1981 Pontiac Grand LeMans Safari Wagon

[olds307 and 403]

It will be massively better to drive with that whole combo. Yeah, a sbc these days is now a unique engine swap🤣.

 

[PBGBodyFan]

It will be massively better to drive with that whole combo. Yeah, a sbc these days is now a unique engine swap🤣.

Agreed, on both 🙂. It should be very similar to my 87’ LS, both lower compression Vortec headed 350’s and trans/gear ratios too.

 

[newmexguy]

Wow, that's a long drive with a blown trans, did you have at least 2nd gear?

I need to get back at it, been a busy past week and this week might not be ideal either but I did get the engine/trans pulled along with the core support and all suspension last weekend/early last week. Now it's time to clean and paint the frame. I had just enough room to clear the short garage and front bumper pulling it out together, wanted to leave the nose/bumper in place if possible. Engine was sold within a day to a Turbo Buick guy who wanted the block as a spare/future build. Trans went to scrap, maybe could of seen if someone wanted or needed a BOP TH-200 core but I highly doubt it. I did put something on the bumper as it crossed over to help protect it a bit. View attachment 181344

View attachment 181345

Say "ahhhh"
View attachment 181346

Nice job on the cleaning and detailing. Used to live in Albuquerque, noticed the "Galles" Chevrolet license plate. On the Monte Carlo Luxury Sport? front header panel. One of the largest dealerships there, at one point.

 

[PBGBodyFan]

Nice job on the cleaning and detailing. Used to live in Albuquerque, noticed the "Galles" Chevrolet license plate. On the Monte Carlo Luxury Sport? front header panel. One of the largest dealerships there, at one point.

Good catch. My LS is originally purchased at Galles, I bought it in 2002 from someone I knew who lived just west of Albuquerque and drove it back. I had that plate on it for a bit and now have this one, not sure which is more period correct (maybe you have an idea).

 

[PBGBodyFan]

Got it running/driving as of yesterday, just in time to park it for winter off site, so the little things I need to iron out will have to wait. Engine runs good, trans shifts a bit late for the 1-2 shift, playing with the tv cable even though you’re not “supposed” to. Suspension feels and looks great, firm but not harsh. Engine/trans definitely feels more stout than the 3.8 😁

Will need to raise the front a bit for wheelwell clearance. 245’s easily clear the wheelwell’s at full lock, plan to test 275’s tomorrow before putting the Rally II’s back on.

To do list:

- Exhaust is a bit leaky/crappy so a cat-back will be put together
- Dial in the trans shifting or worst case have it looked at by a 200-4r expert in my area who I know of
- Dial in ride height and get it aligned
- Finish installing the 4 speed shifter and setting the linkage
- Figure out the ALDL difference(s) between 81’ and later years
- Some underhood wiring cleanup

 

[ssn696]

Sano underneath, patina’d up top. Nice!

 

[5spdCab]

Got it running/driving as of yesterday, just in time to park it for winter off site, so the little things I need to iron out will have to wait. Engine runs good, trans shifts a bit late for the 1-2 shift, playing with the tv cable even though you’re not “supposed” to. Suspension feels and looks great, firm but not harsh. Engine/trans definitely feels more stout than the 3.8 😁

Will need to raise the front a bit for wheelwell clearance. 245’s easily clear the wheelwell’s at full lock, plan to test 275’s tomorrow before putting the Rally II’s back on.

To do list:

- Exhaust is a bit leaky/crappy so a cat-back will be put together
- Dial in the trans shifting or worst case have it looked at by a 200-4r expert in my area who I know of
- Dial in ride height and get it aligned
- Finish installing the 4 speed shifter and setting the linkage
- Figure out the ALDL difference(s) between 81’ and later years
- Some underhood wiring cleanup

View attachment 186694

Love that clean underside.
What kind of control arms are those?

 

[PBGBodyFan]

Love that clean underside.
What kind of control arms are those?

Ridetech. Went with them all around. Happy with them and my first time with coilovers.

Just got it aligned early this week, over 6 degrees caster, within the specs Ridetech calls for of 4-7.

Also in early spring had the Rally IV rims I had laying around sandblasted, found some 215/70 BFG’s locally used but nice tread, then painted them using Eastwood argent silver and charcoal with lots of tape. New caps but still could use two nicer correct trim rings. The snowflakes went back on, just always liked these rims and wanted to restore them.

 

[oldsmobile joe]

but still could use two nicer correct trim rings.

I may have a pair. These are 14x6, right? What is the trim ring height or depth?

 

[PBGBodyFan]

I may have a pair. These are 14x6, right? What is the trim ring height or depth?

Yep. Here are some pics of one. Dish depth is 2.75”, no step or ridge to the edge.