Nay-tona

Dodge ruffled many feathers associating its 1984 - 1993 front-drive Daytona with the legendary 1969 Charger Daytona “wing car”. But with a drag coefficient better than an F-16 fighter jet, aerodynamics were part of what made the Daytona Turbo-Z a solid performer. Steve looks over - and under - a 1986 Daytona Turbo-Z in this video.

[@LordEvan5]

I don’t care I like K cars I like how they squeezed so many personality’s out of one platform

[@afoolandhismoneychannel]

I adore this bodystyle! Owned an '86 Laser XT Turbo t-top 5-speed back in the day, same colours as this Daytona. 😍

[@grantr5417]

Just in final stages of refreshing my 86XT 5spd. Same color with the t-tops. Owned since 1990.

[@bobroberts2371]

See also the 80's - 90's Cop show " Hunter "

[@Ezisnotaman]

@@bobroberts2371 I watched Hunter just for that reason. Well, that and Dee Dee McCall...

[@electrix6751]

Adore this body style? No one with a modicum of good taste when it comes to aesthetics can _ever_ "adore this bodystyle." I despised these cars back then and still do today. That was a very depressing era in Chrysler Corporation's history and these cars (along with the rest of CC's offerings) were a reflection of that FACT.

[@electrix6751]

@@Ezisnotaman burped: _"I watched Hunter just for that reason."_ Lol. You're weird. Nothing cool or eye appealing about that car unlike Stephanie Kramer (Hunter's partner).

[@onefortheroad2291]

This is my wheelhouse right here! I’ve had multiple Daytonas over the years including several 89 Daytona Shelbys. Also spirit RT’s (16 valve lotus head 2.2 TIII cars making 224hp, actually the fastest four door car in the world in 91). To this day I have a mint 87 Reliant coupe, and a 87 Shelby CSX

[@s277garage6]

That's really cool.

[@donaldpowers5557]

Still have my 92 Spirit RT. AND 86 CS Daytona. Parked for many years. And a 86 Scamp.

[@DSchea]

@@donaldpowers5557 any for sale?

[@ruthlessreid9172]

Sorry to hear that.

[@onefortheroad2291]

@@ruthlessreid9172 what, that some people enjoy the fwd turbo dodges?

[@my1vice]

I liked these in the 80's.....

[@KMFDM781]

I had several 2.2/2.5 turbo cars over the years including a couple Daytonas. My last one was an '87 Town and Country woody wagon that went 12.2's. Often overlooked and underestimated and the connection to the K car platform made them the butt of jokes, but they were cheap and a lot of fun. I learned how to work on cars with them. Dead simple engines. Non-interference also, so if the timing belt went, they didn't nuke your engine.

[@WiringRescue]

Steve - the fact that you do these in one take is absolutely amazing. I’ve been reading and watching your work for a very long time, and your talent and knowledge is truly unmatched. I hope this channel continues to grow wildly successful. Thanks for doing all that you do for the automotive world.

[@jasonstarnes3838]

Always loved the one on the tv show Hunter!!

[@abnerdoubleday6145]

I had a '85 Daytona Turbo. It was the first car I ever ordered new from the Dealer. It was a great car, with some great speed for its day. It was a sad day when I had to trade it in for a responsible gray 4 door family car (Dodge Spirit with a 5 spd manual) when my first child arrived. My wife & I still talk about how much we enjoyed that Daytona.

[@RandallChet]

Loved my 86 Omni GLH. With a waste gate bleed, larger injectors and a better exhaust it was a genuine 14 second car at Sacramento Raceway.

[@lestersabados1306]

Yes. The GLHS OMNI twisted the frame with the amount of torque.

[@bradleymarkham8357]

Bought my 86 Turbo Z CS ( no t-tops) new in summer of 86. Still have it ! Repaint, updated seats, rebuilt turbo, and new radiator. 44k miles.. set to go for another 36 years!

[@MidnightPolaris800]

I had a red one with t tops. Cool car

[@vorhese]

My first car in 1991 was an 85 Dodge Daytona Turbo. I thought it was hot shit. I wanted one because the intro of The Wraith. This video is bringing major nostalgia back to me. I eventually sold it 2000 where it ended up being taken down to Mexico.

[@tomahawksteak6672]

I remember riding in my friends Daytona turbo z in high school. We was doing 115 and my brother flew by us in his 79 Camaro . He was out of sight in no time.

[@kellyriffle4750]

I had an ‘86 Daytona Turbo Z… Loved that car! Owned it for over 10years and nearly 300k miles.

[@lilmike2710]

My friend Jimmy had one brand new in 1986. It was a custom red color with the turbo 5 speed manual. 2 weeks after he got it the damned hood flew open at 60mph! 😳 Wrapped over the windshield, cracked the glass 😆 and just mauled the hood. A brand new Daytona with a crumpled up hood lashed down with a piece of rope 🤣. I remember how well that car seemed to like curvy roads. Stereo sounded decent too. RIP Jimmy Thompson.

[@1987glhs]

I've owned an '87 Dodge Shelby Charger, an '86 Daytona Turbo Z, an '87 Shelby Lancer, and still own an '87 Shelby GLHS. I love these cars.

[@FoMoCo1903]

Don’t Forget the 1987 2.2 L Dodge Shadow Turbo. They were some bad ass little cars 🚗!

[@michaelgreer8659]

Love this show, my dad and I used to love junkyards. Some of my favorite memories. My dad worked for Chrysler, Trenton engine, and he would give me all the newsletters about up and coming engine layouts and such. I actually had the last 440 crankshaft for a time. My dad brought it home for me, it was painted purplish pink with signatures all over it including my dad's. Me being young and stupid, I left it out in his shed and it started rusting. One of his coworkers ask about it and he gave it to them. My dad passed in 1996. Today I would've clear coated it and put it in my living room. Thanks again for the junkyard crawl.

[@electrix6751]

The CORRECT term is SALVAGE YARD. If so-called "junkyards" were actually such, there'd be NOTHING of any value in them, no parts that can be SALVAGED for use on other vehicles, it'd be just SCRAP METAL there. We all know that's NOT the case, therefore *salvage yard* is the proper term to use. Steve's Salvage Yard Search or something similar would be a more appropriate title of this series.

[@michaelgreer8659]

I guess it depends on your definition of junk. I love junk. Other people's junk. My treasure. If it wasn't junk to some people, they wouldn't be in a yard. Theirs alot of unusable stuff in the recycling yard that is just memories any more. Alot of the stuff Steve looks at is junk, but I love it. I'm an old man and i still call them junkyards. You can tell that to your English class. You do realize the name of this show don't you?

[@Richie_the_Fixer]

@@electrix6751 from 1994-1998 , I was the Bunnell parts yard manager for John's Famous Metals , which at the time was the largest salvage operation in the state of Florida , with 5 yards in Bunnell , Holly Hill , and Palatka . The Bunnell yard(s) take up an entire MILE of US1 frontage . And while the "legal" names were "John's Famous Metals" , "John's Auto Parts of Bunnell" , or "Holly Hill Salvage and Junk" , ALL of them were simply "John's Junkyard" to both the employees and customers . Yes , we were 'metals recyclers' or 'auto parts suppliers' or 'core suppliers' , but mostly we were guys that stacked up (5 high) old cars in a swamp . And we'd buy anything -ANYTHING AT ALL - as long as it was made of metal. ANY metal . Make no mistake , the largest metals recycler and parts supplier in the state was for sure a JUNKYARD .

[@consul6262]

@@Richie_the_Fixer in my part of the UK, we call them 'Car Breakers' or just breakers, why people want to get all correct over a word, just seem silly. They use to stack 5 cars high also, then health and safety got involved, and that practice stopped, now you can't even pull your own part!

[@Richie_the_Fixer]

@@consul6262 We still stack em high , AND have U-Pull-It yards (although we don't 'generally' stack the U-Pull-Its) becuz 'MURICA ! Fμ©K King George !

[@thman6453]

I have a aunt who used to have 1 of these and my mom actually had a glhs very cool cars for the time 👍

[@vettekid3326]

Back in the 1980's and 90's I was a volunteer fireman / EMT on a rural department and went out on a call for a rollover. The vehicle was one of these a kid had just bought and picked up from the dealer less than an hour before so we got a good look at the underside, brand new and about the only thing undamaged. The ironic part of the whole thing was the kid had never transferred his insurance over yet so he ended getting stuck for everything.

[@truthtobehonest]

Brings back memories Steve.

[@danielc5205]

I remember my parents test driving one of these back in the day.

[@tomfreebern2556]

wanted one when i was a young man but boy did a lot of those get wrecked

[@aa777flyer]

I had a 1985 Laser XE Turbo. Loved that car!

[@brentfay6515]

I had a 86 Turbo Z that was made into a Super Gas drag car. Loved that car.

[@johnh8917]

Gotta give a shout out to Steve's camera man! Doing a great job dude!

[@allanyoungstein4227]

I had 4 Daytonas 84,87&91 bought new. Had a 90 in the mid 2000’s I bought used. Great cars plenty of room for my 6’4 size. This one looks in decent shape. I hope someone picks it up to restore.

[@DavidBaker4572]

Great video Steve, thank you. I had a 1984 Chrysler Laser XE with the 2.2L Turbo.. pretty much the same car as the Daytona but the Laser came with a full digital dash.

[@rbrobbi]

Yes had a brand new Laser XE Turbo and Steve, the Top end laser didn’t have what? Of course both had the faulty shift cable that stranded me in a Grateful Dead Concert parking lot.

[@adamtrombino106]

Mid yr 85 Chrysler brought out an XT package, which was pretty much the same as a Daytona Z, skirts and all.

[@mikeymopar1171]

I had a black 86 turbo Z with red interior and a sunroof that was one sharp-looking car also had a digital Dash display at night it look like a F-18 fighter jet cockpit

[@rodneybadger734]

I soo wanted to have one back in the 80s. Great looking car. I look forward to your Videos.

[@SolamenteVees]

My Dad had an ‘86 Turbo Z C/S in Flash Red. He upgraded the logic module to a Direct Connection piece which helped performance…

[@adamtrombino106]

I did that with my 87 Lancer Turbo. Really woke that car up! When I sold the car, I swapped the factory computer back in and sold the DC module on EBay for more than I paid for it in 1999.

[@garryhatchett775]

I loved those cars and the shadow.

[@MRSCHEDDAR]

In 1989 I test drove both this car & the 5.0 Mustang. Hit my head on both, getting in. Moved on to S10 Blazer, Been in Love since

[@johnathanashleyOCSO]

I saw a Shelby in that style here in Missouri at The Lake of The Ozarks car show last year that bad boy was mint

[@fubarmodelyard1392]

Thanks for a Daytona video. I had an 88 Pacifica, 2.2 turbo 1 with the 5 speed. That car was a blast and my wife learned to drive a manual in it. One night at a car show some guys showed up with a portable dyno. They were giving trophies for top performers and needed one with forced induction. I won that trophy. Earlier they tested a last year olds 442. They were surprised and amused that little 2.2 registered higher hp numbers than the 442. We miss that Daytona

[@johna.4334]

Good report -thanx for sharing Steve.

[@GLHS592]

I love 2.2 turbo cars. I've owned more than a few and still own two. They are super easy to make fast. My Shelby Charger's 2.2 probably makes 300+ horsepower in a 2100 pound body. I had a 1991 Daytona Shelby that I should have kept. I still want a 1985-1986 Turbo Z or CS.

[@redlight3932]

Unloved forsure the American Honda in many ways

[@KMFDM781]

Kevin?

[@GLHS592]

@@KMFDM781 I've been called that before. :) Are you an old turbododge/turbomopar guy?

[@KMFDM781]

@@GLHS592 Yes sir. From way back! 3Bar_Mopar, lol

[@GLHS592]

@@KMFDM781 I remember you. You and I both were on those forums every day. I went through a few years when I didn't have time or money to do anything car related. Kids will do that to you. I need to get a new transaxle built for my Shelby Charger and just drive it.

[@DragPakMerc]

I'm a Ford guy, but I drove a Shelby Daytona when I was shopping for my first new car in 1989. I was impressed by how well it drove. Much faster and better handling than my experience with FWD cars led me to expect. Sticker was a couple grand more than the 5.0 LX I actually purchased though, which was more than enough to push me in the direction I was already leaning. What might have prompted me to defect from Ford was the AWD Daytona powered by a Lamborghini V8 that the Mopar engineers put together after Chrysler acquired Lamborghini in the late eighties. I remember some magazine tests of it, and it seemed very close to production ready, but for some reason it never got the green light.

[@rocketsurgeon11]

The main reason the Deceptizone never made production is that the Jalpa V8's oil pan had about 2" of ground clearance. Beyond that, it would have been prohibitively expensive, and there are rumors that part of Chrysler's contract with the government for their bail out in the early 80's was that they could not sell any newly developed cars with a V8 (gas crisis stuff), so that would have nixed the car, too. Honestly, the biggest shame is that they never used the AWD in the cars. It did make it into the vans, however (which he just did a video on not long ago).

[@FrankySilverFace]

I love the 80's 4 door sedans like the Grand Marquis and the Delta 88 and 98 and others. Floaty boaty smooth cruisers with seats nicer than my couch. Loved them!

[@gosselinkfinecarpentry9786]

In college, in 96 I was driving a girlfriends moms Daytona and I hit a bear doing about 75 mph the bear got up and the car never moved again. It was a fun car to drive around.

[@SteveBrecht]

I loved my Daytona. I had the Pacifica model, which was turbo and had all the electronic toys (trip computer!) but only came in an automatic. I later bought a crashed Shelby Turbo and swapped the full manual trans / engine / intercooler into my Pacifica. Still miss that car even though by the end it was costing me a fortune to keep it on the road. I still have an aftermarket performance ECU here if someone wants it. Wasn't letting that go to the wreckers!

[@electrix6751]

How exciting. Yawnnn....

[@mrsteve4313]

Always wanted a Daytona.

[@mikechurch2359]

looks like someone's bringing it back to life and nice pit I would love to have that

[@paulhardman2515]

I had an 1986 Omni GLH Turbo. It was so fun and surprisingly quick! My ex-brother in law had an 84 Daytona Turbo Z and then a Lancer Turbo. The K-platform was a good one.

[@johnwohlheter601]

K car = GARBAGE!

[@paulhardman2515]

@@johnwohlheter601 There certainly aren't many left around. A few things I do remember being bad was head gasket issues and the cable linkage for the manual transmission. I put 200k on a base Omni when I commuted back and forth to college in the early 90s. It got good gas mileage and gave me no problems. But I do admit they were probably the worst quality of the big three and nowhere close to the imports of the era.

[@Welcometofacsistube]

@@johnwohlheter601 sit down child

[@Pablo-cp9nc]

I had an 84 Turbo Z in Gunmetal blue. It had a Spearco intercooler, Mopar Super 60 turbo kit, Mopar race ported head with a Centerforce Clutch. It was a beast. It was a beautiful design too, very comfortable. It took four months to build.

[@MH-rb7lp]

I had a 85 or 86 Daytona turbo Z in 91 and loved it.

[@J.H.HOLLIDAY]

in ohio?

[@MH-rb7lp]

No WA

[@michaelstokley6796]

I was luky enough the summer of 85 to buy a 83 L69 z28 used right out of high school these were great times in my life,these were great cars in our life's then.

[@alanmorden8181]

These where cool cars, i had the luxury model K car turbo 2.2 .... the 1986 New Yorker 5th Avenue Turbo , that car had everything !! Even a voice =)

[@joechancio5177]

Wow. Back in 1990 my best friend had the black and gold one. Digital dash i thoughgt?turbo,stick. It was a really cool car. And a good radio system would pump off that hatchback.thanks steve. This one was during my young era.

[@85Stang331]

Oh yes thank you so so much for doing this. I had a hand full of these and just sold a fully restored 86 with a T2 conversion and direct connection stuff all over it. Please tell me someone is saving that Z

[@mexicanspec]

Did you get good money for it?

[@85Stang331]

@@mexicanspec yep 12k it’s not like selling a fox body which I also have reason being these cars attract a certain buyer and many people don’t even know they existed. I spent 23 years with Chrysler had a few turbo z, turbo ES Daytona shelby chargers. I spent three years redoing the car myself it was for my dad. Here’s a link to the buyer who sold it to a collector in NC. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jV6bg4mKdr9qhMk

[@Goat4459]

Wish i could

[@mexicanspec]

@@85Stang331 It is good to see K cars bringing some money.

[@mexicanspec]

@@85Stang331 It was so pleasing to see one in that condition again I watched the whole video. Did you put on a bigger turbo? When he accelerated the boost gauge went way past 12 pounds.

[@markmagruder616]

Ihi Steve , in 1992 I bought a '87 Shelby , red t tops and liver. Loved it.

[@analogtapes]

OH MY GOD yes!! I’ve got a black 1985 Turbo Z. I’m glad to finally see you with one of these cars. I used to watch you with my father. Super happy to have this car shined on a little.

[@caddydaddy9536]

Loved the look. This car drew me into the dealership, but ended up seeing a Conquest TSI which I took home instead. What a fun car!

[@electrix6751]

Lol. You have poor taste when it comes to aesthetics. These cars were UGLY and powered by a FOUR CYLINDER ENGINE. That's _not_ Mopar muscle!

[@DSchea]

@@electrix6751 conquests/starions were cool as hell

[@Richie_the_Fixer]

@@electrix6751 my 86 Laser FOUR CYLINDER ENGINE laid down 270 horsepower TO THE WHEELS on Brother's Performance chassis dyno . A 340 six-pack Challenger tested that same morning , and it didn't put as much to the wheels , so I DEFINITELY considered it MOPAR PERFORMANCE ! 31 lbs of boost with a "Grainger valve" , a MoPar performance cam , and a 'stray pipe' (neither cat nor muffler , just 'straight pipe' all the way to the rear bumper).

[@freedomfighter69]

I had a friend in school that bought one new at the Expo 86' car show in Vancouver Canada. It was the gold on black CS Daytona fully loaded. He let me drive it once in a while and we got into a light to light street race with an older but lighter Dodge Omni CS, my friend said don't do it, light went green, clutch came out, front end went hopping side to side tires smoking, lost the race though..lol!!! Aaahh... the good old days :)

[@Very_Angry_Citizen]

My first car was a 85 Chrysler laser. Digital dash, black leather interior. Loved that little car.

[@timothyhays1817]

A buddy worked for shop that took a turbo z and made a full tube race chassis race car. It was awesome.

[@johnbehneman1546]

Great video Steve!!!! Thanks for sharing and I learned so much!!!

[@ClaremontClassicGarage]

had a 87 Shelby back in the day. What a car. Now I race a Neon powered 89 Daytona on the circle tracks.

[@goodbonezz1289]

I started selling cars straight out of high school in 1989..always loved cars. I remember being offended by newer, anemic cars like this carrying the namesake of past muscle cars, like the Daytona and the Olds, badging the Calais as a 442!..lol Looking back now, I’ve very much come to appreciate these ‘80s offerings as they did seem to have their own special characteristics and style. Good stuff, I really enjoy these videos, thanks!

[@TheYTSucks]

Wanted one of these so bad in the late 1990s. Could never afford one though.

[@TheSFFV]

When I was in high school in '94-95 I had a 1st gen 84 4 lug non wrap around spoiler model. Loved the car. My dad and I repainted it a darker maroon. 1st car I had a stereo in with 2 Cerwin Vega 15's.

[@MODNTUNE]

My very first car was a 1985 Chrysler Laser, the sister car to the Daytona. Paid $600 for it and absolutely loved it!

[@Torchninja]

I had an 85 non turbo snail-turtle, back in the 90s. loves the body style

[@reddawg3761]

i had a 93' daytona one of the few front wheel drive cars i owed, that i loved.

[@MikeJBlues]

Reminds me if the TV Show hunter. Good friend of mine worked at the plant in Missouri that did the t tops on those cars back then.

[@klosnoski]

Owned an 89 ish Daytona ES. Fully loaded with 4 whl disk brakes t tops and a 140 mph speedo. In ghost white and red interior. With full power. Only thing was it was a 2.5 efi. But aside it was a fun ride. Made a trip from the local tt bar to another bar out in the county(Lamplighter to copper kettle) in less than 30 MN. But that was in my early 20s. Tickled the max speed for a while. On the trip. With open roofs. Pure stupidity but fun memories

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I always enjoy your "walk arounds" of these relics.

[@franklaskus2395]

My buddy bought a brand new 1986 except it had a sun roof not T tops. I set it up fresh off the delivery truck at the dealership

[@fredsimmons6188]

I always liked this car.

[@savedin87ify]

Wow man I loved them. Living in St. Louis at the time they made them in Fenton. But my driving was horrible at the time. So I couldn't afford the insurance on them.

[@16Tango]

Having graduated in 89 I always thought those were so cool.

[@Slimtc1]

My friend picked one up when we were in high school maybe around 1991. Drove it like a maniac until it caught fire under the hood. Flames shout out of the hood scoop and roasted the paint. It sat in his parents driveway long after.

[@bradvdb4136]

I had a friend in high school back in the 90"s who had a Shelby Daytona blue with the white racing stripes. That was a fast car but it was in the shop more than it was on the road.

[@Tomcat71]

I can remember the hype about these cars when they first came out and I was just starting to get into cars. Most kids my age where reading comic books and I was reading helms manuals and Motor manuals, the big ass thick ones that covered most cars . I was starting to understand the correlation between a larger displacement and Higher power and torque . I can remember sitting on my bedroom floor with my finger reading shit..LOL man . I can still smell those books, hell they where 10-15 years old time I got them.. Man how time flies.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Nice info Steve. Also liked the view and info from underneath. I remember driving some of these in the 1980s!

[@calvincrews3885]

Turbo Z from Dodge Daytona looks great for 80’s

[@arte4arte]

This was the first video that I ever saw from Steve. I stumbled across it by pure chance. His straightforward and informative delivery got me hooked right away. I've been a devoted viewer ever since. I'm glad that Steve is on his road to recovery..Viva Steve Magnante!

[@SteveMagnante]

Thanks for the kind words. I'm still in the hospital recovering from encephalitis. Should be out I the world again soon. Thanks again for writing and writing. -Steve Magnante

[@arte4arte]

@@SteveMagnante Oh my God, the man himself!....Bless you brother...Greetings from Chicago...

[@SteveMagnante]

When I visit Chicago I always try to visit U505 the captured German U boat. The rest of the museum is also fascinating! Have a good night, Steve Magnante

[@KTMsteve]

I had one! That thing got wild under full boost

[@adamtrombino106]

Yeah you really did have to hang on to the wheel once that turbo eventually spooled. This was not the linear VNT unit supplied by Mitsubishi 89 and up. This was the giant heavy Garrett Air Research unit that took time to really spool up, but came on like a freight train once it made it's 8 psi.

[@firstrespondergarage]

I had a 89 Daytona. I loved it. I drilled the governor piston in the transmission to make it lighter to delay the 1st second shift. Also was my first 28 minute head gasket change. The old slip and slide trick the dealers did 😎. I miss that car. Thanks Steve 🍻

[@carlbentley80]

I had one of these in the 80’s but it was a Matchbox toy car. I always liked it and liked them on TV. I have only ever seen one in the flesh a few years ago in Niagara Falls, a silver one that looked a bit rough.

[@mexicanspec]

While the car was priced $199 more than the Mustang, if I remember correctly the Dodge dealers would discount these cars to move them making them much cheaper.

[@americanrambler4972]

I drove a red 1988 Shelby Daytona turbo when I was shopping for a car in the late 90’s. That puppy was one seriously quick car! It had the gertag 5 or 6 speed manual transmission in it and it had those cool low profile alloy wheels from that time. That was the first car I drove that would go through the gears as fast as I could shift it! It hooked up good and just flat out went! It had some sort of limited slip front differential and you could feel both front tires scrabbling for traction. I did not know you could break both front wheels loose and still go down the road in a straight line. Man, was that a fun car to drive! I did not buy it though. My self control and proper driving judgement would have departed my brain and right foot totally and my license and the sheet metal on that car would have received significant damage within 1 month. Chrysler from time to time comes up with cars and trucks that are just insanely crazy and fun. That 88 Shelby Daytona turbo was one of them.

[@electrix6751]

It still was 4-banger-powered coupled with a totally unappealing body style. Nothing cool about them. But what do I know? Lol.

[@americanrambler4972]

@@electrix6751 there are plenty of mutts, birds and ‘maros out there to choose from. While I prefer the front engine, rear wheel drive cars like the Mustang and Camaro, these Daytonas were seriously fun and quick. And they not only went like bonkers, they also stuck in the corners like Velcro, and had lightning fast steering and steering response. Plus the ‘88 Daytona had a more clean and streamlined look to them. There were not cluttered looking at all. That is one car I do regret not buying.

[@pmafterdark]

@@electrix6751 Obviously not much.

[@OpenRoader]

I drove one of these new in the 80's and in it's time, against what was on the street, it was a quick car,. It had terrible turbo lag, but when it kicked in, you were off like a shot. It had a cool turbo gauge on the dash and if you learned how to keep that boost up, it was very spirited to drive.

[@gregm9054]

Steve the pinnical for the Chrysler Laser was the 1985 XT turbo which came out as a 1985 1/2 model. These were a cleaner looking body as far as the skirting goes and slightly softer suspension then the Z. This was my first car I ever bought, 5 spd manual with removable sunroof. Also had the digital dash with info computer in the center stack, flash red with black interior. The XT would out corner the Z which my brother had an 86 and the XT was just slighlty faster then his as well but think that was due to the added wieght of his Z’s T top. Loved the car and should never have gotten rid of it. These ran right with the v8’s of 84-86 until Ford pumped up the 5.0. Even beat a few Monte carlos in a few light to light runs. Good times.

[@rheidtech]

Yup i remember that pumper. Chrysler lazer xe turbo. Loaded leather.

[@platec4798]

Awesome knowledge you have Steve. Thanks for the walk down memory lane. I remember when these cars were new. Plate C

[@puddleduckist]

I had a mid 80s turbo daytona turbo 5 speed. Had an adj waste gate on the turbo and a mopar performance computer and had it set up for 12lbs boost i believe. It was pretty quick fkr a turbo 4, i put upgraded leather seats, headliner and dash in.it out of a newer model. Found all parts at junkyard fir a steal back in the day. Was a fun car!

[@DeweyCheatumNHoweLLC]

A good friend of mine had a non turbo Daytona, and another had a Lancer turbo. Nice cars for the time

[@hard-wired-g3787]

I almost bought one of those in 1985 but it was a little out of my price range and ended up getting a Volkswagen GTI. I wish I had it back, it was a great car!

[@timo2829]

Love your videos Steve, I’m a life long mechanic and i appreciate how detailed you get.

[@TheMikeyC]

I had an 89 Shelby. I loved that car wish I never got rid of it. One of the most fun cars I ever owned. These cars were severely underrated and under appreciated. I always wanted a ttop like the one in The Wraith. Always my dream car. God these cars were badass. Dodge messed up when they stopped production of these vehicles

[@donsizemore8746]

Had a 1987 Daytona Pacifica. Loved that car.

[@hotrodpegleg]

my uncle lee was in love with the dodge daytonas he had a bunch of them

[@thomasdearment3214]

the only car that I drove without torque steer was a 97 SHO the transmission pan was wide, both drive shafts were closer to the same length l and R fun powerful car to drive

[@hervavengill8734]

Great video . my uncle had a 85 laser a very cool car even in today standard cool design really pops and interiors were amazing

[@adamtrombino106]

Only thing I liked better was the 84 only sport steering wheel...I had an 85 with the corporate 'sport' 3 spoke wheel like this car has, and I always thought it looked pretty plain.

[@elevatorbernie4924]

I remember Direct Connection /Mopar performance sold a kit to convert these to RWD with LA engine power for drag racing.

[@Richie_the_Fixer]

Yep , Darrell Aldermann and Wayne County Speed Shop were notorious for cheating in Pro Stock with one !

[@mikegrantham7440]

I have an 86 Turbo Z CS with the Carroll Shelby handling package that I have owned for 22 years. I have been restoring it the past 5 years or so and it is pretty much done. It is my all time favorite car that I have owned. I just took it to a car show this past weekend and it got 1st place in the Late Model class (1973 - 2003) and was surprised it beat out some really nice cars such as a 90 Mustang, an 80's Camaro, and a couple of 70's Trans Ams. The 2.2 is easy to work on, modify, and bolts-ons can add more power than you think. Plus Daytona's are a blast to drive.

[@jarrodwidiger5472]

I had one of those turbo caravans for a few years. The best thing is all the go fast parts from vendors bolted on and you could make ALOT of power. Steve, you need to find one!

[@SteveMagnante]

Hello Jarrod Widiger, Thanks for writing. Regarding the Turbo 2.2 minivan, we did feature one in an episode of Roadkill's Junkyard Gold. The show can be found on the Motor Trend app (yes you have to subscribe, but its a great automotive video spot with thousands of things to watch for less than $6.00 per month). Anyhoo, seek out the episode at Winkel's Auto Wrecking in Milford, NH where I do a look-see on a Turbo Minivan!!! THANKS again for watching and writing, Steve Magnante

[@jarrodwidiger5472]

@@SteveMagnante the turbo vans were in 89 and 90 and had 2.5 turbo common blocks.

[@kenthensley9974]

I bought a brand new Chrysler laser back in 1985 and I swear it was the best handling car I ever drove, it had a 2.2 ltr.4 cyl.engine without the turbo,it got pretty good gas mileage for as much power as it had but it had a wide track and a low balanced center of gravity and McPherson struts which made it handle like a dream,like a formula 1 racecar. If I had one complaint, it would be shifting,it was a 5 speed manual transmission and instead of a shift linkage it had a cable and if you didn't shift it with a high degree of precision you would grind gears but beyond that it was probably the best car I ever owned.

[@evilmustache]

I had a 1984 Daytona Turbo that I loved. Drove it from the NW to NE for college. Turned into a pile of rust out there. :(