MPG experiment, 1976 Dart Lite

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Originally Posted by War_Wagon

There is a trashed Al Bundy special Gold Duster parked on the side of the road near here, that wouldn't be a factory lightweight/economy car would it?

Probably not, Gold Duster was an option package on Duster. If I recall, you couldn't have a Gold Duster, and Feather Duster, at the same time.

Either way, a /6 can be economy, even if it doesn't have the sticker on the side.

The Dart Lite and Feather Duster were nothing exotic, and truly a band aid attempt until the Volare came out.

Aluminum (substructure) on hood and truck aren't going to save much weight.
Aluminum (substructure) on bumpers are not going to make a huge difference. Aluminum intake manifold, might save a couple pounds.
The biggest gain, was the OD trans, and the EGR, and timing stuff that Ceej lists earlier. The engine itself is pretty much the same.

[Backtobasics]

I actually heard the Dart Lite run last night.

My biggest obstacle on this car has been carburetion. The carb that came on the car was stripped out, and didn't have the accelerator pump linkage. Several rebuild attempts, plus trying to build accelerator pump rod, has not panned out. A replacement carb was purchased, and would not come apart to be rebuilt.

Luckily, another Mopar guy remembered I might have some parts of interest. He asked about any bartering. In the long run, I ended up with a BRAND new 1 barrel and BRAND new 2 barrel carb plus some cash for parts I was not going to use.

The new carb has been sitting forever, and will need a kit, as it leaks at the top. However, the car started and ran for a bit last night! Sweet sounds. I am going to throw a kit into this 1 barrel, and get this car moved from storage. It's time to get ready to enjoy her this spring.