1986 Dodge Diplomat S.E. from North America - Comments

I have an 86 diplomat, no vinyl top. It had a blown 318, with a torque-flight 3 speed, which was why it was only $100. I dropped in 383 big block from a '68 polara (beefed up the front suspension, removed inner fenders) and put in a 4-speed w/hydraulic clutch. She'll now do high 10s on the track.

My 1987 Diplomat SE has held up great. It looks really great if it is treated well and if it is not pushed to hard, it will run great.

I bought (for $1) a 1987 Dodge Diplomat SE - from (you guessed it) a little old lady who drove it to church. It only has 80,000 miles on it and is CHERRY! White with red vinyl top and perfect red interior. I am hoping to sell it when I get the title back from DMV as it is way too big for me. My question - I noticed that, for the first 15 minutes of driving, it seems to hesitate before shifting into 2nd and again into 3rd. After it warms up, it stops that. Maybe I'm pressing too hard on the gas as I'm used to a little Honda with zip - or am I looking at transmission trouble and in the near future?

My 2nd question: my mechanic says it is worth $2000 (in California anyway). Is this way too much?

To 8:44, I would say that the shifting is a little sluggish because after so many years, it probably needs the transmission fluid and filter changed. If it hasn't been driven much, and has been sitting a lot, it might be a little slow to engage. It could also need some transmission fluid -- check the level on the transmission dipstick when the car is idling hot in neutral. Also, it's best to let an automatic transmission warm up in neutral for a few moments to get the fluid circulating and up to operating temperature.

Remember that the V-8 has different characteristics than your Honda. The V-8 probably runs at much lower rpm's (most driving in the 1,200-2,200 rpm range) and has more torque, but that in the 1980's, V-8's were strangled with emissions controls so they don't rev up and develop a lot of horsepower -- probably only about 150 hp in the case of this 318. Still a good engine, though, and if you were going to keep it, there is a lot you could do to wake it up. The gearing is also most likely set up for highway cruising to get better mileage, so with a high gear ratio, you won't feel as much snap in street driving unless you shift manually to get the engine revved up. Sounds like a nice car.

I am 16 years old. My dad has had the Dip for me since I was born, and now that I can drive it, I love it. It's a good car and I can fit a lot of friends in. Anyone else have a pic of their car? I would like to see it. Email me at rftmoon@hotmail.com