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Imperials have always been powered by large, smooth, powerful engines, coupled with strong, durable transmissions.
In 1955, when Imperial officially became a separate make, the engine was a 331.5 cubic inch hemi, producing 250 horsepower. The next year, the size was enlarged to 354, and the horsepower rating was 280. After that, Imperial engines continued to grow in size and power -- 1957 saw the introduction of the 392 hemi; in 1959 the 413 wedge head was introduced; and in 1966, a 440
cubic inch engine was made available for Imperials.
In 1971, the 440 available in the Imperial was officially rated at 335 horsepower, down from the 350 horsepower of the previous year. This page shows how the 440 in my own 1971 Imperial was modified to improve both economy and performance. |
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When I first bought this car in 1988, it had 131,000 miles on it. Not long after buying it, a Chrysler dealership did a ring job and valve job on the car, which sort of helped it limp along for a while. By 1997, however, with over 200,000 miles on it, it was time for a complete engine and transmission rebuild. In February 1997, I was lucky enough to locate a true craftsman in the Knoxville, Tennessee, area to tackle this job. |
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The goal of this exercise was simple: <--I wanted to go from this . . . . . . to this --> |
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Now, with time, patience, and a lot of work on the part of a true craftsman, David Osborn, my Imperial was about to receive the treatment it deserves!
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| Yes, it's a very sad, tired engine, but it's in good hands! |  |
And everything under the hood is mostly original, and not too bad for 200,000 miles! |
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Dave didn't take long at all to get the car up on jack stands and . . . whoa! Where's Waldo??? |
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That big engine compartment sure does look empty . . . and dirty! |
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And speaking of dirty, the poor 440 looks like it's been sitting in an oil bath! 26 years and 200,000 miles of sludge and crud haven't done any favors for the appearance of this power plant. |
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So this is the starting point . . . and that 727 transmission doesn't look so hot either! Fortunately, Dave is just as handy with transmissions as he is with engines. |
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The engine bay is starting to look a little cleaner . . . |
| . . . And the transmission suddenly looks GREAT! |  |
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| NOW we're getting somewhere! New pistons, re-machined heads, a new cam . . . | ||
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Not to mention some freshly cleaned and painted accessories and manifolds! |
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It's all coming together! What a GREAT looking engine, especially compared with where it started. |
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| And at last, the finished product, back in the car and back on the road! Every time I drive the car, the performance of this fine engine brings a smile to my face -- it was worth every penny of it! | ||
The engine and transmission rebuild was completed on March 15, 1997. Obviously, this was a pretty big project! For those of you who may be contemplating a similar project for your own Imperial, here's a basic breakdown of the costs for labor, parts, etc.
1971 Imperial LeBaron Engine and Transmission Rebuild R&R Engine & Transmission; Replace Steering Gear and Coupling Overhaul Transmission: Replace all seals & rings, clutches, plates, kickdown band & rear band Overhaul Engine: Replace pistons; bore block .030 over; replace rings, rod & main bearings; turn crankshaft 10-10; replace oil pump, camshaft & cam bearings, timing chain & gears, drive gear bushing, and lifters; grind valves and replace guides; surface heads; install new carburetor, Mopar Performance electronic ignition, and fuel pump.
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| Transmission Kit | 68.77 | Competition Cam (Specs) | 115.85 |
Additional Parts |
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| Flex Band | 21.00 | Oil Breather | 15.00 | ||||
| Rear Band | 21.43 | 2 Grommets | 5.90 |
Mopar Electronic Ignition DCC-3690428 |
142.95 | ||
| Filter | 3.45 | Transmission Mount | 17.30 |
Carter Competition AFB Carburetor CRT-9636 |
231.95 | ||
| 8 Pistons | 264.00 | Steering Coupling | 50.50 | Advance Auto Parts | |||
| 1 Set of Rings | 43.00 | 2 Battery Cables | 12.88 |
Rebuilt Steering Gear PA 3790207 |
150.00 |
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| 8 Rod Bearings | 32.00 | 8 Spark Plugs | 9.08 | ||||
| 1 Set of Main Bearings | 38.00 | 4 Belts | 11.96 |
MOPAR High Speed Starter 5249644 |
137.96 |
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| 1 Gasket Set | 40.00 | 2 Radiator Hoses | 14.98 | ||||
| 1 Manifold Gasket | 11.00 | Fuel Pump | 16.49 |
Spark Plug Wire Separator Package FR101 |
48.00 |
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| 1 Timing Chain Set | 24.00 | Fuel Filter | 2.69 |
Transmission Dust Cover FD15920 |
24.00 |
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| 16 Lifters | 32.00 | Motor Mount | 5.99 | Machine Shop |
448.00 |
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| 1 Oil Pump | 36.00 | Spark Plug Wire Set | 25.99 | Total Labor |
763.64 |
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| 1 Block Plug Kit | 2.95 | 2 Exhaust Gaskets | 1.98 | Total Parts |
1748.67 |
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| 1 Camshaft Bearing Set | 14.76 | Paint (Engine & Exhaust Manifold) | 52.69 | Tax |
124.71 |
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| 1 Bearing Lube | 3.63 | Hoses & Clamps | 8.57 | TOTAL |
3085.02 |
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This page was last updated December 1, 2005. Send us your feedback, and come join the Imperial Mailing List - Online Car Club.
