Agree. And yet, sometimes you just want to share - to get it off your mind. OP should feel safe to post his experience here. I didn't take the B-body swipe seriously, I sure hope it wasn't meant seriously.
So what to do?
Nice idea.
But how to do this?
Anything said that contradicts the person will put them on the defensive, and from there its downhill. 95% of the time anyway.
A redirect that suggests checking further, checking something authoritative probably hasa better chance.
"Interesting. First I've heard of something like that. Might want to look at the sales books from those years"
"Did you you know there's a nice collection digitized on the internet? ....its called Hamtramck Historical, after one of the Chrysler factories.."
That's enough info to get him or her started if they chose. It also plants a seeds of doubt on their 'facts'. Heck they might even ask you for what you think is correct. At that point they're open to listening.
Actually, I didn't know rather to take it seriously or not. That's why one of my responses was meant with utmost sarcasm.
The fact is there are all kinds out there who haven't a clue and need the education and help.
We have guys coming on here who ask the most basic of questions. Some make fun of them, some don't. The fact is the only dumb answer is the one that goes unasked.
I also know of a lot of guys who shoot from the hip and start talking, rather they have anything to say or not. I know a few guys who get around car guys and they feel intimidated and think they, too, should know something rather it's true or not. Social anxiety plays a role in this, other times it's just trying to impress.
Personally, I would have told him it's an awesome car and good luck with his build.
Your suggestions are well noted. I like mine just as well. Giving him the websites with no pressure would help, too. A few minutes of reading as a lurker might spark the urge to learn in his brain without making him feel like an idiot. Coming on strong and telling him flat out the a 454 is a Chevy engine, the '72 SE was the last year and package for the hideaway headlights, and telling him a 383 is a Mopar B (colloquial big block) would put him on the defensive.
Either way, he'll get an education when he goes to buy parts. The parts guy will tell him there is no such thing as a 454 Mopar. When he insists he put a 454 in it, they'll sell him parts for a Chevy, which won't fit, and he'll either think he's right and throw his *** they sold him the wrong parts or wake up and realize he erred.
I'd rather he find out the easy way instead of the hard way