To Be Formal or not?

[streetmachine]

Anyways, I figure I would hit the board up. Right now I'm struggling with myself over a decision. As you know I just recently bought a very nice 84 Chrysler Fifth Avenue. It was a decent deal considering the car. Other than hand I keep telling myself that I should purchase a late C-Body.

Here's where my struggle lies, while I like the styling of the M-Body but, I like the earlier 76-78 Newport and New Yorker. I'm thinking it would cool to have a 4 door hardtop. I probably would stick with a 400 big block and if has lean burn then, I would get rid of it run a temp setup and then eventually go fuel injection.

My struggle that lies with the Fifth Avenue is the light rear duty axle/leaf springs with 2.24 gears, 904 transmission, and some of the electrical stuff. Plus, one thing I don't like about the small block is the distributor in the back. The engine is a little tighter than I thought it would be on this car. On one hand a part of me says to keep this car. But, on the other hand a part says you should puruse a big block and bigger car. But, the other struggle tells me the Fifth Avenue would be a better daily driver being two feet shorter and about 5 inches in overall width.

The other concern, is I've seen fuel economy all over the place for these M-Bodies even though fuel economy isn't at the top of my list. I figure if a C-Body could close to what my newer Ram average which is 14 mpg then might be tempting. The M-Body average around 15 mpg. Anyways, I know I might get a biased opinion but, seem to be well versed in both sides of the fence. I've already gotten a few opinions. Just keep struggling with myself over this as I can only have one car. Thank you in advance for any answers.

Here's what I'm hoping to my Fifth Avenue look like if I keep it.

 

[1978 NYB]

I would keep the car you have now and still get a Formal. Get a Formal from out west with no rust. You can get a very nice one for $5k or so.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

Get a Formal from out west with no rust. You can get a very nice one for $2500 or so.

Fixed.

 

[streetmachine]

I'm thinking of still getting a Formal. After finally spending some wheel time behind my car it doesn't drive bad at all. Now, keep in mind I drove a 77 Newport and to be honest I kind of like how the Newport drove compared to the M-Body. Also, the Newport feels bigger width wise and I have to say I like that. One other thing I found interesting is that M-Body and C-Body New Yorkers share the same power window motors. Anyways, I guess we'll see how things play out.

 

[WorkerBee]

The M-Body and '80s Dodge truck lineup use the same PW motor also. Your Fifth Ave looks really good with those rims.:icon_super: If it were mine, I'd install a 8 1/4 with 3.21 gears and a A500 with an aftermarket higher stall lock-up converter.

 

[1978 NYB]

Just make sure you get a Formal with manual A/C....a lot less problems.

 

[streetmachine]

Yes, I already knew that part. I like to keep it simple as I can in some respects anyways. The 5th Avenue in the picture isn't mine. But, it is the same color and with a set of the same wheels I may buy. I will add that those wheels were a factory option on the 82-83 New Yorker Fifth Avenues. Then went to the "snowflake" style wheels like you see on the 81-83 Imperial Coupes.