as for the torque converter. It was the one that came with a remanufactured transmission I bought from the parts store back when I got the car. I think the 10" one was the higher performance converter and I think mine had the 11" converter. But no idea what the stall speed is rated at. Now they tell me all I can do is drive it for awhile and see how it does and come back in for some more adjustments if needed.  

[cudaken]

They said either the cam is too big or there is a high stall converter in there. He says it will start right up and idle fine but because of that if you stomp the gas going like 40 it will probably shut off.

They mean it will die? 

I have ran a TSI 3500 RPM stall with a stock cam. While just driving it in traffic the car seemed a little sluggish at slow speeds. When I brought the engine against stall, it was a blast!

I all so have ran a big cam (Sounds like a can full of rocks) with a stock 68 Road Runner converter. Slow out of the hole but when it hits 2800 RPM's it is showtime!

So I really do not understand what they are trying to tell you? 

Cuda Ken 

[XH29N0G]

  Also curious about what this means.  I thought high stall was to allow the engine to transition to high RPM so it could transfer more torque to the wheels and this also would allow a bigger cam to transition from idle to an RPM where it is designed to work.    

So, you get to pick up your car in a few weeks.  That is good.  I would pick up the car and go from there.  If it still needs work, and I could not solve it, I would try another shop because a fresh set of eyes on the problem might solve it.

[WH23G3G]

When I brought it in I had done all I could. I rebuilt everything mechanical from front to back. So when I got it towed to the shop the alignment was way out of wack, the engine couldn't make any power, severly overheating, and the transmission was surging before it shifted. They told me they got the timing right, the engine doesn't overheat anymore, and the transmission stick was reading wrong and that adding a couple more quarts of fluid fixed the shifting problem. They also got the front end and alignment straightened out. So I haven't driven the car but for a mile or two before I took it in to the shop. I don't even know for sure if any of them have test driven it. The problem is there isn't any Mopar specialists in my area of North Georgia, at least that I know about. There is a lot of general mechanics but most of the time they don't want to fool with these cars.

[XH29N0G]

Then let's hope it works better (even if not perfect) when you get it back and that you can drive it. 

If it does, it will be a step in the right direction.