326 Rebuild

[66Txlemans]

So I'm the new guy,
At 26 I've reached my goal of being comfortable enough financially to afford something I've always wanted. Last month i bought a one owner, numbers matching, 66 LeMans (yes i know it has a GTO hood, i've got the original.) The body, pushed me into buying it. No bondo or filler anywhere just straight metal. The car is already in Epoxy Primer ready for the booth, so i'm wondering what my next step should be? The engine is a stock 326 matched up to the original rebuilt 3 speed automatic. All the research is leading me to believe i can't do much with it. It has 92,000 original miles so either way it needs a rebuild. My question is it worth putting bolt ons (new Intake, Heads, carb, headers., etc) to build some decent power. I'm not looking for insane power (just more than the stock 250 HP) just something that'll push you back in the seat a little when that light turns green. Considering it's a numbers matching car, i don't know that i want to port it or anything like that to retain the value. Thoughts? Comments? Concerns? i'm open to any ideas from the "professionals" haha

Thanks and Gig 'Em

 

[melsg5]

Need to clarify some points. You state it's numbers matching but also state it has a 3 speed automatic which was not available in 1966? Was that a typo? You are worried about retaining the originality but are willing to change heads, intake, etc.? You can modify the existing engine and retain the original parts for the next owner or you can pull the complete engine and put in a 400 or a 455. The original engine can also be increased in size with a stroker kit. Having a budget to start with would be a good idea and then see which path most closely fits that budget. What ever you do congrats on the new car and lots of luck with it.

 

[EaOutlaw]

Hi and welcome.
Nice car and nice first post. Pictures and all.

let me start off by saying I am not a expert or professional at anything any longer.
Please take anything I say with a grain of salt.

If your worried about value while doing this project, you picked the wrong car.

A leMans and a GTO of the same year and starting condition requiring the same amount of work to restore, would require nearly identical amount of money to make a finished
show worthy level one car.

Yet the GTO would have a retail value nearly 40K higher than the leMans.

None of this takes away from what I think you have, which is a really nice project car.

The engine you have in it may or may not be a numbers matching car, meaning there is no factory last 8 of the VIN stamped anywhere on your engine.

If you find a VIN on that engine someone else put it there other than Pontiac.

Again this does not take away from your car or project.

However this does let you relax a little knowing you can do what you want with your car.

Life is waaaaaaay too short to worry about what others think and the value of the ride you love.

I do not know what budget your working with however I would suggest,
while the engine is in running condition changing the oil flushing the cooling system if it needs it.

Pull the engine out, mounting it to a rolling stand where you can on occasion prime the oiling system and change the oil every year or so or go by testing the oil to make sure it does not become acidic. changing it as needed.

Just put that engine to rest for the day you may want to sell the car.

Find a rebuilt engine with the specs you want or buy another long block assembly and have it rebuilt to your liking.

Just start with a engine that will fit your driving style and needs.

If this will be a daily driver your not going to want massive horse power and torque anyways.

So my next step that you asked about would be researching the engine you want.

I am not recommending opening up the stock engine that came with this car because even if you cant prove it did come from the factory with this engine no one else could prove it didn't.

Why risk tossing a rod out the oil pan and having to find another just like it.

the best bang for your buck on getting a great power plant is to find another car with a Pontiac V8 that someone already dumped a bunch of money into it and wrecked the car or gave up on the project.

 

[92 Sunbird LE]

Most say............... pull the motor and trans and bag it in the corner of your garage and install something else.

About all you can get out of it is a little over 300 HP anyways. ( or spend a ton for a stroker kit http://www.butlerperformance.com/products/engines_assemblies/rotating_assemblies.html )

Put in a mild built 400 and doll it up like to look like the 326.

Cheaper way out. Original motor and trans is safe and sound.

Just my 2 cents.

Doug in P.R.

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[EaOutlaw]

BTW like the original owner I like the GTO hood on the car, who cares if it is a real GTO or leMans either is a great looking car that I would love to own.