Don't think BFG (Michelin) has really made T/A's in years, those are licensed out to Coker Tires for production.
78 Pontiac Lemans
- Thread starter BronzeLemans78
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So, I'll stick my nose in since this is a Pontiac. First are you sure it's a 305? As has been stated that's not what would be expected so a pic would be cool just cuz we are nosey. But after reading all the posts I would say leave the car alone. Clean it drive it and most importantly learn what it takes to work on it. This car has no computer so when it starts acting funny you need to know what you are about. The car isn't going to help you. Posting my car won't start to a web board will work but you will get a lot of advise and just wading through it without any real knowledge will wear you down.
You may have noticed a variety of responses to your question. We all have our opinions/experiences that inform our comments. They are all valid, except the LS guys.... They're weirdos. Your question is like asking which supermodel is hotter. Dude, they're all hot that's why they are super models. Except the LS one. She's ugly and her momma dresses her funny.
Now, based on what I've read you are reasonably new to cars or old ones any rate. So with that consideration any motor swap is a bad idea. There's a reason every sale rag has a section loaded with abandoned projects. People bite off more than they can chew, get discouraged and give up. Then they go buy an LS powered car.
So assuming you have a 305 start with the basics. Hedders, dual exhaust, cam, intake, 4 bbl. All these things will literally bolt to the Chevy 350 you will replace the 305 with. If you do. Look on YouTube or ask Google. There are 305s making real power with modern parts and have Dyno pulls to back it up. That may be enough for you.
When you get ambitious and decide to get away from the Chevy Kool-aid my vote is Pontiac. But this is important, ANY motor you use other than another Gen1 SBC is not a simple swap. Every other motor uses different mount, accessory brackets, sometimes accessories like the AC pump you mentioned, not to mention exhaust manifold, starter location which means the battery moves to the other side of the car or you need a ultra long cable and the bell housing is different. A BBC is easier than a Pontiac. Of course it's hard to work on cuz your skirt will ride up.
A lot of this was meant to be slightly humorous. I'm long winded, old, and in love with the sound of my virtual voice. The advice is solid. Enjoy your car, it's really awesome. Welcome to the nut house.
P.S. the LS is a perfectly fine choice it's a great motor and makes gobs of power. It's just not unique, and frankly it easy to make power. The swap is a reasonably high bar but not insurmountable.
You may have noticed a variety of responses to your question. We all have our opinions/experiences that inform our comments. They are all valid, except the LS guys.... They're weirdos. Your question is like asking which supermodel is hotter. Dude, they're all hot that's why they are super models. Except the LS one. She's ugly and her momma dresses her funny.
Now, based on what I've read you are reasonably new to cars or old ones any rate. So with that consideration any motor swap is a bad idea. There's a reason every sale rag has a section loaded with abandoned projects. People bite off more than they can chew, get discouraged and give up. Then they go buy an LS powered car.
So assuming you have a 305 start with the basics. Hedders, dual exhaust, cam, intake, 4 bbl. All these things will literally bolt to the Chevy 350 you will replace the 305 with. If you do. Look on YouTube or ask Google. There are 305s making real power with modern parts and have Dyno pulls to back it up. That may be enough for you.
When you get ambitious and decide to get away from the Chevy Kool-aid my vote is Pontiac. But this is important, ANY motor you use other than another Gen1 SBC is not a simple swap. Every other motor uses different mount, accessory brackets, sometimes accessories like the AC pump you mentioned, not to mention exhaust manifold, starter location which means the battery moves to the other side of the car or you need a ultra long cable and the bell housing is different. A BBC is easier than a Pontiac. Of course it's hard to work on cuz your skirt will ride up.
A lot of this was meant to be slightly humorous. I'm long winded, old, and in love with the sound of my virtual voice. The advice is solid. Enjoy your car, it's really awesome. Welcome to the nut house.
P.S. the LS is a perfectly fine choice it's a great motor and makes gobs of power. It's just not unique, and frankly it easy to make power. The swap is a reasonably high bar but not insurmountable.
Absolutely certain it's a 305. Smogged to within an inch of it's life. I've already replaced the front brakes and calipers, and have changed out the original spark plugs.
I've been around cars most of my life, just never had the proper support to take on a project. I've always had a love affair with this particular car. Already own an LS in my truck, looking to get away from computer tuning and get back to mechanics.
Most likely going to keep the 305 in place for the immediate future. I don't necessarily have the budget to do an engine swap...and feel like if you're going to pull the engine a transmission upgrade is necessary while it's easily accessible. I want to enjoy the car and drive it while upgrading little by little. For everyone that has suggested a Pontiac engine swap...have you experienced oil leak issues referenced earlier in the thread?
Well first off, the rope seal isn't actually a junk design. It's old school tech. They worked fine when they were asbestos laden and kept oiled from regular use. They became sketchy when the asbestos was removed and they tried fiberglass and other things. Now, there are better seals. They make a lip seal for it that doesn't create as much friction and lasts longer. They may not go 200k without leaks but they will last a long time if sealed up properly
Good pics. Car is in great shape.
BTW: You don't have to do individual posts for each pic, you can add multiple pics in the same post.
Your grandfather could have ordered the car with the 305.
I've found a lot of my Grand Ams in North Carolina. Maybe the dealer just ordered what was available for immediate delivery.
Either way, great looking survivor.
I have a set of the rally IV's color matched (gold) but they are 14". I may have the wheel well trim that is dented on your car.
It may even be on a gold LeMans fender.....
I think you will be amazed at how well these old cars handle with new springs, shocks and Z rated tires.
Also the Grand Prix bar and F41 supports are a huge improvement.
I truly love the fact that your keeping the 305 in there for now, when you have such a beautiful original such as yours. Its truly getting harder to find and they ARE sought after. When i go to a show the unmolested cars always draw me, why, because you never see them that often, and its so refreshing after seeing rows and rows and ROWS of LS swapped G bodies lol, gets kinda boring in my own opinion. To see and even hear one start up, the sound, the smell, and to reminisce in all of it for a moment, to me, is truly priceless. One thing I would recommend and I don't believe it has been mentioned here, keep the oil changed and use a zinc additive in that 305, back in that era, they dint have the best cams, and this will prolong the life of the engine with future dependability. Best of luck and I'm so happy it stayed in the same family and has a great home that will respect it for what it is.
See the amount of attention you got so far? Like Pontiacguy said- Welcome to the nuthouse. We love these cars and are very happy you inherited a beautiful example. Most of us would tear that car apart and stuff a big Pontiac engine in along with a manual transmission. Buy I think you are smart enough to know that it is most valuable just as your Grandpa ordered it. I think you will have your hands full just making everything nice, like restoring the very cool rally 2's and the interior. It is old enought to expect everything is in need of maintenance. Best of all, you have the original carburetor. You have no computer so the original factory tune is important- change nothing. Just go through all the safety items like brake lines, suspension, and steering which are all probably original too. You have a real gem there so enjoy it!
New poly bushings may be a game changer. Can't imagine the originals are in good shape. Aside from being a better handle it would be safer.
Springs, shocks?
Like someone mentioned if you want to keep it as is, focus on safety and driveability.
I also like the idea of restoring the wheels. If you are going to keep powertrain as it was new, I would keep the appearance as close the original as possible.
But I would tint your windows and think about exhaust.
Springs, shocks?
Like someone mentioned if you want to keep it as is, focus on safety and driveability.
I also like the idea of restoring the wheels. If you are going to keep powertrain as it was new, I would keep the appearance as close the original as possible.
But I would tint your windows and think about exhaust.
I've always been scared to start tearing apart steering & tie rods because it can be so easy to never get back correct. Been around long enough to know that. What difficulty level would you give replacing bushings.
Toying with idea of lowering the car slightly...like a 1" drop max. Definitely needs new shocks. The Rally II's are going to get repainted to exact stock specs, knock off what little rust is there. Run with trim rings or without? I know running without is a thing but can't say I've seen it often. Window tint is in the works as well.
As for the 305...I'd like to add a 600 cfm 4bbl, and put a set of shorty headers on it with some duals. Open it up and let it breathe.
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