B-body vs. A-body...

[brandon64]

I would put the 340 in the garage and hold onto it...that way he still has the ability to have a numbers matching car. If he is going to sell the 340 he might as well buy the cheaper clone.

If you can afford to that would be the preferred and smart option. I couldn't afford to so I traded the 340 out of my numbers matching 68 dart for a 1965 426 wedge engine.

 

[Red63440]

Money is usually the factor in a move like that. I have owned very few matching numbers cars and the ones that I have owned will never be considered muscle cars. If I didn't have my 63 Dodge I would have liked to have found a solid original 68 Bee with a 4 speed and Ram induction in B-5.

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

This is a TOUGH one:head_smack:

 

[djais1801]

Exactly!!! If i can negotiate the Satellite down a bit, I can really have room to make some changes...or the Duster is at the top of my budget for now...You're talking potentially a $5000 difference.

 

[Red63440]

Exactly!!! If i can negotiate the Satellite down a bit, I can really have room to make some changes...or the Duster is at the top of my budget for now...You're talking potentially a $5000 difference.

In todays economy $5,000.00 is a lot. I guess it all comes down to what you actually what to end up with. If you want a big block and money is tight then go with the Satellite. If you want numbers matching and more of an investment go with the Duster. The $5,000.00 you save would pay for a 4 speed conversion.

 

[djais1801]

or a repaint if needed in future

 

[RTSrunner]

If the Satellite is clean,and the duster is 4-5k more,buy the Satellite.You can do a lot to the car for for that amount,including making it a 4-speed if desired.The Duster isn't totally numbers matching since it was originally a 3-speed,now 4-speed.Post the asking prices if you will,but I say save the $ and buy the B-body.
RT

 

[Propwash]

I'd go with the duster..........Just my 2 cents.

 

[pabster]

Satellite. B-Bodies are so damn tough. The looks, the interior. I just don't think I could ever choose a Duster over the early 70's B-body. Sure, the Duster is numbers matching, but which one puts more of a smile on your face? Which one looks less like everything else on the road? The Satellite wins, IMHO.

 

[gremlinsteve]

go with the 71 rr clone. spend the saved 4k on a keisler swap...have fun..

steve

 

[djais1801]

The Duster is $13,000 firm, can get the Satellite between around $8500. And thanks for the opinions.

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

The $$$$$ saved can make that "B" body real FAST if you wanted to go in that direction:icon_batman:

 

[Cranky]

Drive them both and then decide. The Duster will most likely handle better since it's lighter over all plus it has a lighter engine up front. That's a big plus. 340's usually ran circles around 383's in stock form. I've seen very few 383's run good enough to give a 340 fits. The Duster will probably return better fuel mileage too. Fun factor goes to the Duster imo. If you have money burning a hole in your pocket and have car fever, wait until something else comes along since these really don't appeal to you 100%. I've been looking for another car and I'm being picky because I will keep it probably for the rest of my life and I want it to be something I really want. I have one more car in my shop to put together and I'm not doing anymore of them!

 

[moparmarks]

Your the only one you have to make happy.
I'm not much of a Duster fan but am a big fan of the 71 Plymouths.
Good on the Duster is being a 340 manual car. They made about 250,000 73 Dusters compaired to 41,000 71 Satellites. 8500 on the 71 isn't too bad if it is a clean rust free body.

 

[marlabuck]

Duster...yep yep...Duster. Marla

 

[Bruzilla]

My life experience is to go with the B body, but I'm a product of the 70s. Back then, the B body was the top of the heap, and the A bodies were what someone who couldn't afford a Satellite or Roadrunner bought. Cruising in a Duster or Demon was like taking your sister to the prom. Plus, the A bodies were classified as compact cars when they came out, and my parents influences were compacts were bad, so I guess I can blame them for some of my bias.

 

[djais1801]

Damn...all these comments are pretty much split down the middle...SO I know either way I go will work out alright. I keep going back and forth in my mind..I am going to see the Satellite tomorrow (3hr trip) ugh! And someone on FABO is going to look at the Duster for me..it's in Connecticut..
The Duster is owned by a Auto Flipper..so afraid it might be a Maaco hiding problems..
The Satellite is privately owned for about 8 years...and has a worked 383 putting out about 400hp..

 

[Cranky]

Was wondering why the price of the Duster seemed high and I'm betting it's not that nice or the flipper would be asking more. Flippers scare me....they generally do whatever it takes to make the car look good for a sale.

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

What are your intentions with a muscle car,just a streeter or are you going to modify for some drag racing??

 

[djais1801]

i want something that i can light the tires up when i want...but mostly around town and to cruise nights..