Let's see, what was new for '73:

-Better brakes (even the basic 9" drums were improved, as were the discs)
-Better front suspension
-Better engine mounts
-Better ignition system
-Better heat/AC system
-Better trunk lock

Updated to add:
-Side impact anti-death guard beams in the doors
-Front bumpers that actually work rather than just sitting there looking cute until the most minor of impact deforms them
-Rear bumpers that are at least a little more protective than in '72

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

My mistake, I see your point now. I'll post that tag pic as soon as I get back to town next week (I'm currently deployed) I am absolutely on-board with the idea of upgrading features to address current safety concerns. This is all great stuff, guys. Looks like I came to the right place! OH...an I seem to recall that the old owner said he had purchased the 'Quiet Car' option. I have yet to verify that.

Cheers!
Shawn

And thanks!

This site is a wealth of information!

Didn't the inner structure of the doors change in 73 to provide better protection from side impacts?

I'm half-kicking around the idea of having the shop do a straight factory rebuild for now, then upgrading components as desired later on. I know that improvements are easier done at this stage, but the budget only allows for so much at the moment and perhaps the emphasis should be on safety and drivability, over performance. Suspension/steering, tires, brakes, cooling, exhaust etc. This would allow me time to get some basic knowledge under my belt before I go off about cams, manifolds, carbs and carburetors. I'm a fan of learning the elemental fundamentals before trying to modify them.

i have found that a rebuild to stock can yield impressive results from an inline 6. this might be because they don't give up easily .

and yes, my experience with the drums being inadequate was back in 1980, i shudder to think of it today.

you might consider a mild upgrade of the camshaft, as well as the timing gear set and chain. my old dart had a worn-out timing set at just under 100K miles, and that is something you would definitely want. as to the oil pump, you will find that there is stock, and aftermarket upgrades. for the type of use you are describing, i would stick with stock, because if you need to service the pump later down the road, you will have to remove the engine to do so. the oil pump is actually serviceable, and don't forget that bypass valve.

i would also urge you to consider a valve cover gasket from realgasket.com, because they work better and are reusable silicone gaskets. they ain't cheap, but i found it to be money well spent. remflex makes a really good intake/ exhaust manifold gasket that is also more forgiving than the standard issue ones. they come with a 6 month guarantee, but again, are not at all cheap. you might wait to see whether or not you have problems with sealing, others may feel differently.

best of all, if you like to sometimes turn your own wrenches (or just want to have a better understanding of do's and don'ts), you should shop for three books. Petersen's Basic Auto Repair manual, the Stockel textbook Auto Service and Repair, and a Mopar Factory Service Manual for your specific vehicle. While Youtube is great for modern cars, there isn't a lot out there for what you will be dealing with, and a picture can be worth a thousand words! trust me on this.

That all sounds like solid advice, 75V. I have sourced the MOPAR shop manual for the car and have it in-hand. Camshaft was definitely one of the things I'm looking at for the build. Hadn't considered the timing chain...but certainly will now. Oil pump will be replaced stat. I figure that a replacement now might serve me well, after all.. the original is now almost 44 years old. She's done her job for Queen and Country. I looked at the valve cover gasket you referred to and see that they also offer an oil pan gasket. Can't seem to find the in/ex gasket on their site, but I'll look again. This is invaluable stuff. I appreciate it.

Shawn

+1 on the remflex intake/exhaust gasket......

remflex.com

We tried a different type initially on our rebuild and ended up having MAJOR exhaust leaks and also some intake leaks....

Car runs so much nice now.....go figure....LOL

About $36 for the gasket depending on where you buy the kit.....it is the intake /exhauist manifold gasket plus the one that goes where the two manifolds actually bolt together.....and unless you have leaks there (where the two join) I dont know if you want to go down that road or not....we ended up having our manifold stack planed flat AND used the remflex and so far , sealed up nice and tight!

Got it, Thanks!
Shawn

Aside from the factory service manual, get the other two books described in this thread soon as you can.

A carefully-chosen camshaft, carefully degreed-in on installation, can make a large improvement. As can thoughtful work on the cylinder head.

I don't agree with the recommendation for the "Real Gaskets" valve cover gasket—they cause problems for at least as many people as they solve them for. Special boutique valve cover gaskets are neither necessary nor beneficial; just get a regular, easy-to-buy, inexpensive Fel-Pro rubber gasket and it'll be fine. See this thread.

But yes, it is very much worth your while to get the good Remflex gaskets for the manifolds-to-head and intake-to-exhaust junctions.

Your photo link doesn't work for me...anyone else?

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Yup, added (with some other items) to my list.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

No photo for me, either.

If I had a stock 73 Dart sedan with front drum brakes and $4k burning a hole in my pocket, I would start by rebuilding and upgrading the brake system and suspension and steering systems. Only once those were in top condition would I start worrying about increasing the power of the motor. Definitely upgrade to disc brakes in front and ten inch drum brakes in back.


EDITED TO CORRECT MY POOR SPELLING

Hi:

Hmm...odd about the pic. I will try again. Dan, I just ordered those books, thanks. And Thanks Reed....sounds good.

Shawn

I need practice loading images...