78 Grand Prix project

[deanlemans81]

Looking good Steve, love those valve covers! I like the corporate blue. it makes a nice change from all the other metallic blue engines. I went with the pale blue from 76 up since that`s the color that was on the engine when I got it. I painted my intake since I want to give it a stock look though I never thought of passing it off as a 301. That would be hard to do anyway, I`m installing 400 emblems on the lower front fenders.

If ever you want a Pontiac style Rochester carb body, I`ve got a couple of cores at home, just let me know.

Love the progress, keep it up.
Dean

 

[G-Body_Vet]

Looking good Steve, love those valve covers! I like the corporate blue. it makes a nice change from all the other metallic blue engines. I went with the pale blue from 76 up since that`s the color that was on the engine when I got it. I painted my intake since I want to give it a stock look though I never thought of passing it off as a 301. That would be hard to do anyway, I`m installing 400 emblems on the lower front fenders.

If ever you want a Pontiac style Rochester carb body, I`ve got a couple of cores at home, just let me know.

Love the progress, keep it up.
Dean

I thought the color would be a nice change too. Metallic blue to Pontiac is like Chevy orange to Chevy. I still have 2 other carbs from 455's and one from a 403. The original plan was to rebuild one of those but that will happen later down the road. At least the Edelbrock q-jet is in running condition for now. I'm going to be on the road for work and putting in a lot of hours in the shop pretty soon, so the progress might slow down again for awhile.

 

[G-Body_Vet]

I've been busy with work and looking for a house so progress is slow. I did finally buy a set of RA manifolds from R.A.R.E.
I opted for the 2.5" oversized outlets. I degreased them and went with the VHT flame-proof primer and cast iron paint. I mocked them up for a quick look. Next step is to cure them, install stainless studs and mount them.

 

[pontiacgp]

the manifolds look better than any shorty header I have seen and will outlast any header long or short. That Pontiac blue engine sure brings back fond memories of my all Pontiac from the factory 74 Grand Prix

 

[Bonnewagon]

WOWSERS those look great! You gotta hand it to those Pontiac engineers, they produced some incredible stuff in those days. Unlike headers,these repos should outlast the car. Good move!

 

[-83MONTESS-]

Im loving this thread man. Lots of info and eye p*rn! Im glad you didnt sell it.

 

[G-Body_Vet]

I appreciate the fact that you guys still follow this thread! It's motivation to finish it one day :lol:
I'm glad I went this route instead of headers too. No headaches and they fit.

I also picked up the flanges and mandrel down pipes while I was at it. Lots left to do!

 

[deanlemans81]

Hey Steve, you copying my stuff :shock: I received my manifolds, flanges and downpipes from RARE 4 days ago. I went with the regular, non-oversize manifolds though. Got the left side installed today (last day of vacation) and I should install the other later this week. I removed the steering shaft to make more room to access the bolts but other than that, it slipped right in. It`s a little close to the lower control arm mount and brake line but will do. You will love the look when installed. Glad to see the progress coming along even if it`s slow. Make sure the house you buy has a huge garage to work in 😀

 

[G-Body_Vet]

Finding something with suitable driveway space, enough stalls and being detached is what's taking me so long to find a house! I must admit, it wasn't easy dropping that much money on cast iron manifolds but they'll last and I'm fine with that. I did paint my flanges too, just didn't take pictures.

When I started this build I didn't have enough money, now I don't have enough time because of travelling for work. If I get a weekend off before the end of October I hope to have the trans in, finish my fuel return and vapor lines, and maybe even finish the exhaust. I'd like to have all of the under-car work done before winter so I can focus on getting paint.

 

[Blake442]

Lookin good!