Question about stock air cleaner system, 1979 Cordoba

[traintech55]

As an ex Chrysler mechanic who worked on these cars when new I will give you my two cents. When the system did not have any problems, it ran great, but let one component go bad, it would run terrible. A lot of people remove it because you cannot find the correct parts for the system today. I have converted many cars to regular electronic ignition, some need carb. work, some don't. That will depend on your engine when the ignition is converted. I always keep the factory air cleaner, I just fabricate a block off plate when the computer is removed. The reason I do this is the cold air ducting of the factory cleaner removes a lot of the hot air from under the hood. I hope this helps.

 

[Snotty]

I had a '79 Cordoba with the E56 360 4bbl motor. One of the things I disliked about the leanburn system was the "resetting of the timing" by the system, causing the motor to ping under certain conditions. I removed all of the LB system and installed a Mopar Performance Electronic system. I kept the Thermoquad for one reason: changing the intake, which I considered, would lead to too many alterations that would not allow the LB system to be reinstalled. Reinstalling it was necessary for it to pass California's Smog Test II. All needed to be factory correct. So I kept the factory carb and intake, although I broke off the factory restrictors for the idle mixture.

I then used a dual-snorkel air cleaner from a '70 Mopar. Fit like it was made for the motor. Car ran very well, got better MPG than before, and no longer pinged.

So, yes, I would say dump the system. But, if you need to to pass smog, don't toss it away!!!

 

[marko]

im sure graham @Dobalovr will be able to weigh in on 79 doba stuff......
you should check what your axle gear ratio is.
if you have an E58 code 195hp 360 you should already have a 3:23 gear,
if you have the E56 code then a 2:7 gear. a 3:23 would have been optional
also, if you are thinking that your hp is low compared to say a 70 chrysler you need to remember that 195hp rating in 1979 is differently rated.
so a 180hp rating in 79 is roughly 260hp in 71......

 

[69 300 vert]

I think Chrysler was still using the nylon sprocket timing gears in 1979? That's where I'd start, and the next project for my '69 with almost 60,000 miles.

Plastic timing chain pieces in oil pan?

 

[James Watkins]

If you're only complaint is performance and not driveability (stumbling, starting etc) issues, then a carb/intake swap and dual exhaust will help it breath. That 360 is a good engine but choked up by the emissions system, including the lean burn.

I see, I will for sure be doing a dual exhaust setup. Would you recommend removing the cats if I can, I dont have to pass emissions here. Also would you recommend the previous carb you mentioned for use in a daily driver?

 

[James Watkins]

When it comes to performance...ditch it all. Lean burn was designed with fuel economy and emissions in mind, not performance. Get a nice dual plane intake, 600cfm edelbrock, electronic ignition, ditch the catalytic converters and some free flowing dual exhaust and that will help ALOT...then if you want more seat of the pants feel, a ring and pinion will help greatly. Most of them cordobas had 2.71 gears, I've even seen 2.45! A 3.23 (maybe 3.21 in the c clip rears I cant recall) gear set would give you a good compromise of performance and cruisability.

I will certainly be writing this down thank you, should be coming into a few hundred bucks soon so hopefully I can start collecting the parts I want.

 

[James Watkins]

That's a good point. I believe the car has only around 70,000 miles. Always confirm the mechanical condition, timing. Compression etc. Good call.

Will do, ill take a look at the belt and compression.

 

[marko]

you also might want to ask about this on forbbodiesonly.com since your car is a b body....

 

[Newport 66]

I see, I will for sure be doing a dual exhaust setup. Would you recommend removing the cats if I can, I dont have to pass emissions here. Also would you recommend the previous carb you mentioned for use in a daily driver?

Yes to the cats and yes for a daily driver. IMO.

 

[71Polara383]

You could always put a hot 340 in it with an 8.75 and 3.91 Sure grip...then you will have a completely different car!

My old 79.

 

[Newport 66]

You could always put a hot 340 in it with an 8.75 and 3.91 Sure grip...then you will have a completely different car!

My old 79.

View attachment 358001

View attachment 358002

100 amp alt. No A/C?
Is that your LeBaron parked next to it?

 

[71Polara383]

100 amp alt. No A/C?
Is that your LeBaron parked next to it?

Yes to both questions. I had a hell of a time getting the pulleys figured out...it wasnt right but it worked and I got it to stop tossing the belt at 6500RPM. No AC, No Power steering.
I've always had M.M.D. (multiple mopar disorder)

 

[Newport 66]

Yes to both questions. I had a hell of a time getting the pulleys figured out...it wasnt right but it worked and I got it to stop tossing the belt at 6500RPM. No AC, No Power steering.
I've always had M.M.D. (multiple mopar disorder)

View attachment 358007

Sweet! I've always liked those cars. And yes to MMD.....there I said it....LOL

 

[road chicken]

earlyLean burns are going to screw you sooner or later, and always in traffic. I know, been there. Put together an electronic ignition and scrap that thing before it gets you in trouble.

 

[James Watkins]

you also might want to ask about this on forbbodiesonly.com since your car is a b body....

Oh shoot, my bad.

you also might want to ask about this on forbbodiesonly.com since your car is a b body....

My bad, Ill ask around over there as well.

 

[James Watkins]

earlyLean burns are going to screw you sooner or later, and always in traffic. I know, been there. Put together an electronic ignition and scrap that thing before it gets you in trouble.

While it does run good NOW, it didnt always. I did have to change out the computer once already, cost me about 140. That was about 1.5 years ago. It would just turn of randomly, at idle, at speed, going 60mph you name it. Really scary stuff that was. Havent had a problem since new computer though.

 

[James Watkins]

Yes to both questions. I had a hell of a time getting the pulleys figured out...it wasnt right but it worked and I got it to stop tossing the belt at 6500RPM. No AC, No Power steering.
I've always had M.M.D. (multiple mopar disorder)

View attachment 358007

Very very nice. One of my dream cars is the 1964 300. I dont know what it is but I really love the look of that car. Black coupe would be ideal, hey maybe someday. Plus its got the 413, no replacement for displacement right?

 

[jct]

They do sell high flow cats

 

[cbarge]

They do sell high flow cats

Flowmaster makes non heavy metal pre-OBD-II cats that sell for under hundred bux each in many different sizes.
Flowmaster® Federal Catalytic Converters
Hope this helps

 

[Mr C]

Since you say it's running well, I vote no. I've always been an adherent to "Don't fix it if it ain't broken". I think you have a stretched chain/ mangled plastic sprocket.

By the way, still running LB in my 79 360 2bbl. Pretty peppy for the smog era.