New Member: Needs Diplomat Help

Hello,

I'm new to Dodge Talk and internet forums in general, so I hope this works.

I'm currently driving a 1988 Dodge Diplomat with 164,000 miles on it. Everthing is original except the front seat and the wheels. I replaced the front bench seat with 2 off-road racing seats. I replaced the wheels with a set of forged aluminum alloy wheels.

As things wear out I would like to replace them with the strongest street-legal parts possible for maximum performance. Any suggestions?

-Sean

Well, with 164K, most things should be worn out. Try poly bushings for the front end stuff. A good rebuilt 360 oughta fit nice under the hood. Rebuild and gears for the rear. Don't forget a good tranny. Maybe a nice dual exhaust?

Thanks for the suggestions.

As far as 360 swaps go, I actually would prefer a new versus rebuilt engine. The problem is, which one. There were many good Magnum 360s in the early 90's.

The only thing I'm worried about is getting a good 300-400hp motor and finding out later it's not smog legal. I want to enter One Lap of America, so the engine has to be street legal.

-Sean

See if you could find a low milage Magnum 360 out of a wrecked Dak or Dak R/T, and a set of Smog leagle headers and you should have no prob passin Emissions and still be street leagle

That sucks! there is one price to pay when you want beauty, warmth ,and shine ( except for the smog ). Is the darn emissions control laws in CA.

You can put a newer motor into an older car and be alright, but you can't put an old motor in a newer car. If you go with the magnum, with a smallish 4bbl, it should pass emissions tests very easily. You will need to get the crate motor, or get all the parts to convert to fuel inj, or convert motor to work with a mechanical fuel pump, or get an electric fuel pump. There are many many ways to go. It all depends on your wallet and skills.