Ok, so I picked up a 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ for a song this week. Its has a solid body with original paint, minimal rust and still has all the accessories, but it IS missing the original 455 Pontiac engine. I can't afford a decent Poncho motor at the moment and I already have three OTHER GM motors at my disposal, so maybe you guys can make me feel better about not using an actual Pontiac in this budget build. I'd really like to install an already known running motor and leave it mostly stock for right now. The engines I have to choose from are: 1. 1973 Buick 455 out of a 73 Riviera. 68k original miles, runs good and is bone stock, but I've never actually driven it. It was a junkyard score out of a rustbucket. This is my top choice, but I would have to trade for it. 2. 1973 Olds 455 out of a 73 442. NO idea how many miles on it. Runs good, but has been put together by an amateur from the looks of it. Aftermarket aluminum intake. Also never actually drove this engine. This is my least favorite choice. 3. 1977 Cadillac 425 out of a 77 Coupe DeVille. 62k original miles, came out of a running car. Bone stock, but missing the AC compressor. I already own this engine. The reason I'm HERE at V8 Buick is because I am leaning towards the Buick 455. I like the layout of the Buick with the spark plugs easy to get to and the distributor right up front. The Cadillac has a similar layout but the Olds is more like the Pontiac with the distro out back. I also like how light it is. But the Cad 425 is also pretty light. I like the aftermarket stuff available for the Buick for future upgrades, but the Caddy has a healthy aftermarket these days itself. The Buick is overall the most attractive but I will have to trade to get it. The Cad I already own free and clear. SOOO, basically what I am asking for is for you guys to help sell me on the 73 Buick 455 as a superior street engine for my 72 GP over a 77 Cadillac 425. Tell me why YOU would pick it over the other two choices. Thanks in advance! Here are some pics of the old girl. I'm calling her Rosanna.
I dont remember where all the acc. stuff is located on a Pontiac. Been many years since I've owned one. I'd use what ever engine lined up closest to the stocker/ Starter location, A/C Comp power steering ect. The Buick and Olds will line up with existing trans. Not sure about the caddy.
Dude would I love to have that car! Oh my god! buy the Pontiac motor for that car are you kidding me! Just kidding! they are out of their minds! What they want for those Pont. motors!
Never really cared for the Ponchos, but they didn't build bad engines, and the nice thing was they were all more or less interchangeable, there were no real mods needed. IMHO I'd trade around and get a proper Pontiac motor for that thing.
X3. It'll make life much easier. Not to mention that, if you should decide to sell it, it will be much easier. BTW, I like the VW. I had a yellow one too.
Just throw the one in there that is easiest to hook everything up,as long as its corporate gm and not chevy im cool with it.u can always swap it out when u find a poncho motor.
Believe Cadillac (post 67) also used the BOP bellhousing pattern. Don't Oldsmobile and Buick share engine mount frame stands in the 68 - 72 mid size chassis? The GP is kind of a different animal as it has some but not all of the A chassis interchangeability.
