1980 Pontiac LeMans Station Wagon - G-T-faux (stuck with it, and can't shake it... like a bad case of herpes)

[Texas82GP]

Why would I want less power?

Wagon is lighter than Challenger.

 

[Texas82GP]

Besides, is there a difference in usable power?

 

[motorheadmike]

Wagon is lighter than Challenger.

If I could confidently drive the wagon out of the garage to some weigh scales - I'd argue not by much. The way I spec'd the prospective Hellcat makes it as light as possible (for a widebody) and that should put it around 4400lbs.

That said, I was actually speaking to the idea of using an LSX 454 vs a Procharged 5.3L. Each as built - the boosted 5.3L has a much higher performance ceiling than the N/A 454. Now a Procharged LSX 454 is a horse of a different colour.

Truthfully, putting $16,000 CDN into an engine is counter intuitive when that is just shy of 20% of the purchase price of the Hellcat (taxes in). The boosted 5.3L is a zero sum endeavor until I get the itch to do something else. Moar bigger.

 

[fleming442]

Why not slap some bearings and the Procharger on the 6.0 in the wagon?

 

[motorheadmike]

Why not slap some bearings and the Procharger on the 6.0 in the wagon?

I guess the one underlying issue that hasn't really been discussed is: time.

Time needed to constantly do fleet management. Servicing a high mileage SUV, a now hurt and was almost "finished" project car, and a half-done project just doesn't align with the near and long term demands on my time between family and work. Things are going to get hectic in September.

A new toy eliminates the old new toy problems (and the TBSS is wearing out). The wagon is lost for the summer, and the Monte is going on the back burner. I can work on them as time and interest allows... but, demodding the TBSS for sale is the priority right now.

If going to the garage to grab a toy means I only get to drive the HC, so be it. It'll do daily, drag, and auto-x duty just fine.

 

[fleming442]

Gotcha. How are Hellcats in the snow?

 

[motorheadmike]

Gotcha. How are Hellcats in the snow?

I hope I never find out.

 

[Turbolq4]

4400lbs is alot of beef. My Malibu is a full power, full interior barge and it's 3600. Wagons can't be that much more weight. I should build a lighter car🤔

 

[Texas82GP]

"Wide body." It's a nice way of saying fat.

 

[Turbolq4]

I can still see the appeal of Charger/Challenger. The Mustang and Camaro are straight sports cars now. Zero usable rear seat space and generally tight quarters. Personally I would run a Vette before a Camaro. I like the looks of the Stang but a true GT car they are not anymore. Challenger can actually fit 4 people and enough luggage to leave town with.