Why is my top speed 70 mph?

RustyRatRod said
I mean no disrespect when I say following, so please don't take it as such. Now that I have said that, if you do take it that way, it's all on you.

First, from your original post and responses, it sounds like you have very limited knowledge of automobiles. That's cool. We all did at one point. That said, I highly recommend that you get a FACTORY Chrysler service manual for your car. We have them available somewhere on this site as a linked download for some models for free. If yours is not among them you can find one on Ebay. And I mean FACTORY CHRYSLER, not some Chiltons, Haynes or other craptastic garbage.

You said you did the test I outlined. I did not ask you if the carburetor was opening. We all already knew it had to be if the car was moving. I asked you to check to see if it was opening ALL THE WAY as far as it can. If you did not physically GRAB the carburetor linkage while someone had their foot to the floor on the gas pedal, you did not check it as outlined. Your answers there have been very vague and unclear at best. Much like a mud puddle.

No offense taken. To be more clear, yes, I did what you suggested. That is all good. I had my father in law help me out and we went through several of the things suggested here in this forum. He is good with cars. We believe that it is not an engine or carb problem. Sorry if I seemed dismissive about your suggestion about the carb - we tested it quickly and went on to other things it might have been. I got 100 different suggestions from the excellent people here and have not tried them all so I hope nobody is thinking I am car ignorant or snobby for not trying every suggestion within 24 hours of it being suggested. I am new to cars in some ways, but very familiar with cars in other ways. I brought a 1964 Ford Galaxie back from the dead and restored it into a police car that is now in near mint condition. I have rebuilt aircooled engines and can do all of my own body work. I have NOT yet had the pleasure of rebuilding a water cooled engine or transmission yet, so in that regard, yes, I am not very familiar with cars in that specific area. However, I am growing in my knowledge of cars, which is not bad for a Ph.D. who spends so much time in an office. Anyway, for me, classic cars are an educational experience, and once I take on a project, I tend to become more knowledgeable than most in that area. So, give six months and I will be able to write my own manual on the 318 engine. :) Thanks again for all of your suggestions and I will continue to work through the suggestions you all provided as time allows.