1977 Plymouth Volare Custom 318 V8

Summary:

A wild thrill ride that can be a sleeper or a true bad to the bone road warrior

Faults:

My rear end went out at 77,000 miles.

My torque converter blew apart at 82,000 miles.

My rear leaf springs broke and needed replacement.

General Comments:

The problems I have experienced with the car were all self induced. After purchasing the car, I promptly upgraded the intake and carburetor to produce more power. It was so successful that I failed to look ahead and realize that the drive train could not handle the additional performance.

The first problem was when the rear gears shot out of the housing. I upgraded to an 8-1/4 and have not had a problem since. The second problem was when the torque converter finally went out and blew pieces into the transmission from high torque loads. This problem was fixed when a custom built torque-flight 727 and high stall converter replaced the 904. Unfortunately, by using the new transmission with harder shifting, the rear leaf springs became too stressed and 3 of the 4 leafs on each side literally broke. After replacing them with 5-leaf heavy-duty springs, the car hasn't had a problem.

The car has outperformed every goal I have set to this date. It currently reaches speeds in excess of 140 and can out corner most modern home tuned sports cars. It can hold it's own against any of the lighter imports without breaking a sweat. The car begs for corners, and on long open roads it fly's smoothly at high speeds.

The car has always been able to get me to and from work. It never fails to start when needed. Even through all of the rough treatment, it keeps going.

The only gripe I have is the fuel economy, but that is mostly my own fault for poorly jetting the car. I figure that once the car is jetted properly, it will perform very well by modern standards.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th May, 2003

1977 Plymouth Volare Premier 5.2 Litre V8 (318 CI)

Summary:

A kick a$$ car

Faults:

My transmission seal was shot when I bought it so I took it in an found out the torque converter was cracked.

General Comments:

This car kicks A$$

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th February, 2003

1977 Plymouth Volare Premiere,Wagon 5.2litre V8

Summary:

The Old beast

Faults:

I just got this car. I do have to replace the brakes, the exhaust as well as a side marker light on the right, rear of the car.

The body needs work, but very solid for the car's age

Other than that I have no trouble getting it going.

General Comments:

The car is in good condition, but it does have some wear in the interior and carpets. For the most part everything wrong with this car is easily fixed and

I really don't think my wagon would take too much to restore. Most of the body work is surface rust that's easily ground down and repainted except for the lower front fenders, which will need a spot filled in. For the price I payed for this car I think I will definitely get my money's worth.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 21st October, 2002

3rd Oct 2008, 21:15

We bought a '77 Volare wagon in 1986, now in 2008, she has 135,645 miles on her. We have replaced the timing chain 3 times, had to do some sanding and painting. Replaced the starter 2 times, raised 4 kids with it, so the interior is kinda rough. We have been made many offers for it, but we say no. Shes very dependable and like a member of the family.

4th Oct 2008, 10:21

My family also owned four Plymouth Volarè station wagons over the years, and all were good cars. Three had the 225 Slant 6 and one had a 318; all automatics except for one 6 that had a 4-speed. They were all dependable and good cars, probably the consistently best series of models we ever had. All the Slant 6 cars went over 200,000 miles before being sold off to other people.