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[coppcarz]

OK, who here has an A38 R body?


have a few questions

[Dippy.org]

[DobaMark]

I've had a few over the years, but none now.
79 St Regis and a pair of 80 Gran Fury's.

[coppcarz]

Wasn't someone on this site restoring one? I think it was a Vegas one.

[DobaMark]

Wasn't someone on this site restoring one? I think it was a Vegas one.

There may have been long ago.
If you've got questions, let me know and I can find answers or connect you with someone who would know.

[coppcarz]

Caught this one on ebay.......so wanted to figure out more about R bodies

[DobaMark]

Here is a general overview:
The R body was pretty much a heavily restyled B body (like the 78 Fury and Monaco).  Slightly different dimensions, lots of weight reduction, and no more big blocks. But underneath was the same isolated B body structure that started in 1973.
1979 offered St Regis and Newport police cars. The police R bodies were all V8 powered (unlike the civilian ones that offered the slant 6). The police engines were the 318-2 and 360-4. I don't think there was a 318-4 police motor that year, except with California emissions. Rear axle was a 9.25" with choice of 2.7 or 3.2 gears.
For 1980, the Newport left police service and the Gran Fury entered.  Federal engines remained unchanged. California lost the 360-4. The rear axle changed to a 9.25" ratio with no other options.
For 1981, the federal cars lost the 360-4 and the 318-4 was the top engine.

Mechanically, it was basic stuff. HD engines, 727  transmission, PS and trans coolers standard. Oil cooler optional, sure grip optional, relocated spark control computer (to the inside of the car) optional.

[coppcarz]

I want to make sure it is a police package car, it does have A38 on the fender tags. Do I need any other codes to authenticate it as a police car?

[wolfsblood07]

I love these cars.  They are extremely rare.  Even in the 80s there weren't a lot of these big Mopars on the road. 

[DobaMark]

I want to make sure it is a police package car, it does have A38 on the fender tags. Do I need any other codes to authenticate it as a police car?

No, the A38 means it is a police car.
if it's got the E58 code, it's the 360-4.
These cars were popular in the police fleets, but so many have been junked. Finding one in decent condition is hard.

[80 Lebaron Coupe]

I had a 80 Gran Fury Arkansas State Police car.
360 4bbl/727/9.25
Blue on Blue.
I traded it for a 70 Chrysler New Yorker with a 440 and 500.00

One of a few I regret letting go.
I also had a white 79 St. Regis Cop Car 360 4bbl.

[coppcarz]

No 360. it is an 81, so it should have the 318. My under standing is that the 360 was no longer for the 81 MY.

[DobaMark]

No 360. it is an 81, so it should have the 318. My under standing is that the 360 was no longer for the 81 MY.

Correct, if it's an 81, it will be a 318. The 318 was a single exhaust, i believe, unlike the 360 which had true duals.

The 318 got a bad reputation because CHP thought their 1980 318 St Regis cars were underpowered. However, it was the best performing car they tested that year.

My three were:
1979 St Regis, Ohio Highway Patrol (they did not run marked St Regis cars in the Highway Patrol in 1979, so it was either a test car or one of their unmarked fleet)
1980 Gran Fury, West Virginia State Police
1980 Gran Fury, Oklahoma Highway Patrol

[lsm360]

Mark speaks the truth on the R body. And officers LOVED the R body with the E58. Just right. I understand you Mikey when you regret getting rid of yours. I regret getting rid of my E58 Aspen. I don't understand why the guy I sold it to was immediately selling. I think he had financial issues. That Aspen of mine with E58 was a fantastic car. The engine is still my Avatar.

[80 Lebaron Coupe]

I still think this was your car.

[80 Lebaron Coupe]

  I remember when you did that interior. Nice Job!