For $1600 I got a 1971 Chrysler Valiant Wayfarer with a 245ci (4L) 6 cylinder Hemi engine and 3 speed column shift manual transmission. The single barrel Carter had a broken choke and accelerator pump, the differential clunked, and only 1st and reverse gears could be enganged on the Borg Warner 3 speed! This is how I drove it home reaching a maximum of 30km/h.....
The diff and gearbox have been replaced, the 1bbl carter was ditched for a 350 Holley mated to a Redline 4bbl manifold, and I added extractors and a dual 2" exhaust system. I've even had people think it was a V8!
Eventually the power bug bit again, and when I was offered a reconditioned Carter Thermoquad 4bbl carburettor for $50, the money changed hands very quickly! Wide open throttle never sounded so good on a six cylinder! I've sourced a 265 head which will be fitted after a port, polish, and 0.090" shave. Hardened valve seats will allow the use of unleaded without needing additives. A new cam and performance valve springs will make the most of the new breating capabilities! The target is a minimum of 245fwhp, or 182kW. Watch this space!
The interior was treated to new loop pile carpet and the original bench seat was put back in (previous owner put in some travesty out of a van). A fresh coat of Australian Export branded paint in two tone blue and replacement seatbelts out of a VK wagon saw it through rego.
At All Chrysler Day November, 2005. Parked behind is VALGAL's red VF Regal hardtop.
245ci 1bbl Hemi Inline 6 - 165HP standard. Additions of a 4bbl carburettor, extrators, dual 2" exhaust, electronic ignition, Bosch high-output coil and topgun leads boost power considerably. Exact power output of this 35 year old example currently unknown.
Being painted in the driveway. Colours used were Australian Export Blue and Sky Blue. Original colour was Capri Blue, known as Thar-She-Blue on Pacer models. When finances permit a proper restoration on the body will include a fresh coat of this colour.
Interior - new loop pile carpet, original bench seat and a replacement factory steering wheel made thing much cosier. A trio of guages monitoring engine RPM, oil pressure and electrical voltage are mounted under the dash to keep everything under check.
