Will 1979 GP Engine/transmission Fit into a 1977 GP Body?

[Dave 79 GP]

I've had my father's 1979 Grand Prix in the garage since he passed away several years ago, thinking I'll do something with it someday. It has a good engine 8 cyl. (301ci?) and automatic transmission, but it has severe body damage. It's body is real messed up.

I just can't get myself to junk the car because of sentimental value and, besides, the engine and transmission are in excellent condition. The engine purrs and the transmission was smooth last time I drove it. I've been looking for a 79 GP body for the last couple of years in the Texas area, but have had no luck.

However, I recently found a 1977 Grand Prix (minus motor) nearby that had a 400 ci engine (doesn't come with car) and Turbo 400 (pulled out of vehicle). The owner is only asking $200.

I was wondering if this 77 GP body would take my father's engine and transmission combination. I know that the 1977 to 1980 GP bodies are shorter than the pre-77's, and there are probably other body differences, but that's all I know.

Does anybody know if this will work?

Dave

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

I think it will physically bolt in given that you have the 73-77 A body Pontiac mounts, but OMG will it be S-L-O-W!!! 15 year old Geo Metros running on 2 of their original 3 cylinders will beat you in a drag race. I'd hold off until you find a G, F or or X body to put the drivetrain in. Just out of curiosity, where was it hit and is the frame bent?

 

[srercrcr]

You're in luck, somwhat. The 77 Gp came with that exact motor if it's the 301. Drag racing? Wouldn't think a 77 GP is an ideal candidate for that.
The transmission is probably a problem. If the transmission says METRIC on the 79s pan, that was not available in 77, and the 77 is a little heavy for it. If it doesn't say METRIC, youre good.
You could put a THM 350 in it, they were available with the 77 301 and the 78-80 301. All in all, you'd need 301 motor mounts that fit the 77 frame, and probably a crossmember designed for the 77 301/THM 350 combo.
That was the most popular engine/transmission combo in 77 so junkyards would have them.
On the other hand, 78-80 GPs with no engine/transmission come up on ebay occasionally. With a little patience you could make a real nice car.

 

[Dave 79 GP]

Thanks for the guidance!

srercrcr: I've looked for a 78-80 body in Texas for months but can't seem to find one; that's why I was so interested in the 77 body. I only want the GP to be a part-time driver car, maybe for my son, and not for dragging. I don't have a trailer and can't afford the expense of hauling it for over 100 miles or more.

So am I understanding you correct? If my present transmission does NOT says "metric", the 77 GP would take my engine and transmission, after buying the new motor mounts and crossmember? Are these parts available anywhere besides the junk yard? OMG?

Or I could get my hands on a THM 350 and marry it to my motor and place the new combo in the 77GP?

Finally, how do I identify a 301 engine? I know the 79 GP is an 8 cyl., what else identifies it as a 301?

85 Cutlass Brougham: Let me answer your question about the body damage; maybe you can make sense out of it. My father drove the car into a ditch when he got sick (Alzheimers) and did some curious damage. If you look at the GP from the side of the front wheels, the wheels are not centered in the wheel well, instead, they are pushed to the rear of the well. Driving the car, there no noticeable shimmy (even up to 60 mph) and it doesn't even pull to the side. Wierd.

Looking underneath, a friend of mine (an Olds freak) saw no frame or suspension damage and couldn't figure out why the wheel aren't centered. Any ideas what I can measure to identify the damage?

The real body damage is the passenger side. Running off into the ditch bent in the right front fender, passenger door, and even part of the rear quarter panel (which, as you know, is part of the roof and not a seperate fender). Looks real bad.

Thanks for any advice!

Dave

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

Hmmm.... I would probably try measuring center to center on the wheels on both sides and comparing the number. they should be the same. I would also look at the frame right under the toe boards as the union between the C channel and front subframe is usually where they bend in a front end collision. It may also be that it knocked the front clip out of alignment thus making it appear out of center. Without actually seeing the car or some pictures I am just guessing.

You may also wish to check Craigslist for a engineless G body. It's the first place I check for a cheap project. Since the classifieds are free, people tend to put cheap stuff on there to see if it will sell before sending it to the junkyard. Heck, I saw a Convertible 1988 BMW 325is on there for $250 once, and it was a runner too! ( I am looking for a ultra-cheap 3 series coupe from the eighties which is why I remember it)