My Lemans Progress

[ponchopwr70]

Here's some pics of the 388 and new rims. Should have everything done next weekend. Can't wait to start the new engine should make some power.

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...0/DSCN3494.jpg"
http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...0/DSCN3438.jpg" http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...0/DSCN3496.jpg"

[Steve68]

body shots????

[ponchopwr70]

These pics are of the metal repair after restoration. I'm not going to paint it for little while due to I had to build a new engine so no more $ right now. Once I get it running and put the new rims on I'll take more pics.


These pics are the car befor the resto when it had 6cyl springs,355 and new england rust on the chassis.

Here are some of whats been done to the car, wilwood disc front, drum rear. Boxed chassis, factory welds redone, eldelbrock rear arms new springs and bushings, 1-1/4 front bar, 7/8 rear, eldebrock shocks, Torq Thrust 17x8 255/45 front, 17x9.5 285/40 rear.The new motor is a 388 chevy lunati crank,rods, weisco pistions. 10.8:1 cr, 2.02 gm heads ported,polished, cam 507lift/235dur at .050/108 ls 69 z28 intake 750 carb. Also it has a th350 with shift kit, strange chromemoly driveshaft, bop 10bolt 3.55 limited slip. The interior is stock with cd player and car needs a paint job but is presentable.

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

you are le man!

[72LeMans]

Sweet ride man i have a 72 LeMans 2door post car with a mildly built 355 chevy.

[restomodbird69]

motor looks killer

[ponchopwr70]

Well I scanned some photos from the restoration here they are.

[dslwizard]

Look'n good.

[ponchopwr70]

Here are some quick pictures my sister took of my car. Thats a 388 chevy with a markVIII fan. The car is running really good and fun to drive. I just put an 850dp holley on it (I know people will think its to big) and what a difference from the 750 vac. secondary carb.The only problem I have is trying to launch the car . Now I just need a paint job.

[a73formula]

What made you go with the small block over a pontiac, just curious to each his own but maybe you should change your name to chevypowrdponcho. Just messin with ya, looks really nice.

[ponchopwr70]

I went with the chevy because when i was in high school my friends father gave me almost everything to build the 355 so it was really cheap to make some power (I had a 6 banger in it). Then the 355 blew this year and it was still cheaper and quicker to just reuse most of the parts I had. Maybe when this engine is gone I might consider a poncho motor.

[peacemaker]

Frank,
It sure looks like you have taken that thing from a grocery-getter to an all out street fighter. What a sharp looking "mochine". My GTO's stock color was paint code 57 Midnight Green. I changed it to the '97 GM color Bright Green Metallic. Is the current color on your car original? You have mentioned repainting it several times. What do you have in mind? My cousin Paul "Bandit" and I have debated the corporate power vs brand power on a couple of occasions. I hate it because he always gets me on that darn cost vs power issue. I'm a Pontiac power guy and I have plunked down the cash to do so but he has built his BBC for much less. Oh well, long live the hi-po engine debate! Do you have any trouble with your rear tires hitting the fenders? If not how do you have the rear suspension set up? It is very irritating to hear the tires hit the fenders on big bumps or cornering hard!
__________________
Josh

[ponchopwr70]

Thanks for the input Josh. My color is pepper green code 48 (I belive) You can't really see it in the pics but the bottom of the fenders and quaters are black. The car was repainted about 4 years ago factory color. Now I'm trying to figure out what color to paint it. I know the chevy engine thing doesn't help me make friends but I happy with the way it is. I think most people will respect the car for what it is and whats been done. Besides pontiac put a chevy 6cyl in it from the factory. My tires in the back fit perfect no rubs and plenty of room. I have sb chevelle springs with edelbrock boxed arms and shocks, factory bop 10bolt, drums and 7/8 rear sway bar. The rim is 17x9.5 with 5.5 b.s. and a 285/40 tire. The whole car is pretty stiff and doesn't roll around corners. I also boxed the chassis (everywhere there was c-channel a plate was welded to it.) If you have any questions feel free to ask me.

[peacemaker]

Frank,
I like what you have done with this thing. How much difference does boxing the frame rails make in overall rigidity? That is something I hadn't thought of doing with my car before reading your post. Have you done anything with the front control arms or steering system? I just got back from running the Goat into town, musclecars sure are fun to drive when the weather is a little more moderate.
_________________
Josh

[ponchopwr70]

I think that boxing the frame rails made a big difference, I recommend doing it. The front is sb chevelle springs stock arms edelbrock shocks and 1.25 sway bar. Rims are 17x8 with 4.75 b.s. and 255/45 tire. The tires just touch the sway bar at full lock.

[Roger Poirier]

Nice work!

R.P.

[72LeMans]

what kind of transmission cross member are you using?

[ponchopwr70]

I'm using the factory one, except we cut the ends off and weld verticle ends onto it. The we drilled and installed nut inserts to the boxed section to hold it.

[jb@ridetech]

Need another lemans i have a 68 hardtop.

[52deluxe]

cool project, i am currently restoring a 68 gto convertible.....