I think that it should only happen with significant compensation for the modder. And, while I'm not certain that this is true, VERY few mods were implemented into the vanilla game. The ones that included high-tech stuff like the traffic mod were implemented because they were truly game-changing features. Vehicles, while cool, mostly can't be described as game-changing features. They're just not the kind of thing that it seems that the devs would add to vanilla. It'd be cool, but it simply isn't likely.
A big problem with the Moonhawk is that it provides none of the variety of non-sport, non-performance configs of 70s cars. For example, when we compare it to 1974 midsize cars of the low-priced three, there's none of the engine diversity: the Moonhawk has just one I6 and one V8, while the Chevelle had the 250, 350, 400 and 454, the Torino had the 302, 351, 400 and 460, and the Satellite had the 225, 318, 360 and 400. The Moonhawk also lacks trim levels - outside the vaguely ahistorical Special, it only comes as an I6, V8 and a V8 Sport with little trim difference, while the Chevelle came as the Malibu, Malibu Classic and Laguna, the Torino could be ordered as a base model, Gran Torino, Gran Torino Sport, Gran Torino Brougham and Gran Torino Elite, and the Satellite was available as a base model, Sebring and Sebring Plus, as well as a Road Runner counterpart. Right now all we have is one "civilian" model and one fictional Laguna/GT Sport/Road Runner. In terms of the configurations, the derby mods have also showed the community that the Moonhawk lacks numerous realistic demolition derby gear - which is downright shameful in something as derby-ready in a game with the world's best damage physics. As for the body styles, a 4-door model would be great for gameplay purposes for facilitating taxi and police versions (and maybe throwing in a movie reference by modeling a beater config after Dude Lebowski's Gran Torino?)
I think the Moonhawk is tuned just a little bit like the whole model run cam from 1978, instead of starting in 1972 when the gas crisis wasn’t really a thing. Early models should have a good bit more power, late models should drop that and start becoming the gutless doofuses they are. But yeah overall the Moonhawk is one of the oldest virtually untouched vehicles (aside from a slight reshaping of the body in like 0.16) and it BADLY needs a complete remaster. More customization, more factory configs and engines, better engine models, etc.
The thing is that by the 1970s the engines had stopped taking hits to their power outputs, and instead the reductions in average HP outputs of the American car came from downsizing and CAFE leading to discontinuations of bigger engines and the adoption of smaller ones. For example, if you compare the engines offered in 1973 and 1978 midsize Fords: - 302 Windsor - 137 HP and 230 lbft in 1973, 134 HP and 248 lbft in 1978, - 351 Windsor - 156 HP and 234 lbft in 1973, 144 HP and 277 lbft in 1978, - 400 335-series - 168 HP and 310 lbft in 1973, 166 HP and 319 lbft in 1978. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Torino_engine_specifications https://www.automobile-catalog.com/make/ford_usa/ltd_ii/ltd_ii_brougham_2-door/1978.html#gsc.tab=0
200BX being ignored in this thread is a crime, but yeah, sunburst, Moonhawk, Miramar and 200BX are definitely in need of a remaster
Remaster idea - add a 180SX/Curren-inspired JDM variant for a different Ibishu dealer chain, as well as a Sileighty-like aftermarket mix of the two.
the cars that i think need a remaster are as follows in order from least to greatest moonhawk it needs a full rework with high end oldsmobile based parts like with the legran, a soliad counterpart,elcamino/ranchero version,4 door and wagon,faded paint that does not paint the bumpers,derby skin because all the derby cars have the option to use moonhawk bumper making it a tough car great for derbys the bluebuck this is not a full remaster needed car just some new things like the chrome trim being faded on the rusty paint the burnside desperately needs a remaster it has almost no parts and i could see it being a good car for a gasser or a derby car, it should have a gavril counterpart, maybe wagon and coupe,facelift for the late 50s or 40's pre facelift
Is it just me or are the Barstow engines (especially the big blocks) very underpowered? Like, the 423-cui motor can't even produce close to 300hp in stock form, whereas a similarly-sized 427-cui Cobra Jet can pump out almost 340hp, and that's on the tame side for big blocks.
Maybe it's a matter of rating methods - the figures you are quoting are SAE gross figures, for an engine running without any accessories, while BeamNG's rating is net - for a fully assembled motor?
Hmm, I'm not sure actually. Could be, but I kinda doubt a gearbox and a driveshaft will cause a 100hp drop. Interesting point though.
BeamNG simulates drivetrain loss anyways. He was talking about stuff like the water, oil, and fuel pumps, as well as the alternator (or generator back then) and the mechanical fan. It is definitely true that that stuff wouldn't kill 100 hp, but you've also got to remember that I can almost guarantee that not all the 423 motors would be tuned to the Cobra-like performance figures, they would've also used those motors in trucks where they needed higher torque. The Barstow motors are likely somewhere in the middle of that spectrum.
etk i series, needs one badly --- Post updated --- oh and also make a sunburst (as the subaru 2006, would be easier to make it a ingame car ngl) 2006 model, the reference to @JsZ's Sunburst hawk.
t yeah the 427 was built specially for nearly every part to be for race use only, plus it was rated in gross output. closest with the barstow would probably be a 423 with a stage 1 or 2 longblock i figure
The problem is that at that time lower-priced fullsize cars were in a different size class to the medium-priced stuff that the Special represents - for example, the 1953 Chevrolet had a wheelbase 7" shorter than that of the 1953 Oldsmobile 88. Also, an early 50s low-priced fullsize car wouldn't have an OHV V8 - even when Ford stood out with the V8, it was a mere flathead - so not even the engine model could be transferred. Now, if the Special was a 1973 and not a 1953...
Idk about a wagon for the moonhawk as it's a personal luxury coupe from the 70s Unless they make a sedan which in that case there must be a wagon