1978 Dodge Other

b200 Minivan, Van

slant 6 225cc

Automatic

B21BB8K127301

Clear

Gasoline

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE This is a relist! the price has been reduced for the third and final time. If it doesn't sell this round im either going to fix all the little problems and drive it myself or part it out! Last chance all you non-bidding watchers! At first glance, one may take a look at this van and think it is a little passé. Perhaps it’s just another old vehicle that’s just hardly worth its weight in scrap metal. I’m here to tell you that if you think that you’re wrong, wrong, wrong. The only reason I am selling this van is because I am a single man with 4 vehicles, and my dad has been bugging me to stop parking all my vehicles in his driveway for the better part of 3 years. I value the robust simplicity of this van like no other, so I want it to have a good home. I love the fact that the Chrysler slant six 225cc engine is by design perfectly balanced ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine_balance ). It is a torque monster (inline six motors are known for producing incredible torque for their displacement, on par with many v8 engines… that’s why some say “if you want to tow get six in a row”). And most of all, I love the fact that literally… they just don’t make them like this anymore. There is no “check engine” light to go off and create an expensive and unnecessary hassle from the government when inspection time rolls around… in fact here in New York state there is only a safety inspection on this vehicle, no emissions. For this reason the cost of the inspection is only 10 dollars. This vehicle reads only roughly 41,000 miles on the odometer. The engine has a carter 2 barrel carburetor. Transmission is a 904 automatic ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TorqueFlite ) . The block is often used in high performance muscle cars such as 1960’s and 70’s Plymouth dusters, so for some this vehicle will make a fantastic parts car. Anyone who has experience with that generation of Chryslers and Dodges will know that part interchangeability between most of their models was phenomenally good. For example it wasn’t uncommon to find the same starter or steering box in several car and truck models over the course of 10 model years. The slant six block will bolt directly to an a-833 overdrive standard transmission provided you have the correct bell housing (this was a project I wanted to try for a long time but I simply never could find the time between work and school). Also there have been many that have successfully converted their slant six to accept throttle body or multiport fuel injection systems such as the Holley Pro-jection ( http://www.holley.com/502-20S.asp )or a Megasquirt system. The Mega-squirt ( www.diyautotune.com ) is my favorite because you can tailor the mixture electronically (I always wanted to make the mixture lean out at cruising speed to increase fuel economy heheheh… and of course because it is a 78 you wouldn’t have to worry about the government coming after you for nitrous oxide emissions). All of these fuel injection kits can be found on eBay so you don’t have to pay full price, you simply have to have a mechanical vision in mind! Even without a project in mind, the van is still drivable. There are a few annoying problems that I’ve been meaning to get around to but haven’t had the time for. The metal gas tank has a slight leak at the seam. I bought a plastic gas tank out of a 94 and new straps and have been meaning to throw it in I just found it easier for the time being to not fill the tank above halfway and drive it the way it is. The Gas gauge doesn’t work I’ve just been estimating how much fuel is in the tank, there is a break in the wire between the sending unit in the tank and the gauge. The valve body from the transmission needs to be taken out and loosened up, as the transmission is occasionally having trouble downshifting when returning to idle. The steering box has a slow leak; I just fill it now and again instead of paying the 100 dollars from rockauto.com for a new steering box. The van eats a little oil, due to the valve stem seals that I have but never got around to installing. I also have a transmission tune-up kit that I never got around to installing that will come with the van. I never got around to swapping the side doors out and the latches are rusty so if you want the left door to open you have to pry at the base latching mechanism with a screwdriver. Parts that have been replaced relatively recently in this vehicle are the master cylinder, Proportioning valve, all break lines, carburetor, ignition coil, alternator, voltage regulator, ignition module, front calipers and brake hoses, wiper motor, alternator, ballast resistor, radiator, thermostat, fuel filter, fuel pump, tailpipe, muffler, rear brake shoes and wheel cylinders, part of the fuel line, passenger side upper control arm and bushings and ball joint, wiper motor (lifetime warranty). Doors from a more recent 97 were thrown on this can to give it a bit of an update, along with tires and a washer fluid reservoir. The tires have a good amount of tread left. The pictures should give a fairly clear picture of the rust. Considering its age and the region it’s from, it’s actually quite good. This ad will be doubling on eBay and craigslist until it sells! Feel free to stop by email me through craigslist or eBay and we can set up a time. Email me though ebay and ill give you a phone number you can call or text me and answer any questions you may have… thanks---jon