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1979 Grand Prix

 
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bigmeltz



Joined: 31 Jul 2008
Posts: 1
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PostPosted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 3:31 pm    Post subject: 1979 Grand Prix Reply with quote

I am in the process of buying a 79 Grand Prix LJ and i want to know more about it. Does anybody know how many Grand Prixs were made for this year? i also cant find any info on the vin code and what the letters mean. Also i would like to know exactly how much horse powere i can get with the pontiac V8? Plus anything else of interest that you would like to share i would appreciate it.
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Larry
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Joined: 01 Jun 2006
Posts: 4768




PostPosted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 4:07 pm    Post subject: '79 Grand Prix Reply with quote

Congrats on the '79 GP you're buying. That was the second year of the downsized GP,and it was a sharp looking Pontiac. I believe we will be seeing many more of these cars entering the hobby market.

The production numbers of the GP for 1979 are as follows:
GP V-6 and V-8 "base" model: 124,815
GP LJ V-8: 61,175
GP SJ V-8: 24,060

You don't mention if you have the 140hp 2-bbl V-8 or the 150hp 4-bbl. V-8, but the 301 is capable of some building, but probably nothing crazy. Remember those puny HP numbers were the "new" way of measuring, and not really as small as they sound.

Many forget just how much fun we had in "the good old days" with small block Fords and Chevies (dare I mention them?!). I'm betting that a mild cam, a highrise and mid-size 4-bbl. with headers (all pretty simple changes) would make a very nice street ride. Keep those heads low and you'll probably get some decent mileage too. Throw in a 2800-3000 stall converter and everyone will wonder what is really under the hood-- won't they be surprised?! You don't need to dig a 6" deep hole with every start to have fun.

We do have a number of very talented engine builders who can give you some advice in the engine department.

You have the makings of a super sharp- fun- Pontiac with the '79. Keep us posted on who you do.


Last edited by Larry on Fri Aug 01, 2008 8:26 am; edited 1 time in total
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super



Joined: 08 Aug 2006
Posts: 643
Location: Sullivan, Missouri

1974 Super Duty TransAm

PostPosted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 8:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The 1979 Grand Pix is a beautiful car. They handle very good, have good brakes and the capability to be a good performer.

These cars can easily be modified. Depends a lot on a fellas budget and what plans are made for the car.

My friend Ben built a very cool 1979 Grand Prix. Started off as a 301 2bbl with an automatic. He picked up a donor Lemans with the correct 4-speed and posi rear. He made the conversion to a 4-speed (saginaw - definitely not the toughest 4-speed - but it does work good) and a 2.46 rear axle.

He left the 301 in for a short period of time. When he got bored with the 301, a very mild 455 went in its place. He used Ram Air III exhaust manifolds as opposed to headers and a Summit mini starter. A 2 1/2" dual exhaust system was installed with turbo mufflers. The exhaust dumps right over the rear axle.

This car is a blast to drive. It still retains the A/C. He hasn't done a mileage check yet, but I would imagine it is respectable for a 455 (especially on the highway with 2.46 gears).

Ben knows a great deal about these cars and his is continually a work in progress. Next, he plans to install a set of 16" GTA wheels. The GTA wheels had a different offset on the front and rear rims.

Good luck with your project. You own a great Pontiac.
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