1978-1979 Dodge Lil Red Express
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Contents
Background:
The Last American Hot Rod to roll off the assembly line in the late 1970s.78 Lil' Red Truck
1978....
Dodge released the Lil' Red Express Truck In 1978 it was one of the most unique Dodge trucks that had ever been produced. The Lil' Red Express was not only a real looker but these trucks were also real performers also. In 1978 The Dodge Lil' Red Express was the fastest American made vehicle from 0 to 100 MPH as tested by Car and Driver magazine.
Because of a loophole in the emissions regulations the 1978 Dodge Lil' Red Express Truck's did not have catalytic converters, what the Lil' Red Express did have was a special High Performance 360 C.I. 4-barrel small block engine code (EH1) which was a modified version of the 360 police engine (E58) producing 225 net horsepower @ 3800 RPM. The package also included Hemi style mufflers with a crossover pipe breathing through 2 chrome stacks located behind the cab, a special 727 transmission and 3.55:1 rear gearing.
The 1978 Dodge Lil' Red Express Truck rode on GR60x15 raised white letter tires on 7-inch Chrome wheels up front and LR60x15 on 8-inch chrome wheels on the rear and there was no spare included. All 1978 Dodge Lil' Red Express Truck's were automatics the interiors were available with a standard bench seat in red or black or with optional buckets and a fold down arm/rest console which was available both years. 1978 and some early 1979 Dodge Lil' Red Express Truck's used the "tuff" steering whWith the success of the 1978 Dodge Lil' Red Express Truck production of the 1979 Dodge Lil' Red Express Truck's was increased to 5,118. Most of the features remained unchanged for 1979 however there was some changes which included a catalytic converter, unleaded gas, 85 MPH speedometer.
1979 ....
With the success of the 1978 Dodge Lil' Red Express Truck production of the 1979 Dodge Lil' Red Express Truck's was increased to 5,118. Most of the features remained unchanged for 1979 however there was some changes which included a catalytic converter, unleaded gas, 85 MPH speedometer.
The most noticeable changes on the 1979 editions was the new flat hood and dual square headlights replacing the round versions on 1978 Dodge Lil' Red Express Truck's and the 1979's rode on LR60x15 raised white letter tires on 8-inch chrome wheels on all 4 corners.
History:
Model Predecessor
1977-78 Dodge Warlock Truck
Model Successor
1990-1992 Lil' Red Express Dakota by L.E.R Industries
Export Versions
Related Models
Warlock, Midnite Express Truck, True Spirit
Competition
- Ford F-Series Trucks(For 1978 & 1979)
- Chevrolet Full Size Trucks (For 1978 & 1979)
Body Styles
Technical:
Class
High Class
Platform
Engines
EH1 360 High Performance Chrysler LA small block based on the car division E58 police engine with upgrades. The upgrades included a 68 340 Chrysler LA small block camshaft with a 276 duration, .484 lift and 48 degree overlap. Then a double roller timing chain and gear set was added for durability. A set of 360 high flow heads featuring 1.88/1.62 valves helped moves gases in and out. It used a forged crankshaft with 8:4:1 flat top pistons and featured a bore of 4.00 inches and a stroke of 3.58 inches respectively. It is also believed the rocker arms and springs are more heavy duty than the standard E58 pieces used. Also, Chrysler topped the package by using a 850 cfm Carter Thermoquad 4bbl carburetor with bigger primaries and secondaries than the police version of the carburetor. The engine was rated at 225 hp @ 3800 RPM and 295 lb/ft of torque at 3200 RPM.
- Note: The prototype Lil' Red Express used W2 Cast Iron Heads, Holley Aluminum Intake, and Holley 4160 4bbl carburetor. Again, this was only the prototype and not the production version that featured this items like some people believe.
Transmissions
A727 Loadflite Transmission with upgrades. The upgrades included a 440 valve body install to provide firmer and positive shifts. A Chrysler 9" 2500 rpm stall torque converter was used to give quicker launches and acceleration. The gear ratios were as follows: 1st= 2.45; 2nd= 1.45; 3rd= 1.00; and reverse is a 2.20 ratio.
Specifications:
Length, width, height, wheelbase
Wheelbase = 131.0", Overall length= 210.2", overall width= 79.5", Curb Weight= 3815 pounds, Fuel Capacity= 20.0 gallons, Tread Front/Rear= 67.5"/65.2"
Year by Year Changes, Production Numbers, and Cost:
1978
Total Production for the 1978 pictured above was only a mere 2,188 units.
1979
Total production for the 1979 pictured above was 5,118 units.
Wiki Topic References:
Magazine References:
External Links
http://www.dodgeconnection.com
