BUILD THREAD 1978 Pontiac Grand Prix Build (Pic Heavy)

[Shelbywh89]

I've been wanting to start a build thread for awhile to keep tracking of everything and hopefully get some help and opinions from other members as I've taken stuff from the other builds I've seen on here and try to incorporate it into my build. The engine build as been a slow and painful process but as soon as that is done I plan to go full speed into the other parts. Most of the stuff I've been stocking up on for better part of a year waiting to build it.

The Car Started out as a 1978 Pontiac Grand Prix 301 Engine TH200 Transmission. Transmission and engine always gave me problems. The steering column was busted and switched out. The Transmission would never shift correctly I'd put it in drive and it would go in reverse. Engine was hit or miss if it wanted to start.


Got the Engine and Transmission Pulled out
Before

After

Got The engine Bay all painted black and ready to go for the engine

 

[Shelbywh89]

Interior

The inside wasnt that bad when I got the car. I've bought a few things The rear speaker package tray and 5.25 kick panels. But working on the new center console now.



Going to be using all new Speedhut Gauges

Was going to build my own custom Gauge cluster but I didnt like the way it turned out so I decided to integrate the speedhut gauges into the old dash for now.
Gauges I installed, Volts,Oil,Water,GPS Speedo,Tach,Trans Temp, Fuel and a clock.
Going to go with a Autometer Air/Fuel and Nitrous pressure gauge installed in the center console

 

[Shelbywh89]

Engine was a pain, I started out wanting a 350 but decided last minute to go with a 383 so switched up on a few parts.


Decided to go with a blue bottom and black upper


The Cam going in

 

[Shelbywh89]

Rear End And Suspension Parts Wheels and Tires
Bought The Quick Performance 9'' with E Brake Discs

Had to Knock the Bushings out to replace for UMI and get ready for powder coating, My plan was to use Por-15 and paint it black but with a total of $100 to paint it a shop here quoted me $150 to powder coat it.

 

[Shelbywh89]

Car Audio
One of the big things for me was to make a great sound system. When I started the project I wanted to make the car fast and loud.
Not much done with the sounds yet besides getting everything ordered.

Used this Triple SMD meter kit covered it in a carbon fiber wrap and installed a Molex plug.

 

[L.A.X-RATED]

barter old factory console for other 78-80 gp goodies or 78-88 gbody goodies?pm me if interested

 

[motorheadmike]

Interior

Going to be using all new Speedhut Gauges
View attachment 64790
Was going to build my own custom Gauge cluster but I didnt like the way it turned out so I decided to integrate the speedhut gauges into the old dash for now.

Those look familiar.

 

[Shelbywh89]

Those look familiar.

Yea I thought about going with the Autometers but I liked how Speedhut lets you customize everything..I should have put a little Pontiac logo or something but i didn't at the time regret it now that i look back

 

[motorheadmike]

Yea I thought about going with the Autometers but I liked how Speedhut lets you customize everything..I should have put a little Pontiac logo or something but i didn't at the time regret it now that i look back

Programming warning and shift lites are neat features, as are the hi/low recalls.