78 Pontiac Lemans

[PBGBodyFan]

Look forward to more pics too. A 305 might not be ideal but it sure beats getting the 3.8 which many (most?) of the LeMans seem to have.

 

[blk7gxn]

Recently came into possession of my grandfather's 1978 Lemans that he bought new in 78. Always garage kept, 99% rust free. I'm looking to clean this up and cruise around in it mainly. Not really looking to hot rod it. Came with a CSB 305 from factory. Not the most ideal power plant, but workable.

Any thoughts are appreciated on what direction I should take with this gem from the late 70's.

Congratulations on your acquiring of this gem!!! I will say something that perhaps will upset others who posted up opinions. I have had my share of all engines across the GM lineup. My preference is the Buick Turbo V6 intercooled hands down, not recommending such here. I have had Pontiac engines, and One thing i hate about them is they LEAK OIL out of their crank rope seals, JUNK DESIGN, maybe there is upgrades now to fix this problem, but in your situation, since it already has a SBC, you can build or find a SBC 350 and make great power for little money with regular maintenance, will give you YEARS of touring around dependable enjoyment, and best of all, it will bolt RIGHT IN! Good luck with whatever you decide, can't wait to see more pics of your beauty!!

 

[BronzeLemans78]

Congratulations on your acquiring of this gem!!! I will say something that perhaps will upset others who posted up opinions. I have had my share of all engines across the GM lineup. My preference is the Buick Turbo V6 intercooled hands down, not recommending such here. I have had Pontiac engines, and One thing i hate about them is they LEAK OIL out of their crank rope seals, JUNK DESIGN, maybe there is upgrades now to fix this problem, but in your situation, since it already has a SBC, you can build or find a SBC 350 and make great power for little money with regular maintenance, will give you YEARS of touring around dependable enjoyment, and best of all, it will bolt RIGHT IN! Good luck with whatever you decide, can't wait to see more pics of your beauty!!

While I love Pontiac (have owned 3 over the years, two Grand Am's and my wife had a G6), the ease of finding SBC parts is a huge draw. For this year model, all V8 options were Chevrolet engines, both the 305 and 350.

I guess a bigger question here is, with this being a numbers matching stock car, would you keep it as such and use the original mill? Would swapping out the motor for a 350/400/455 devalue the vehicle? BTW, I have no intentions of selling this in my lifetime.

 

[BronzeLemans78]

Congratulations on your acquiring of this gem!!! I will say something that perhaps will upset others who posted up opinions. I have had my share of all engines across the GM lineup. My preference is the Buick Turbo V6 intercooled hands down, not recommending such here. I have had Pontiac engines, and One thing i hate about them is they LEAK OIL out of their crank rope seals, JUNK DESIGN, maybe there is upgrades now to fix this problem, but in your situation, since it already has a SBC, you can build or find a SBC 350 and make great power for little money with regular maintenance, will give you YEARS of touring around dependable enjoyment, and best of all, it will bolt RIGHT IN! Good luck with whatever you decide, can't wait to see more pics of your beauty!!

Huge fan of the boosted Buick's. Wish they would have stuck with the G/N builds.

 

[CDUNIGAN1981]

Congratulations on your acquiring of this gem!!! I will say something that perhaps will upset others who posted up opinions. I have had my share of all engines across the GM lineup. My preference is the Buick Turbo V6 intercooled hands down, not recommending such here. I have had Pontiac engines, and One thing i hate about them is they LEAK OIL out of their crank rope seals, JUNK DESIGN, maybe there is upgrades now to fix this problem, but in your situation, since it already has a SBC, you can build or find a SBC 350 and make great power for little money with regular maintenance, will give you YEARS of touring around dependable enjoyment, and best of all, it will bolt RIGHT IN! Good luck with whatever you decide, can't wait to see more pics of your beauty!!

Putting a Buick motor into a Pontiac is like wearing a Shell Toe Adidas on your left with a Jordan on your right

 

[BronzeLemans78]

blk7gxn said: not recommending such here.

 

[BronzeLemans78]

Put up more pics of this 1 owner.
Let's see the inside too

Put up more pics of this 1 owner.
Let's see the inside too

 

[blk7gxn]

Putting a Buick motor into a Pontiac is like wearing a Shell Toe Adidas on your left with a Jordan on your right

And I even made it bold print too "not recommending such here"

 

[blk7gxn]

While I love Pontiac (have owned 3 over the years, two Grand Am's and my wife had a G6), the ease of finding SBC parts is a huge draw. For this year model, all V8 options were Chevrolet engines, both the 305 and 350.

I guess a bigger question here is, with this being a numbers matching stock car, would you keep it as such and use the original mill? Would swapping out the motor for a 350/400/455 devalue the vehicle? BTW, I have no intentions of selling this in my lifetime.

I too love #'s matching but in this particular situation if you went with the 350 upgrade, and its keeping it stock looking under the hood, it would most likely increase the value.

 

[blk7gxn]

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Such a beautiful survivor, TRULY so happy for you and thrilled your keeping it in the family for your lifetime! Cant put a price tag on sentimental value!