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Jensen Interceptors

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cutflowerguy

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I was passed three times today by the same Jensen Interceptor. Which year model is the most desirable? I have read on Ebay the 383 is more desirable than the 440. Any idea the price range for one?
Thanks, Les
 
Hello Les,

I cannot comment on years but the most desirable model for me is the Interceptor FF. This is the four wheel drive, anti lock brake version.

Alec
 
Not really too up on what's desirable to some people but.......440HiPo version puts out 375HP and the 383HiPo puts out 335HP. Those are Chrysler numbers. I'm not sure what Jensen claimed. The 440 is only a few pounds heavier than the 383 so the 440 would be the winner on the drag strip. I'd like to find either version Jensen if it is cheap and rust free.

Have a nice day
Steve
 
[ QUOTE ]
Not really too up on what's desirable to some people but.......440HiPo version puts out 375HP and the 383HiPo puts out 335HP. Those are Chrysler numbers.

[/ QUOTE ]

The Mk 2 Interceptor had the high compression 335 BHP engine. After that they dropped the compression a point and used smogged engines in them.

The early hipo 383 will be quicker than the 440 (they never used a Hipo 440 except for the few SP sixpack engines). The aesthetics on the Mk 3 are generally considered to be a bit better and they went to ventilated discs all around, so the brakes were better as well, and the GKN alloy wheels were way better looking than the older Rostyle (and much lighter).

Best bet is to buy a Mk 3 440 and then build the engine to the 375 BHP magnum spec when you redo it anyway.

Of course if you want real performance, you'd want to go with the previous model, the much rarer CV-8, that weighed about 700 lbs. less.

cv8.jpg



And if you combine the lighter car with the sixpack engine the thing will really fly (trust me....).

cv8eng.jpg
 
440s are definitely more valuable. 383s are generally considered "everyday" to Mopar collectors, but cars with 440s are much more desireable. Keep in mind that a 440 Six Pack 'Cuda or Charger could beat a Hemi to 60 MPH. A Hemi generally pulled ahead 3/4 down a drag strip. (The Hemi also offered more upside potential for serious tuners.)

Both 383 and 440 are great engines, though. Pretty darn bulletproof, as are the trannies and rear ends. The Achilles heel seems to be electrics -- go figure.
 
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The Achilles heel seems to be electrics -- go figure.

[/ QUOTE ]

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gif

I've had FAR less problems with Lucas electrics than that MOPAR junk.... Dodge Dart made all the travels through the firewall with one massive cheap plastic connector that was exposed to the elements... just a tangle of disaster waiting to happen.... horrible grounds under the dash to add a sense of adventure to the guages.... that cheap microswitch on the steering column to lock out the starter when you'd swear you were in PARK.... putting the dizzy on the lee-ward side of the slant six so that you were sure to drench it in a puddle was another stroke of genius....

but in a sick way I really miss that car...

I need help /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
 
I'll take a Dart GTS /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif
 
cv8eng.jpg


How the heck do you get an air cleaner over that back carb?
 
I don't think it's as close as it looks in that picture.
 
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How the heck do you get an air cleaner over that back carb?

[/ QUOTE ]

Big oval pancake air filter that ends just in front of that housing for the electrics.

Barely clears the bonnet, mind you.
 
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