Faults:
Rear main seal leaking slightly when I acquired the car (but doesn't seem to be a common problem with other Eagles).
Idle jets in the Carter 2bbl carburetor are clogged. This is a common problem and is fixed easily, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. Causes a slightly rough idle and sometimes the engine will stall when coming to a stop mostly when the engine is cold.
Upper radiator hose leaked when I acquired the car. I have since replaced it. This was caused by excessive pressure build up in the cooling system. The lower radiator hose is evidence of this because it was bulging. I replaced the original radiator cap with one with a lower pressure relief valve to prevent any future complications.
Emissions tubing from the exhaust manifold to catalytic converter was rusted away and the car would not pass emmissions. This was replaced with metal tubing near the manifold and heat treated hose from there to the cat.
General Comments:
After crashing my 87 Dodge Daytona twice it was time for another car. I was looking for a car with a little character. It took me a little while to find it, but I have enjoyed it since day one. I didn't want a Civic, Taurus, Camaro, Mustang, or any of those cars that everybody and their mother has. I hardly ever see Eagles nevermind the SX/4 hatchback version. It even gets people's attention sometimes when I'm driving around town.
Here are a few specs off the top of my head (may not be exact) :
258 ci (4.2L) OHV I-6 engine
Carter BBD 2 barrel carb
115 HP
225ft/lbs torque (something like that)
Selectable RWD or 4WD
15mpg if your lucky
Weighs about 3000lbs.
Completed Modifications:
-Larger 2002 Jeep Wheels and Tires (barely fit, but look real nice). Tires are 215/75/R15 vs. stock 195/75/R15. I also used 5/16" wheel spacers in the rear because the rear track width is shorter than the front.
-K&N E-1080 High Flow Air Filter
-Cape Conversions TFI ignition upgrade (includes larger distributer/rotor, high output coil, thicker ignition wires). This kit allows you to overgap the spark plugs due to the higher voltage coil, which creates a larger combustion and slightly more power. It also revs much higher because the the large distributor eliminates crossfiring which occurs in the diminutive stock cap.
Future plans:
-Mild suspension lift to provide more tire clearance and tougher look.
-Auxiliary Lighting: fog lights, driving lights, insane back up lights
-Install CD player + new speakers
-Higher flow exhaust system (+a couple HP)
-Advance ignition timing (+a couple HP)
-4.0L Jeep head conversion (+30-40 HP)
-Auxiliary transmission cooler
-Weber carb to replace the crappy Carter (+a few HP)
-Dash mounted tachometer
-OEM rear spoiler.
The only complaints I have about the car is that the front seats were replaced prior to my ownership with the improper color. The rear seating is tight, but my friends don't seem to mind because the car is so damn cool. There are also no cup holders, but I'm taking care of that soon.
27th Jul 2012, 09:11
Why would anyone drive an old beater like this at "90+ mph"?