If you could pick a Pontiac to Pro-Tour..... [Archive]

4birdman

03-15-2007, 05:34 AM

What would it be? I'm getting extremely tired of my daily driver Park Avenue and am thinking of ditching it this summer or fall. I am thinking of building a nice daily driver.

I have a 98 TA that is a good cruiser, but lacks the old-school muscle I like. It is more of a show car than anything right now.

I also have a 79 SE TA that I'm building more for race, it lacks pretty much everything but a big motor - no A/C, heat, stereo, etc.

I'm looking for something in the $5000-$10000 price range, something with a good body and interior. I would like something that hasn't been restored as I run a side business powdercoating, so I'd like to use the car to show off my work.

I'd also like something from 1968 and up, but not too big and not too stupid ugly.

I'm thinking a 69 Firebird and build it into a TA clone. Also thinking maybe a LeMans and build it into a GTO clone.

I don't know, what would you guys do?

hdesign

03-15-2007, 06:08 AM

Snag yourself a nice 70-73 TA, they are still a relatively cheap car to buy but prices are climbing. I'd have one in my garage right now If I had the room.

Bandit

03-15-2007, 06:10 AM

Hard to beat a '69 Firebird (maybe a covertible?), or you could build another 2nd gen TA probably for cheaper...
Do you have any pics of your '79 SE project? :naughty:

4birdman

03-15-2007, 06:26 AM

I'm wanting a 69 Firebird convertible some kinda bad, but that would be a keeper car if I ever got one, so it would have to be the exact one I want - a Vedoro green/black interior/400/4-spd car. :drive:

I thought about another 2nd gen, but I can't find a decent priced 70-78 one with no rust.

4birdman

03-15-2007, 06:28 AM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/03/5-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/03/3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/03/71-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/03/IMG_2950-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/03/2-2.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/03/6-1.jpg

Bandit

03-15-2007, 06:40 AM

Nice! Your dash looks great! Did you get it refurbished? Here's mine with the Autometers (not finished yet).
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2006/10/5782378-1.jpg

4birdman

03-15-2007, 06:47 AM

Nice! Haven't done the dash yet. The machining is decent, so I'm going to powdercoat it in a translucent brass that is pretty close to the factory tint. Just gotta get my big oven built so I can fit it in there.

I've got blockoff plates for the A/C, cig lighter, etc holes that I did in the brass and then screwed them to the bezel with little stainless cap-head fasteners.

79TransAm

03-15-2007, 06:47 AM

id go 70-73 T/A looks like the 79 is comin along. I just started tearin it apart

4birdman

03-15-2007, 06:50 AM

Yeah, haven't had much time to work on it since the baby got here. I need a new starter as the factory one won't turn the engine fast enough to start. :(

4birdman

03-15-2007, 06:55 AM

I'm starting to think a 70-73 Formula with a 4-spd would be a nice ride.

I'd have to have a 4-spd and I'd put fuel injection on it.

I'm straying away from 2nd gen TAs for a DD because of the front air damn. I don't want to be dragging that thing over all the speedbumps we have around Raleigh.

Mr.VENGEANCE

03-15-2007, 07:00 AM

i want a 69 gto lemans BAD!

63SW

03-15-2007, 07:02 AM

heres one of my PONTIAC daily drivers and i gaurantee you wont see one of these everyday , matter of fact , you probably have the only one in your area ...I know its the only one anywhere close to here .

1969 PONTIAC beaumont custom -Canadian car
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/2338000-2338999/2338061_3_full.jpg

4birdman

03-15-2007, 07:07 AM

That thing has a Chevy motor though, right? Pretty sweet car, but I gotta have a Pontiac motor in my car.

Goatman

03-15-2007, 09:40 AM

I'd go with either a 70-72 Lemans/GTO, 64 Lemans/GTO, 74 GTO, or early 2nd gen with a late model subframe.

I've had the birds and goats and nothing rides better than a goat. The birds have too much cowl shake for my liking.

The 65-69 A-bodies are the ugliest Pontiacs ever created, so I'd stay away from them.

WhiteG240

03-15-2007, 10:08 AM

The 70-73 Formula sounds like a nice ride. But I'm alittle biased. :)

However, if you are looking for something alittle different, you should look at the late 60's early 70's Grand Prix. Cool looking cars with a nice interior. Still can get them fairly cheap. It's something different.

How about a 97-03 Grand Prix GTP? Supercharged! That'll make a nice DD.

What's your definition of Stupid ugly?

twoformulas

03-15-2007, 10:17 AM

I'd go with a late 70's 'bird like your '79. You will have decent creature comforts inside for cruising and a great foundation to build on in the suspension area. Build a nice flat torque curved motor using a 400 block, the new 4" stroke forged crank and some KRE "D" port aluminum heads and "cruise" at 140 mph with one of those 2.56 ratio posi disc brake rear ends they put in the automatic cars.

69TAPoser

03-15-2007, 10:32 AM

I am partial to the 1st Gen Firebirds and they are just now starting to come up in price, not yet in-line with the Camaro's (and I don't think they ever will be), but the gap in value does seem to be closing. This makes them a good investment now (in my opinion).

Also, as mentioned, the 2nd Gen Birds are really starting to take-off in price too. So I don't think you can go wrong from an investment perspective with a 1st or 2nd Gen FB. You can definitely find both of these under $10K in unrestored condition.

What's more important than investment, is what you like. I like your '69 TA clone idea. :secret:

Phil

OLDFLM

03-15-2007, 11:47 AM

diesel1114

03-15-2007, 11:56 AM

let me tell you if i could g machine a pontiac it woul have to be one of the big cars not to let out one of my secrets or future projects lol , but defintly a 63 grand prix , defintly the way to go , luxuary and style now thats what im talking about :drive:

Roadrage David

03-15-2007, 12:11 PM

i want a 69 gto lemans BAD! I GOT ONE A 69 GTO:seizure: :seizure: :seizure:

Roadrage David

03-15-2007, 12:15 PM

Roadrage David

03-15-2007, 12:23 PM

That thing has a Chevy motor though, right? Pretty sweet car, but I gotta have a Pontiac motor in my car. RIGHT ON Poncho Injun Powered:drive:

David Sloan

03-15-2007, 12:25 PM

I want a 1970 Trans Am to do, I will give 2, 2nd gen camaros for one.

69TAPoser

03-15-2007, 12:27 PM

Btw, there are a lot of possible Pontiac purchases here:

http://forums.performanceyears.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=457

Phil

Hartz

03-15-2007, 12:33 PM

I'd have voted for a late 2nd gen 'bird, but since you already have one of those, I'm surprised no one has mentioned a '77 Can Am.

ACEFOOTER

03-15-2007, 12:36 PM

This is my pro-touring project. I was planning on going LSx, but after a year of soul searching I've decided to stick with the 400 plus some Alum heads and fuel injection. It will be switched to a MT from AT and I'm going to go ATS/Global West/Qa1 front susp and the Hot Rods to Hell Truck arm rear. Chrome Moly roll cage to tie it all together. Now if the shop I'm having do the weld in work can make some time for me I'll be styling!

4birdman

03-15-2007, 01:28 PM

Tony@AirRideTech

03-15-2007, 02:04 PM

a 61-62 Pontiac Ventura

Bill Howell

03-15-2007, 02:38 PM

I kinda like 65 converts but that is another story.
I would do a second gen bird (70-73) right now if I could find a good donor, hands down the baddest car going right now IMO.

muthstryker

03-15-2007, 02:52 PM

68 69 GTO, 70-73 firebird

Roadrage David

03-15-2007, 03:06 PM

EFI69Cam

03-15-2007, 03:20 PM

the way i look at it is that the popularety of the first gen camaro,s and the chevelles is coming to its end(every swining D..k in the field hase one). the stijling of the 70,s to 80,s pontiacs Firebirds and Transams is defenatly taking over . not to mention the GTO,s line till 70 .....

U hebt Pontiac op de hersenen.:scared:

disclaimer... This is what a buddy of mine said when I was going on and on about how cool Pontiacs are.

disclaimer 2... I like Pontiacs. I wish I'd never sold my 69 Bird.

LowBuckX

03-15-2007, 03:49 PM

Id pick and older small square body Tempest Gto lemans, But its older than you want.

Mr.VENGEANCE

03-15-2007, 04:44 PM

I GOT ONE A 69 GTO:seizure: :seizure: :seizure:

i hate your life..:lmao::throw:

Beige

03-16-2007, 06:20 AM

73-75 Grand Am.

SimplyKC

03-16-2007, 06:42 AM

That thing has a Chevy motor though, right? Pretty sweet car, but I gotta have a Pontiac motor in my car.

You might want to sit down, I have some bad news for you about your 1998 Trans Am.:lmao:

4birdman

03-16-2007, 06:51 AM

You might want to sit down, I have some bad news for you about your 1998 Trans Am.

My friends give me that **** all the time. :lmao:

Let me clarify....I gotta have a Pontiac motor in my cars that had available Pontiac motors for the years in which they were made. :P

PT Goat

03-16-2007, 07:03 AM

My preference (in order):

'64 Tempest (or maybe a LeMans, wouldn't cut up a GTO)
'70-73 Trans Am
'77-78 Trans Am

Goatman

03-16-2007, 07:22 AM

Your 98' TA has a Pontiac motor in it. Pontiac says so. Don't let the nay-sayers fool you. Its a far better motor in every respect.

4birdman

03-16-2007, 07:52 AM

I'd rather it have an old-school Pontiac motor in it, to tell you the truth. If I had the cash to do that sort of swap, it would have one in there. :scared:

Desert68

03-16-2007, 02:55 PM

73-75 Grand Am.

You could make a very interesting project out of one of these and it'd definitely have a dare to be different factor. Love or hate front end styling, nice interiors, factory 455 available. I rarely see one of these on the road and there's a ton of old cars roaming the streets out here in the desert.

Mr.VENGEANCE

03-16-2007, 09:54 PM

ive concidered protouring my Bonnie..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

LOL!!

bigvegan

03-16-2007, 11:08 PM

That is one kick ass Bonneville Venomous. Every time I see it I want one. Exactly like that one, minus the whitewalls. Man that car's cool.

If I don't end up with a '98 up Camaro/TransAm, I'll probably end up with a big old thing like that.

Or maybe this one. It's not a Pontiac, but it sure is cool for less than $7k
http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/1/4/87967614.htm

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

CraigMorrison

03-17-2007, 06:11 AM

Definitely a "Bandit" car! Trans-am, honey-comb mags, 3-link, C5 front, GTO-LS engine, CB w/ whip antenna (as well as all the other things a true Bandit car should have scanner,laser jammers, Veil, Valentine1). Donuts and burnouts would need to be done on a constant basis.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

DarkBuddha

03-17-2007, 07:00 AM

shmoov69

03-17-2007, 07:20 AM

Early 60's Tempest, slant 4 (half a V8), fuel injected, turbocharged, Corvette rear transaxle, and all the other goodies. Something different and something that would WORK with the weight balance and all. Too cool!

rickk

03-17-2007, 07:44 AM

it would be a 70 - 74 ta:drive2:
rick k

RaceMan

03-17-2007, 08:33 AM

this is mine by default( i paid a $1.00) lol. I was gonna clone it (gto)
but the more I thought about it the more I want to leave it a Le Mans

MonzaRacer

03-17-2007, 09:41 AM

Hey my buddy just came up with a clean 72 Lemans in good shape if any one is interested.
Anyway as for the early 60's A body (Tempest) Why use a Corvette IRS use the Tempest independent set up.
It does work better in the body style and will handle after some minor tweaks.
The Tempest 4 cyl with an Edelbrok head, and a serious roller too. Mate it to a 6 speed Tremec.
I am trying to talk a close friend out of his 64 Tempest Lemans that he bought new off the show room floor, 326 4 speed, then he turned it into a record holding 11.5 pound class local race car.
LB/cu made this car well over 2 tons and still ran back in 60s pulling low 7's in the 1/8th mile and with high winding Pontiac power.
If someone might be interested in the Lemans my buddy has(72) let me know.
Lee

Goatman

03-17-2007, 11:08 AM

You are aware that those early Lemans' used a wire "rope" driveshaft and a very strange tranny, right?

And a E-head on one of those motors woudl put the powerband at about 8K RPM....

Kenova

03-17-2007, 01:09 PM

U hebt Pontiac op de hersenen.:scared:

:lmao: :lmao: I don't speak the language, but if you say it often and fast enough it translates itself.

I've always thought it would be cool to clone a '69 Trans Am convertable with a four (or five) speed manual. Considering how rare these cars are I'm surprised you don't see more clones.
Another of my favorites is the pre '73 Venturas. Do one with a '74 GTO hood.
Ken

LowBuckX

03-17-2007, 03:16 PM

Having owned a '67 GTO, and a '76 Grand Lemans, I love Pontiacs. And without a doubt, if I was gonna p-t one, this would be it:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/03/77canam_promo_med-1.jpg

:headbang:

I agree a Can-am would be cool but ive seen a can am with a nicer front end than that one. Dont know what year it was

ProdigyCustoms

03-17-2007, 04:28 PM

I actulally have looked around for a Can Am, good luck!

pitts64

03-18-2007, 12:07 PM

The 69 to 72 Grand Prix is a great Pontiac buy and a fantastic driving car.

ssdeuce

03-18-2007, 01:16 PM

I just picked up a 85 Trans am. It's a little ruff mainly on the inside. Can you guys give some ideals as to what you would do to a 3rd gen Trans am? Engine, trans, suspension, etc. Thanks

DarkBuddha

03-19-2007, 06:16 AM

I actulally have looked around for a Can Am, good luck!
Given ya'll's capabilities, I would've figured you just locate a nice '73-'77 Lemans and go to town on the thing. You should even be able to locate the Can Am spoiler and window slats somewhere... like eBay:

In fact, here's a rear spoiler: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1977-Pontiac-Can-Am-Spoiler_W0QQitemZ230104290035QQcategoryZ10076QQssP ageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Or just buy a whole car... it ain't cheap, but: http://www.cars-on-line.com/22843.html

C'mon... you know you want to build it.

Goatman

03-19-2007, 07:25 AM

Why anyone would have interest in those boats is beyond me........

Scott Parkhurst

03-20-2007, 10:10 AM

I'm partial to the '65s myself- but unlike my good friend Mr. Howell, my hair looks best in closed cars, so I'm going hardtop.

Know that the Pontiac V-8 is more than up to the task- modern goodies bring them up to par with just about anything out there. Mine is 601ci - 10 liters of angry Injun making 740hp unassisted on 92-octane. I've got 400 more in the bottle.

I'm opting for a Schwartz chassis with some suspension tweaks, a full cage, and all the safety stuff deemed necessary to play hardball. It'll also be street-licensed and driven.

If I were to consider anything beyond the '65 of my dreams, the Can-Am mentioned earlier and it's A-body siblings from the same era would be high on the list. The NASCAR players of the time offer plenty of style inspiration...and there's lots of cool photos of them out there. A refined 'NASCAR for the Street' theme would be killler- especially with ample Poncho power underhood.

The aftermarket Pontiac blocks (like the one my 601 is based on) are double-drilled for both B-O-P and Chevy bellhousings, so trans options open up if you get one. Butler has them in aluminum now if weight is a primary consideration.

Surely the engineering is out there to keep it "all Pontiac" and have it be a serious player on track or off.

Get going on it - I want to see it done!

~SP~

O'Neall

03-20-2007, 11:58 AM

I agree a Can-am would be cool but ive seen a can am with a nicer front end than that one. Dont know what year it was

Can Ams were one year only item... 1977. That's the only front end they had. You might have seen somebody playing around and trying to make something look like a Can Am.

Anyway, a Can Am would be cool for pro-touring, but as Frank said, good luck finding one (only about 1300 ever made). A cool (and more feasible) alternative would be to do a 77 LeMans (basically what the Can Am was, but much more easily found) to look like a pro-touring Can Am. That'd be cheapest and easiest.

Another cool Pontiac pro-tour possibility would be a 73-77 Grand Prix. Looooong hood, short tail, possibility of 400 or 455 cubic inches (or swap in a modern powerplant). Back in the day the Grand Prix was all about personal luxury with a bit of style and performance... sounds like a perfect launching pad for a pro-tour Pontiac to me!:cool:

blazer4corners

03-20-2007, 03:38 PM

86 1/2 2+2 grand prix aerocoupe . had one given to me, sold it to move out of my parents .paint was less than 6months old , rode and drove like a new car.....i was really stupid...the next will never leave my cold dead grasp

Goatman

03-20-2007, 03:57 PM

I LOVE the Aerocoupes! Now THAT's a cool car.

73ta

03-20-2007, 04:42 PM

70-73 ta. Best body style, great motors and good stock suspensions. Resale value going up!!

jeff s

03-20-2007, 07:46 PM

I've got a 81 turbo ta, I'll sell ya. Texas car. $2200

PonchoJohn

03-21-2007, 11:22 AM

I would build (or currently am building) one of the following:
1) 68 LeMans- nice grille work and bumper, a GTO hood and lights, lowered (Hotchkis, etc), 1-1/4" TA swaybar, 1" rear bar, 455, TH400/TKO600, etc, 3.08's = :woot:
2) 70-73 FIREBIRD- clone into a T/A or Formula- good times and a fantastic handling car (T/A spec'd) from the factory!
3) 63 LeMans- Bad A$$'d looking little ride.
4) 60-61 Ventura- see #3
5) 76 T/A- Last of the Old School 455 T/A's
6) 77-78 T/A- get a real one, as there were soooo many made that modding one won't effect the value that much (possibly improving value)
7) 82-91 T/A w/ the 87-90 body kit and a traditional Poncho motor! Light weight and TORQUE for DAZE!!

PonchoJohn

03-21-2007, 11:26 AM

What am I thinking?? I forgot one...
68 Firebird coupe- arguably the best looking of the first gen birds (and the Camaro's have been built some many times, building a bird is like cooking from a recipe- follow the directions and Viola! success)

80proZ

03-21-2007, 05:44 PM

I myself have a 68 Tempest that i plan on doing right after i finish up the camaro.I'd much rather have the A body than a first gen F body.Personally i'm kinda tired of first gens.(mine is a second)

bigvegan

03-21-2007, 09:09 PM

Late 4th gen, the prices are going to be dropping even faster the closer we get to 2009. Plus, you've got the LS1, the 6 speed, the 4 wheel disk brakes, the AC, and something fun to drive while you get this wagon ready for the transplant. Figure 10k for the 4th gen, the $995 for the '56 2 door wagon below, and then another $14k of transplanting, welding, bodywork, paint, and interior, and you've got yourself one heck of a wagon for $25k.

(Note, I have no connection to the below car, I just did a quick search for Pontiac wagons at collectorcartrader and thought this would be a sweet project., especially for less than a grand. If anyone here buys it and decides to pro-tour it, please keep me posted. Man, do I need a house with a garage, building a pro-touring 2 door wagon would be awesome.)

http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/2/8/84762328.htm

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

MonzaRacer

03-21-2007, 09:41 PM

I aoso like tha late 60s-early 70s Full size, look at Bret Voekels wifes car from Air Ride Technologies, the 68 Bonneville.

PonchoJohn

03-22-2007, 11:03 AM

That's a bitchin' Safari wagon! On a car like that (rarity), I'd be inclined to rebuild the original motor and trans instead of a later model powerplant.
I saw a guy take a '56 Safari and: lower it, 17's all around, nice smoked glass, clean chrome, refurb'd the interior- it was a really sweet ride.

[email protected]

03-22-2007, 12:18 PM

I have a 73 Grand Am, and a 77 Can Am, one of which I was going to "convert", the other I was going to sell. Both are virtually rust free Cali cars.

Roadrage David

03-23-2007, 11:42 AM

U hebt Pontiac op de hersenen.:scared: damm right i got pontiac on my brain:seizure: :seizure: :seizure:

Roadrage David

03-23-2007, 11:43 AM

i hate your life..:lmao::throw: hahahahah I dont.........

Colin Frolick

03-25-2007, 12:39 PM

my car... will have a 428, 6 speed, afx spindles, HTH truckarms, 4 wheel discs, 'cage, 3.00:1 ford 9", heater/radio delete. planning to burn up the open road.

Steve Firebird

03-26-2007, 08:44 AM

I think I've convinced myself to get a 70-73 Formula or 69 Firebird. I may try and find a good Firebird and clone it to a Formula since it would be cheaper that way.

I still have my heart set on a 69 Firebird vert in Vedoro green, but who knows when I'll find the exact one I want.
How about picking up a late 70s TA and swaping 70-73 sheet metal on it? I have a clean 79 400 4 speed that needs suspention and interior work I can't sell because every one thinks it should be perfect for 6500.00. My budy has some extra fenders ect.. and we are talking about tying to do the frt end sheet metal swap.