Apollo Mission

Discussion in 'The "X" bodies' started by gregoryjamesg, Mar 16, 2010.

  1. gregoryjamesg

    gregoryjamesg New Member

    1974 Apollo GSX Stage 2 455
     

    Attached Files:

  2. wormwood

    wormwood Dare to be different

    nice... now tell us a little bit about it!
     
  3. ubushaus

    ubushaus Gold Level Contributor

    Mission completed? Sure is a great looking car! Any before and during pics? Please do tell us more!
     
  4. gregoryjamesg

    gregoryjamesg New Member

    It's a long story. I'll start by saying it was completed in 95, but is never finished. I owned a 4dr 70 Wildcat, that I gave to my mom. She got a lot of years out of it. Before it went to the junk yard, I pulled the motor and trany. Now what? I had finished a 1971 455 HO 4pd Trans Am. I was bored with that. I wanted more of a hot rod. I always liked the 68-74 X-bodies. I wanted something different, and not a Chevy. I got this bright idea of building a GSX Apollo. I did not know they actually made one. After researching, I decided to have Scotty build my engine instead of doing it myself. I also found TA. So, as the story goes, A simple street tuner turns into a body-off resto. American Graffiti did the body. I asked Scotty to keep it street friendly. The compression was kept at 10:1. He ported the TA Stage 2 heads and SP1intake. TA rollers rockers and Rhoads lifters were installed. His first hydrualic Lunati cam choice – the lobe separation was too narrow for vacuum brakes and a decent idle. It dynoed at 550hp & 590fttq - I think it was at 4500rpm - with a his Holley. I can't find all of my paper work. It never ran very well in the car. I scrapped a modified Q-jet, for a blue-printed Carbshop Holley 750 double pump. ( I was trying to keep it stock looking) replaced a blown head gasket, replaced the original timing cover (not enough oil pressure when hot), replaced a wasted cam (lack of oil pressure), Installed one with a little more lift and wider separation,and she finally came to life. I also installed an off the shelf 3500 stall convertor. That was a mistake. I had Continental build a custom 9” Ford for me. I think it flashes to about 2800. I had to notch the frame to clear the oil filter and fit the engine under the hood. The 2”GS headers were modified to fit. Three tubes on the drivers side, two tubes on the other. 3” custom jet-coated exhaust. Shortened drive shaft, 3:73 10bolt with TA cover and c-clip eliminators. Drive shaft loop (I don't know why I bothered). Global West springs and bushings, aluminum body mounts, stainless brake and fuel lines.16”Halibrand wheels (seemed cool at the time. 225ZRs up front 245ZRs in the back. Koni Shocks. I bought an old Nova rear sway bar, and an after market, but Global West said I did not need the rear bar. The original car was sun-bleached maroon with springs sticking out of the bench seat, and a straight six. I just wanted a shell. I remember the body shop guys laughing at me. Had I known better, I might have started with a GSX Apollo. Who really cares anyway. It's just an Apollo. I always liked white interiors, and liked the idea of painting the car and the engine the same color. I really don't like red. Recently I put an after market starter in it, and now I'm trying to solve running hot in traffic with some vapor lock. It never ends. Now I find myself dreaming of a 455 Formula Firebird, or a 72 HO GTO. I will have self control and enjoy my Buick. Hey, I wanted something different. I guess today they would call it a pro touring car. My next goal is to fix the temp problem and install 3:08s. I bought a GS hood along time ago with the idea of installing the scoops some day. I'm undecided. I'm lucky to drive it once a year. Not so lucky for the tires. Damn kids and a job.
     
  5. HotWired

    HotWired Well-Known Member

    Nice ride:beer I'm building a 74 also but going with a Gnx tribute and installing a turbo v6 and GN interior:TU:it will be pro touring and I plan to beat on it.
     
  6. GSX 74

    GSX 74 Member

    verry nice!!! A true hot rod is never done until you sale it:Brow:
     

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