[unruhjonny]

Originally Posted by necdb3

I would never pay 71-72 money for a late 70's T/A, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder....

I bit my tongue;
But I was thinking this.

[poncho-mike]

I think the guys paying big bucks for late 70s T/As have never driven a real Ram III, Ram IV, 455HO, or SD455 car. Once you've had the taste of raw torque, it's hard to settle for anything else. Having said that, some of the new stuff is awesome.

[Norwood]

Ya but how about the CB?

[73T/A]

Originally Posted by bird72

A W72, WS6 4 speed 78 is a great car and in a performance league with any 73 non SD TA, and will outhandle any 70-73 TA.

I agree on the W72,WS6 TA's being great cars but stock for stock the 73 Y code 455 T/A is the better performer.The 78 WS6 TA gives up 30HP and 50LB's of torque to the 73 D port TA.Rear end ratio 3.23 for the 78WS6 and 3.42 for the 73TA.As for as handling goes both cars have the same diameter front sway bar.The 73TA has a larger .875 rear vs .750 sway bar.You could also get radial tires on the 73TA.Everybody has there opinion but by the numbers 73 gets the win.

[unruhjonny]

/\ thank you for chiming in.
I am absolutely biased, but I was quite skeptical at the W72 assertion...

[poncho-mike]

I bought a fairly low mileage 79 W72 WS6 T/A in the late 80s that I used several years as a daily driver. The intake/carb had been swapped out for a 1972 cast iron intake and matching carb, the stock exhaust manifolds had been replaced with ram air manifolds feeding into true duals with no catalytic converters. It was a pretty decent performer.

Around that same time, I also had a 73 Formula that was running a stock 1973 455 out of a big car. It was originally a Formula 400, so it was equipped with a TH400 and 3.08 limited slip. I didn't build this car, just bought it that way.

Even with the modifications to the 79 T/A, the 73 Formula felt quicker and was more fun to drive stoplight to stoplight. The 79 was clearly the superior handling car.

The only substitute for cubic inches is rectangular dollars.

[Bentwheelbob]

This is like arguing about whether brunettes, blondes or redheads are better, or if Italian, Mexican or Southern Fried food is better. I like to eat it all, it just depends on what you’re hungry for at the time....

[2manyponchos]

You have a way with words Mr. Bennett. Love it!

[Judge273]

I know threads can go into other areas of discussion. Just to say, I understand it's to each their own.

Regardless of year, rarity, options, or even price.

These are not big project cars. Availability of product good, prices are good.

Just not seeing these cars for sale getting bought?

Anyone noticing this trend?

[The Boss]

Been coming Mike, everyone's hitting the wall at pretty much the same time, some just a little later than others.

[J GLASGO]

Now is a good time to buy, not sell. It really seems the only way to sell somewhat expensive cars are at an auction. We have sold several, and I don't get it. I think most of these cars are in the hands of dealers who use their ignorance to their advantage. As far as values, I am kind of at a loss anymore. Nothing makes sense in the old car hobby. Like someone posted, if people want something fast, you buy new, but hard to beat looks of an oldie.

[Bentwheelbob]

The market is not in balance. When that occurs it can either be demand driven, or supply driven. In this case it is both. Demand is waning for muscle cars that are not in the very top percentile of rarity and desireability. Also, those who came of age in the muscle car era are now in their late 50’s to mid-60’s and not only beginning to exit the market as purchasers, but thinning the herd and becoming sellers. If you want to see this firsthand go to the TA Nats which looks like a 1970’s hippie reunion.

On the supply side, more cars are being restored every day. Pertinent to this specific discussion witness the number of folks on here who revive a rusted out early 2nd gen TA each year and bring it to market. Anyone see the barn full of TA’s that Dave Hall has and is bringing to market? How about John Kraft. I respect these folks, but even if demand was flat it would be a soft market simply due to the increase in supply. Also, the availability of aftermarket parts and good sheetmetal has made reviving what 10 years ago would have been a parts car so much easier, and the internet has certainly contributed as well.

Unless it’s a RA IV TA or very desireable SD these cars are toys, not investments. Enjoy them for what they are, but don’t expect prices to get better.

[bird72]

I was waiting for Bob's first response, ha

My first post was a bit tongue in cheek. My 78's had 3.42 re one post said 3.23. FWIW. I believe 220 rating was low if anything. I do believe stock for stock, My original statement is true. The 78 W72 will run with a 73 non SD. 73 D port was garden variety generic. WS6 cars handle very well. Sorry on that, it is fact.

Value? I don't see a 78 worth what a 73, let alone a 70-72 should be worth. I believe market is at the flat part of the curve, if not the top. I would not invest in this area. I have managed account that made more than muscle cars worth 3X of my value would have made in 2017. Buy them because you love them. Bad math potential in too many ways. My opinion has zero worth, Esprit owner here, but it is free.

[RicksGTO]

Don't forget that the stock market has been on a tear like we haven't seen in decades. When the next big correction to the Dow occurs, some of that money will flow again back to other more tangible, enjoyable assets including classic cars.

[73T/A]

Originally Posted by bird72

I was waiting for Bob's first response, ha

My first post was a bit tongue in cheek. My 78's had 3.42 re one post said 3.23. FWIW. I believe 220 rating was low if anything. I do believe stock for stock, My original statement is true. The 78 W72 will run with a 73 non SD. 73 D port was garden variety generic. WS6 cars handle very well. Sorry on that, it is fact.

Value? I don't see a 78 worth what a 73, let alone a 70-72 should be worth. I believe market is at the flat part of the curve, if not the top. I would not invest in this area. I have managed account that made more than muscle cars worth 3X of my value would have made in 2017. Buy them because you love them. Bad math potential in too many ways. My opinion has zero worth, Esprit owner here, but it is free.

The WS6 78TA was more watered down garden variety than the 73 455 D port.Lets see: 400 ci,D port heads,low compression all this going through a chocked down exhaust with a single catalytic converter.I have owned a 73 TA 455 D port,4 speed,3.42 rear no ac car since 1985.I have yet to see a 78 WS6 cars tail lights yet stock for stock.

[Tellyshavilli]

Originally Posted by 73T/A

The WS6 78TA was more watered down garden variety than the 73 455 D port.Lets see: 400 ci,D port heads,low compression all this going through a chocked down exhaust with a single catalytic converter.I have owned a 73 TA 455 D port,4 speed,3.42 rear no ac car since 1985.I have yet to see a 78 WS6 cars tail lights yet stock for stock.

Thank you . I also owned 73 TA non Sd stick and they never came close. Someone needs to step away from the pipe

[73T/A]

Originally Posted by bird72

I was waiting for Bob's first response, ha

My first post was a bit tongue in cheek. My 78's had 3.42 re one post said 3.23. FWIW. I believe 220 rating was low if anything. I do believe stock for stock, My original statement is true. The 78 W72 will run with a 73 non SD. 73 D port was garden variety generic. WS6 cars handle very well. Sorry on that, it is fact.

Value? I don't see a 78 worth what a 73, let alone a 70-72 should be worth. I believe market is at the flat part of the curve, if not the top. I would not invest in this area. I have managed account that made more than muscle cars worth 3X of my value would have made in 2017. Buy them because you love them. Bad math potential in too many ways. My opinion has zero worth, Esprit owner here, but it is free.

Sorry but here are the REAL FACTS.No fake news here.One more time,78 WS6 TA 220HP and 320 Torque.73 TA 455 L75,250 Hp and 370 Torque.This is no opinion it is straight from the mfg.A 78 TA may run behind a 73TA but not with it.Sorry😂

[bird72]

Allegedly there is a 79 Hot Rod test where they got a 78 W72 4 speed to 14.6 in the 1/4. Anyone have a copy? They may have tweaked it (?). All the vintage road tests on 73 seem SD ones (?). Never said 78 was faster, I said in the same performance league.

[rock]

Supply and demand, the 77-81 bandit has a bigger following and should surpass the 70-72 trans am in value. The market age segment for the fans of smokey and the bandit era is upon us.

[Norwood]

Originally Posted by rock

Supply and demand, the 77-81 bandit has a bigger following and should surpass the 70-72 trans am in value. The market age segment for the fans of smokey and the bandit era is upon us.

Lol