1975 duster 360

[canadian duster]

So I just picked up a duster 360, 1975. It appears to be in pretty good shape and has bigger cam and carb already. This is my first duster and I'm hoping someone can help me understand the main differences that the duster 360 package came with. Also what the first things on my "hitlist" for improvements would be. I'm looking at header and heads after I replace tires and 1 seat belt.

Thanks

 

[Snake]

Welcome .any pic of the Duster.

 

[canadian duster]

Not yet. Drive it home tonight. Will have up tomorrow.

 

[Hersbird]

I like the magnum head conversion on these, especially the new EQ heads. They have a smaller combustion chamber so you can get back some of that compression without doing a full piston swap. You also get a little more lift from the cam with the rockers. You may already have the right lifters if they were swapped with the cam so all you need is the pushrods and a different intake manifold. Or pay extra for the heads that are filled for the old style intake manifold.

Is it an automatic? I would say the torque converter would be the other place I would think about.

 

[Alaskan_TA]

Some 1975 Duster & Valiant info at http://www.hamtramck-historical.com/dealerships/1975PlymouthDealershipDataBook-02.shtml

 

[canadian duster]

Just got it home. It has performer rpm cam, intake manifold, 650 cfm edelbrock carb (need to confirm), rockers and hydraulic lifters as well. Idles poorly so I think either carb is off or timing needs adjusted. Will be doing a converter for sure, likes to stall at low rpm's which is more timing than anything but isn't as responsive as I'd expect.

 

[H22A4]

You picked up a rare car as there were not many 360 Dusters produced in 1975. Does it have the original drivetrain? Was it sold new in Alberta (Crosstown). Most 40+ yr old cars that are found on the Prairies are not in great shape. The Duster 360 will have front disc brakes, front sway bar and dual exhaust from the factory.

Oh, post some pics of it!!

 

[oldkimmer]

...........Welcome to FABO, I also have a factory 75 360 duster, 40,ooo original mile car...............kim......

 

[75Sport]

Welcome. I have a 75 Dart 360 Sport. I have lots of pics of the stock engine compartment.

 

[canadian duster]

Thanks guys. Just going over the numbers but it appears the engine is 1 off. Gonna dig deeper this weekend. I've got 1 picture of it but unable to attach in the post?? Can't find the right button

 

[Kern Dog]

1 off? What does that mean?

 

[canadian duster]

sorry the block appears to be different than the original block in the car, everything else matches the build sheet. PO stated that the first owner replaced the block.

O well. it is running much better now but I am challenged with the idling of the car. I have timed and set the idle 4x today and each time after 5-10 minutes of driving, the idle will drop off again resulting in very difficult takeoffs

 

[Dusty2]

I believe there was aprox. 1431 - 75 Duster 360 - L code built. So you have a rare Duster. Welcome to the sight and enjoy! Lots of good knowledge and good people willing to assist you on this sight.

 

[AJ/FormS]

Sounds like the timing is changing. What is the light telling you? Did you defeat the vacuum advance? Did you tighten the dizzy? The advance weights may be sticking. That should show up on the lite, as base timing not parking in the same place, every time, after a throttle blip.

Before you start spending money on it, you ought so do a compression test, and I would also recommend a cylinder leakdown test.

 

[Motley]

This makes 2 of us now with a 1975 duster 360. I'm restoring mine now a lot f work but it'll be worth it. Here's a pic of mine.

 

[pishta]

fastest car in 1975? Could have been, edging out the anemic 305 Corvette and the 454 Chevy pickup. Spray down your distributor with WD40 and check for vacuum leaks on any vacuum pot with a mighty vac. Super valuable tool for troubleshoting. Every one in my 82 truck leaked when I bought it, and there was about 6 of them!

 

[canadian duster]

Well after lots of work this winter, I've got it running very well. Timing was extremely off and the po had cranked the idle way up to try and compensate. I can't figure out how to add a picture but while not the prettiest car on the block, it's the funnest.

 

[Motley]

Pics pics pics pics. Please. Lol

 

[canadian duster]

I can't for the life of me get a picture loaded on here? I'm using my android phone for pictures and to try and upload but I don't have a picture url???

 

[canadian duster]

View attachment 1975 Duster Mar 21 2016.jpg

 

[318willrun]

a big thumbs up !!!!!!!

 

[leblanc]

360 with cam, carb and intake should bring you to 300 plus Horsepower.

 

[canadian duster]

its currently sitting with a performer rpm cam, and performer rpm intake. 750 performer carb. as well. runs really smooth but likes to idle rough (suspect too big of cam) when idling at lights or stop signs. otherwise perfect running condition

 

[leblanc]

Maybe the timing never got set right?

 

[canadian duster]

I believe I need to run too high of initial timing then end up high on the total to have a great idle. I'm watching for a sale on a new distributor and ignition.