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Rebuilding my 73 charger

Started by texas charger 73, February 19, 2014, 09:50:08 PM

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texas charger 73

I am rebuilding my 73 charger I owned when I was 21 and had to sale. I recently got it back and I'm wondering where I can find info for correct badging and stripes and everything. I'm thinking mine is a base model because it has column shift and bench seat.  Plain gauges. Nothing fancy. Any help appreciated.
1973 dodge charger
mild 318
904 reverse manual vb
2 1/2" flowmasters
8.25 with 3:55
Sdh1120@yahoo.com
Plum crazy metallic

texas charger 73

Can I search by vin or the fender tag to determine model it is and paint color, rearend,gears,etc. if so where can I search these things at? Thank you.
1973 dodge charger
mild 318
904 reverse manual vb
2 1/2" flowmasters
8.25 with 3:55
Sdh1120@yahoo.com
Plum crazy metallic

tsmithae

Vin tells you model/trim, engine, year, location it was built, and then the sequential number.  The fender tag will tell you a lot more and best case scenario is a broadcast sheet.  If you post pictures of whatever you have we can help you out with that. 
Check out my full thread and progress here.

http://www.1970chargerregistry.com/mboard/index.php?topic=119.0

texas charger 73

Vin is WH23G3G111961

I got a pic of fender tag, but I can't figure out how to resize it on my phone so it will let me post.
1973 dodge charger
mild 318
904 reverse manual vb
2 1/2" flowmasters
8.25 with 3:55
Sdh1120@yahoo.com
Plum crazy metallic

TruckDriver

this is your VIN. If you got a photobucket, imgur, or Imageshack account, just host the photo from your camera from one of those sites. It is free.
PETE

My Dad taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!" :P

texas charger 73

So it looks like I have the cheap bottom of the line charger. That blows. Thanks. Gonna try to upload fender tag in a new post cause this one keeps giving me crap.
1973 dodge charger
mild 318
904 reverse manual vb
2 1/2" flowmasters
8.25 with 3:55
Sdh1120@yahoo.com
Plum crazy metallic

ODZKing

Send the pic to me, I'll resize it and post.
I decoded my 73, shouldn't be too much problem. :yesnod:

texas charger 73

Odzking got email? It want let me private message pic from phone. Thanks
1973 dodge charger
mild 318
904 reverse manual vb
2 1/2" flowmasters
8.25 with 3:55
Sdh1120@yahoo.com
Plum crazy metallic

Nacho-RT74

Quote from: texas charger 73 on February 20, 2014, 08:56:02 AM
So it looks like I have the cheap bottom of the line charger. That blows. Thanks. Gonna try to upload fender tag in a new post cause this one keeps giving me crap.

Nop, there is another step down on the line ;) ... should be WL21 on VIN. Your one is average
Venezuelan RT 74 400 4bbl, 727, 8.75 3.23 open. Now stroked with 440 crank and 3.55 SG. Here is the History and how is actually: http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,7603.0/all.html
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,25060.0.html

texas charger 73

Well I got it decoded. Thanks guys. On plus side it came with the 230 hp 318 instead of the 150 or 170 hp one. Now I need to figure out what rear end and what heard I have. And gonna need to eventually swap out that crappy 904 for a 727.  Not sure tag is still on rear end. Was hoping fender tag told me.
1973 dodge charger
mild 318
904 reverse manual vb
2 1/2" flowmasters
8.25 with 3:55
Sdh1120@yahoo.com
Plum crazy metallic

ODZKing

So I am guessing it is not the original engine.
Fender tag 318 would be E44 in 73. There was only one, the lower horsepower one.
With a 318, you most likely have a D51 or D52. 2.71 or 2.94.

texas charger 73

Srnt you tag, but it is e44 and mymopar.com said it had the higher hp unless I read wrong. It is orinial motor. I checked numbers. It's been rebuilt and I our a big cam in it. Not even sure of hp now
1973 dodge charger
mild 318
904 reverse manual vb
2 1/2" flowmasters
8.25 with 3:55
Sdh1120@yahoo.com
Plum crazy metallic

texas charger 73

I also emailed you the info I found. I might have mis read it. So is that just 8 3/4 tear end? Definitely gonna need lower gears. Never set any before. Hopefully not too hard.
1973 dodge charger
mild 318
904 reverse manual vb
2 1/2" flowmasters
8.25 with 3:55
Sdh1120@yahoo.com
Plum crazy metallic

ODZKing

Yeah, I think you are reading the HP table incorrectly.
See: http://www.allpar.com/mopar/318.html
Only one in 73 150-170 HP 2 bbl.
Now, with a cam, thats another story.
I have a friend with a 318 with a cam and 4bbl intake.  He can keep up with my stock 383. And don't forget, it's lighter.

texas charger 73

I believe so too.  I have an edlebrock performer 4 barrel intake with a 650 CFM manual choke edlebrock carb. Can is 292 duration.  .501 lift. But with them 2.94 gears not doing it justice and not to mention the crappy 904 tranny.
1973 dodge charger
mild 318
904 reverse manual vb
2 1/2" flowmasters
8.25 with 3:55
Sdh1120@yahoo.com
Plum crazy metallic

ODZKing

Yeah, the top is correct, below where it says 230 ... that is wrong.
What you sent looks tobe correct otherwise.  9/8/72  Early production!!!!

texas charger 73

Decent car or not worth dumping tons money into? This was my first car I purchased when I was 21, had to sale it and recently found it and bought it back.  Plans to rebuild and hand to my son in 10 years when he is driving.
1973 dodge charger
mild 318
904 reverse manual vb
2 1/2" flowmasters
8.25 with 3:55
Sdh1120@yahoo.com
Plum crazy metallic

tsmithae

E44   318-2 Barrel
D34   904 Automatic Transmission
WH23   
W = Dodge Coronet / Charger
H = High
23 = 2 Door Hardtop
G3G   
G = 318 150HP(net) or 170HP(net) 1-2BBL 8 CYL
3 = 1973
G = St. Louis, MO, USA
111961   Sequence Number '111961'
JY3   
Paint Code: Light Gold
C2Y4   
Trim Grade/Style/Color
C = Charger
2 = Vinyl Bench
Y4 = Gold
JY6   Upper Door Frame: Gold Metallic
908   Date Built: 9 / 08 / 1972
123754   Order Number: 123754
V1Y   Roof Type OR Color:  Full Vinyl Roof Yellow
U   Built to Specifications for USA Order
B41   Front Disc Brakes Some Yrs. Power
G11   Tinted Glass All
G35   Delete Standard Outside Mirror
H51   Single Air /w Heater
J25   3 Speed Variable Wipers
J52   Inside Hood Release
L31   Hood / Fender Mount Turn Signal
M21   Roof Drip Rail Moldings
M25   Wide Sill Molding
M26   Wheel Lip Molding
M31   Belt & Hood Molding
R11   Music Master Radio AM
V5X   Black - Mouldings - Protective Insert Body Side
26   26 in. Radiator
END   End of Codes
Check out my full thread and progress here.

http://www.1970chargerregistry.com/mboard/index.php?topic=119.0

texas charger 73

Thanks everyone. Y'all are awesome.
1973 dodge charger
mild 318
904 reverse manual vb
2 1/2" flowmasters
8.25 with 3:55
Sdh1120@yahoo.com
Plum crazy metallic

Nacho-RT74

Quote from: texas charger 73 on February 20, 2014, 12:10:14 PM
and not to mention the crappy 904 tranny.

why crappy? its the same gears ratio than a 727 but lighter rotation weight/mass, so with the correct HP/Torque rate, will be a BB/727 beater anytime

rear axle yes can be a "problem" but just on a quick throttle response, otherwise you'll have higher top speed

nothing is completelly wrong or good, everything is just to meet what you want to get
Venezuelan RT 74 400 4bbl, 727, 8.75 3.23 open. Now stroked with 440 crank and 3.55 SG. Here is the History and how is actually: http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,7603.0/all.html
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,25060.0.html

texas charger 73

This. 904 I had to rebuild 3 times cause it wouldn't hold up to motor. Kept tearing up bands. I think a 373 gear be good. I want a cruiser that I can turn heads with and occasionally show up young punks. Lol
1973 dodge charger
mild 318
904 reverse manual vb
2 1/2" flowmasters
8.25 with 3:55
Sdh1120@yahoo.com
Plum crazy metallic

ODZKing

I have several Mopar mechanic friends, one of which does all the work on my cars.  He has told me in the past that a 904 is basically a 6 cylinder engine and can't handle anything more than a 318.  Even a 340 would require a 727.
In other words, not built to be beat-on.
More info below


texas charger 73

That means I'm for sure gonna have to find a 727. Now the question. Will it bolt right up or will I need a new driveshaft and transmission mount, shift linkage,etc
1973 dodge charger
mild 318
904 reverse manual vb
2 1/2" flowmasters
8.25 with 3:55
Sdh1120@yahoo.com
Plum crazy metallic

RallyeMike

That's why they used to call the 904 the Torquelfight 6 (6-cylinder) and 727 the Torqueflight 8 (8-cyylinder). However- built properly the 904 can last a long time behind a small block driven normally or in a lighter weight car.
1969 Charger 500 #232008
1972 Charger, Grand Sport #41
1973 Charger "T/A"

Drive as fast as you want to on a public road! Click here for info: http://www.sscc.us/

texas charger 73

Looks like a swap in my future .  I need something to hold up. Now to just figure out what all I need for the swap. Mine is column shift, not sure if it matters , but I know a lot of chargers were floor shift
1973 dodge charger
mild 318
904 reverse manual vb
2 1/2" flowmasters
8.25 with 3:55
Sdh1120@yahoo.com
Plum crazy metallic

Nacho-RT74

actually even is true is not that hard than a 727, isn't soooo bad to hold a midly spiced SB, but also will depend on how is built and its internal components. Down here in Vzla ( and I bet also Brazil ) 904s are built for midly spiced 318s 4bbls and is hard to find someone getting broken a tranny. As far case is healthy and internals are good quality, will hold.

note, of course 904 was initially designed for /6s, thats why they were initially called Torque 6 trannies, and 727 were called Torque 8, for V8s applications... untill around 1963-1964 with the aluminium case born, 904s were used for SB V8s too.

For the swap... as far I know just get shortened the driveshaft  couple of inches maybe ( and propper TC ) and you will be done
Venezuelan RT 74 400 4bbl, 727, 8.75 3.23 open. Now stroked with 440 crank and 3.55 SG. Here is the History and how is actually: http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,7603.0/all.html
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,25060.0.html