Motor Decision - 1967 Pontiac Trans Am Convertible

[Jfrye12]

Next week my 67 convertible goes for total restoration.

I bought this car 39 years ago when I was 15.

I cannot wait, but I want to do this right.

At this time, I have a 69 400 out of a GTO and a 350 trans.

Everything will be rebuilt during this process, so it is ready and reliable out the door.

I thought to keep the drivetrain now, but I have run across a 67 326, and 2 speed trans that would be the car's original build.

When completed, whatever engine I use will be bored at least 30 over and will have the excellent lopey cam sound.

I am considering a tri carb set up on top.

Just curious about thoughts others have.

What concerns, if any, if I go with the 326/2 speed set up.

 

[Pontiac Trans Am]

We would stay as close to original as you can, friend.

Do you have any pics we can see?

Thank you,
PTA Staff

 

[Tbone]

Next week my 67 convertible goes for total restoration.

I bought this car 39 years ago when I was 15.

I cannot wait, but I want to do this right.

At this time, I have a 69 400 out of a GTO and a 350 trans.

Everything will be rebuilt during this process, so it is ready and reliable out the door.

I thought to keep the drivetrain now, but I have run across a 67 326, and 2 speed trans that would be the car's original build.

When completed, whatever engine I use will be bored at least 30 over and will have the excellent lopey cam sound.

I am considering a tri carb set up on top.

Just curious about thoughts others have.

What concerns, if any, if I go with the 326/2 speed set up.

IMHO, as I had a 1967 326 in a LeMans bought new by my father.

Given to me as a wedding gift in '69.

Very pretty stylish car w all the bells & whistles except the GTO package.

So it had the 326 w a power-glide.

Never could stand the performance or the transmission.

Got rid of it in '70 & bought a Formula 400 III.

Loved the 400 4-speed as much as I disliked the 326 Power Glide.

Unless originality is a priority (which it never really was with me) & you want performance & enjoyment when driving, go with the GTO 400!

Also, unless you have a version with a stick shift, you're obviously spending time converting to a stick.

Pretty easy while cars are apart & nice & clean during resto!

A'ain, 'just my humble opinion'.

BOL, whichever you decide, I'm sure it will be a beauty & look forward to seeing!

 

[Hammer]

I agree with TBone.

Might I add, it’s up to you what you want to do with the car.

It’s your car, so only take what I write below with a grain of salt and do it your way.

Here are my thoughts: Power glide on today’s highways will push your RPMs, regardless of the engine.

The 400 GTO engine is really a great motor if rebuilt to today's standards, with roller rockers to eliminate the need for zinc in the oil, flat tappets, and lifters that would do well.

The 350 trans will help with highway RPMs, depending on rear-end gearing, and if you add a B&M Shift Kit, it helps.

My opinion on tri-power, although way way cool, is a bear to keep tuned, and fuel consumption will cause way too many gas station visits (even worse with dual quads). A 4-barrel quadrajet is really nice if rebuilt with a neoprene rebuild kit.

It works best with the new methenal gas.

Power is nice, but a nice cam in the 400 motor can create nice power (up to almost 400 hp if done right), and the lumpy sound you like with an added 350 tranny and a B & M shift kit and 3:08 rear gearing is a very nice street setup for a cruiser that has some good power.

Just my humble suggestion, as I’ve also had my car for over 40 years since High School, so I also understand what it means to you.

Good luck either way, and congrats on having such a great Pontiac.

 

[justabird70]

That wasn't an option till the mid-69 run.

Just clearing that up!

Go with the 400/TH350 or R200 4-speed.