Jason1970GTO
New member
Hi All
So this post might get a bit long but I want to be clear with my intentions on this build. I've always wanted to build a 70 GTO like the one on the movie "The Faculty". I however cannot bring myself to do it to a true GTO. I decided to opt for a similar car in which I can still achieve my goal. I found this 1972 Pontiac Lemans Luxury with original engine(350), transmission(TH350), and 10 bolt rear end for $1,200. The body is pretty straight where it counts. The floor pans, trunk pan, and quarters are all in great shape. I know the entire front clip will need changed to accommodate the 70 GTO front clip. Not a big deal imo, I've priced it out. Already acquired a very nice original 70 GTO hood for only $75 bucks. The remaining parts I will need are a deck lid, rear valance(with cutouts), front fenders, front wheel well housings, radiator support, endura nose, and lower front valance. I'm set on doing this clone conversion, cost be darned.
After getting it home to Kansas from Georgia, I needed to put on some wheels & tires that actually held air. When I jacked the car up I heard a loud pop, one of the rear coil springs broke. So I've already changed out rear coil springs and shocks. The engine & trans were not in the car, so I set them back into it for protection purposes. The car was missing front seats so I've already acquired a set of bucket seats(which it was built with). Strange thing is, this was a column shift car with bucket seats(no center console). Anyhow...
I know most guys dump the 350 in favor of a 400 or 455 but that is not my plan (I will NOT change engine). I know the 350 can produce the HP/Torque I am looking for and I will be sticking with this engine(as long as it checks out). I am interested in dropping in one of the stroker kits made for the Pontiac 350. The question is, what can this block take? So I will be getting the block magnafluxed, pressure tested and sonic tested. Butler performance offers 2 different kits for the 350 and I was looking for some opinions on which would be better. This car will need to run on premium pump gas(97 octane) where I live. I'm not looking to track race this car, just have some street/cruising fun in it. Back to the kits, 383-388 cu in Forged crank kit (4.00" Stroke) or the 407-413 cu in Forged crank kit (4.250" stroke)???? Price for both kits is the same.
Here are some photos of the car. I'm stoked about this build & would love some good advice that pertains to my goals. Thanks in advance for any and all help. TC all.
So this post might get a bit long but I want to be clear with my intentions on this build. I've always wanted to build a 70 GTO like the one on the movie "The Faculty". I however cannot bring myself to do it to a true GTO. I decided to opt for a similar car in which I can still achieve my goal. I found this 1972 Pontiac Lemans Luxury with original engine(350), transmission(TH350), and 10 bolt rear end for $1,200. The body is pretty straight where it counts. The floor pans, trunk pan, and quarters are all in great shape. I know the entire front clip will need changed to accommodate the 70 GTO front clip. Not a big deal imo, I've priced it out. Already acquired a very nice original 70 GTO hood for only $75 bucks. The remaining parts I will need are a deck lid, rear valance(with cutouts), front fenders, front wheel well housings, radiator support, endura nose, and lower front valance. I'm set on doing this clone conversion, cost be darned.
After getting it home to Kansas from Georgia, I needed to put on some wheels & tires that actually held air. When I jacked the car up I heard a loud pop, one of the rear coil springs broke. So I've already changed out rear coil springs and shocks. The engine & trans were not in the car, so I set them back into it for protection purposes. The car was missing front seats so I've already acquired a set of bucket seats(which it was built with). Strange thing is, this was a column shift car with bucket seats(no center console). Anyhow...
I know most guys dump the 350 in favor of a 400 or 455 but that is not my plan (I will NOT change engine). I know the 350 can produce the HP/Torque I am looking for and I will be sticking with this engine(as long as it checks out). I am interested in dropping in one of the stroker kits made for the Pontiac 350. The question is, what can this block take? So I will be getting the block magnafluxed, pressure tested and sonic tested. Butler performance offers 2 different kits for the 350 and I was looking for some opinions on which would be better. This car will need to run on premium pump gas(97 octane) where I live. I'm not looking to track race this car, just have some street/cruising fun in it. Back to the kits, 383-388 cu in Forged crank kit (4.00" Stroke) or the 407-413 cu in Forged crank kit (4.250" stroke)???? Price for both kits is the same.
Here are some photos of the car. I'm stoked about this build & would love some good advice that pertains to my goals. Thanks in advance for any and all help. TC all.
Never gave me any trouble, and I never have heard of any weakness to the motor.
