1971 Plymouth Duster
1971 PLYMOUTH DUSTER CARRIES OVER
The Plymouth Duster in its first year, that Dodge badge-engineered it into the Dodge Demon, although it didn’t sell as well as the Duster. In a classic case of ”Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke”, Plymouth wisely left well enough alone. Changes on the 1971 were subtle and few. The “Valiant” name badge was eliminated for the first time, so that only “Duster” emblems remained. The “Plymouth” emblem was also removed from the front grille.
1971 PLYMOUTH DUSTER MODELS
The Duster 340 remained with the 340 small block V8 being the top engine for the entire Duster line. A new model was introduced called the Duster Twister, which gave the look of the Duster 340 (blacked-out hood, big stripes, shark-tooth grille) to non-340 Dusters. The came with either the 225 Slant Six or a 318 small block V8. Dual (non-functional) hood scoops and a rear spoiler were optional, as were high-back bucket seats and dual exhaust. Chrysler, always a leader in engineering, pioneered the use of electronic breaker-less ignition systems for production cars, starting in late 1971, when it appeared on the 340.
1971 Plymouth Duster SPECIFICATIONS
Model
Body style Model#/Body# Production Price when new Wheelbase Length Width Track, front Track, rear Tire size Weight ENGINE OPTIONS Slant Six Slant Six LA-small block V8 LA-small block V8 PERFORMANCE 275hp 340V8 |
1971 Duster
2-dr Coupe FV2 / VS29 173,592 $2,313 108.0 in 188.4 in 71.0 in 57.5 in 55.6 in E60-14 2,825 lbs 198ci OHV I-6 225ci OHV I-6 318ci OHV V8 Zero-to-60 = |
1971 Duster 340
2-dr Coupe FV2 / VS29 12,886 $2,703 108.0 in 188.4 in 71.0 in 57.5 in 55.6 in E60-14 3,140 lbs 340ci OHV V8 6.2 sec |
125hp @ 4400rpm/180lb/ft @ 2000rpm
145hp @ 4000rpm/215lb/ft @ 2400rpm 230hp @ 4400rpm/320lb/ft @ 2000rpm 275hp @ 5000rpm/340lb/ft @ 3200rpm 1/4-mile = 14.7 sec @ 94mph |