My first G Body - 78 Grand Prix

[Algershick]

I've been lurking your forum for quite some time now during my hunt for a G body. I've been heavily into 3rd gen F bodies for years but have always had a fascination for the full frame G's of the same era.

Tomorrow I'm picking up this '78 Grand Prix which appears to be an LJ based on what I see. Its a 301 car and relatively unmolested. The cell phone photos aren't the best, both angle and quality but I'll get some more up. I'm very excited to become an owner and am eager to learn from you all.

Austin

 

[Garrett1982]

Welcome. What are your plans?

 

[RustRocket]

Looks like a great start! '78-80 GP's have to be my favorite G-Bodys, (after the '79 Hurst and '80 442 of course). Keep us posted, and I as well am interested in your plans. It looks like a good foundation

 

[Algershick]

Thank you! Well, I was thinking it needs some 22" chrome rims, a trunk full subs and a big metal flake paint job! No, none of that actually.

I love all of the early G Bodies, and I think the GP has a lot of character. I'd like to make a driver out of it. I want to go through the mounts and suspension, stiffen it up with some aftermarket components and maybe eventually build a less anemic Poncho motor for it. Among other things of course, but that's where I'm headed.

 

[Algershick]

What would you say is the most glaring issue chassis/suspension-wise, the biggest bang for your buck mod you could make to improve handling?

 

[565bbchevy]

My very first Gbody was also a 78' Grand Prix with the 301 and it was a cool cruiser for that time period until I got power hungry.

 

[RustRocket]

For chassis and handling, I would say to go with some of the Monte Carlo SS parts, I believe they had some chassis stiffening equipment on them. 442/MCSS sway bars, or some other cars had the optional suspension package. I also hear the Jeep steering shaft upgrade can improve steering feel, as well as 3rd gen F-Body fast-ratio steering boxes(requires some pitman arm modification). From what I've heard, UMI makes some good stuff for G-Body's, I'm planning on going with UMI Stage 4 eventually.

 

[pencero]

301's are reliable but pontiac stock handling is usually crisper than handling on a cutlass would be. That car is going to be slow and by slow I mean sluggish, steam engine mode. Get used to throwing the pimp shoulder at disconcerted passing motorists irritatedly honking as they pass you with waving fists, especially uphill on the interstate. The biggest favor you could probably make to that car is focusing on eventually doing a motor swap instead.

 

[Algershick]

Just got it home. 60mph 30 mile drive. She's gutless and pretty loose that's for sure! 25,000 on the clock, I'm going to guess 125,000 based on the fantastic condition of the interior. All in all in great shape, though. Power seat, windows, door locks, and trunk release. Those may have all been standard equipment, I'm not sure.

I have an Astro Van steering shaft that I intended on running on my 3rd gen Z28, I appreciate you mentioning the Jeep upgrade Rustrocket.

 

[Algershick]

Tune up in the morning.