1983 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

The Monte Carlo was Chevrolet's first personal luxury car, introduced for the 1970 model year and continued in production through the 2007 model year (except for 1989 through 1994). It was built across six generations, with the first generation lasting from 1970 through 1972 and using the same 'A-Special' platform that was shared with the Grand Prix. The second generation, built from 1973 through 1977, was built atop the A-body intermediate chassis. The third generation, from 1978 to 1980, responded to industry demands for smaller and more efficient vehicles by downsizing and dropping the previous engines in favor of a standard 231 CID V6 built by Buick or an optional Chevy 305 CID V8.

The short-lived third-generation was replaced in 1981 by the 4th Gen featuring all-new styling like the other mid-size formal coupes within the GM lineup, including the Pontiac Grand Prix, Buick Regal, and Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. The wheelbase measured 108-inches, a width of 71.8-inches, a height of 54-inches, and a length of 200.4-inches. The 1981 A-body had a smooth profile and vertical taillamps. When GM introduced a new front-wheel-drive A platform for its mid-size car lines in 1982, the rear-wheel-drive platform that had been in use since 1978 was re-designated as the G platform.

1983 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
The 1983 Chevy Monte Carlo received minor updates, mainly to the grille area and the interior trim patterns. The base engine was a 229 cubic-inch V6 rated at 110 horsepower. An optional overhead valve 305 cubic-inch V8 was available, offering 150 horsepower. The Super Sport Package, Z65 was once again made an option in 1983. Chevrolet re-introduced the SS package in 1983, following a twelve-year absence. The Monte Carlo SS models had European body color-coding, a 305 CID V8 engine, a new front fascia, and a rear spoiler.

Engines
The 229 cubic-inch V6 had overhead valves, a cast-iron block and head, an 8.6:1 compression ratio, four main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters, and a two-barrel Rochester carburetor. Monte Carlo's destined for California received a Buick 231 CID V6 diesel engine. The optional 90-degree V8 with overhead valves and a 305 cubic-inch displacement had 8.6:1 compression, hydraulic valve lifters, and five main bearings. It developed 150 horsepower at 4,000 RPM and 240 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 RPM. An optional High-Output version, used in the Monte Carlo Ss, delivered 175 horsepower at 4,800 RPM. The 350 cubic-inch Diesel V8 engines built by Oldsmobile had 22.5:1 compression, five main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters, fuel injection, and delivered 105 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 RPM.

Production
Chevy produced 92,392 examples of the Monte Carlo in 1982, followed by 96,319 examples in 1983 including 4,714 SS models, and 136,780 in 1984.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2014