Own '72 LeMans for two summers now. Recently found out it's not the original 350 motor. So now I don't know where to start and where to end. When I 1st got it home I changed the points, plugs, fuel filter and oil. Purchased but haven't installed a few upgrades. HEI distributor & front disc conversion. I'm 62 so most of the time I drive the car easy not only because it doesn't stop but because I'm in no rush. But when I hit it the car bogs & sometimes backfires. So first thought change the 4bbl bogchester to EFI. 2nd thought, back to the Basics. Cleaned and checked points plugs cap wires carb & set the timing. Car ran goooood but only for a short time. Timing was Out again. Found 12 degrees of slack in the Timing Chain. Now I added a timing chain set and water pump to my uninstalled purchases. Back the Question. Where to start and where to end. Just do the TC? Cam and Lifters? Heads? SD exhaust? Find a 400 or 455 to rebuild? Or go for broke with a LS motor, ideally out of a GTO or G8? Childhood friends advise from, just do the chain to a Stoker. I want the car to be reliable and go when I hit it. Do I don't need 400HP? No but then why is there a 707HP Hellcat? What would you do? Thanks in advance.
Where to Start Where To End
- Thread starter frankz
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what someone else does is irrelevant, you have to decide what you want to do. if you just want a driver replace the chain and thats it. If the compression is good nothing else to do. Sounds like you may also want to go over the stock brakes to make sure nothing is wrong, leaks, air in the system, a master that needs rebuilding or replacement.
Right off the bat IMHO you have arguably one of the Best Looking Meanest Stock GTO ever made. Thanks for your input. And you're right I want a driver. If the compression is good just do the TC. The KISS philosophy. While I have your ear to maximize the value of my '72 LeMans convertible w/o it's born motor, color (Int & Ext) and documentation in a NO GTO drop top year, In Your Opinion What EQ and Options or Upgrades would bring in the most benjamins? Thanks
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thanks for the comment on the GTO. People invest in improvements/modifications and expect to see a return on that investment when they sell the car. It doesnt work that way, for every dollar you put into the car dont expect that dollar back when you sell it, you will only see a fraction of that original dollar. So for instance you already have the disc brake kit, so go ahead and install it, disc's are a nice upgrade. As far as the HEI, you could go either way, sell it if you can, points have been around a lot longer and they work more reliably than anything electronic.
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