New guy with 71 Lemans.

[71Lemans]

Hello everyone my name is Robert. My wife and I just purchased our 1st project car. It is a 71 Lemans 2 door w/ a 350, we bought it from the 2nd owner (30 years) and it has been a California car the whole time. Now we are trying to figure out a build plan, our end goal is a nice PT daily driver with around 300 hp (with stock BOP 350), updated auto trans, updated suspension and brakes. I am looking for some design plan steering, where to start and how to start, how to budget the improvements. The car runs the previous owner took it out 1 to 2 times a week, I do not know if the are any serious mechanical problems. I will pick the car up on the 28th, I'll try to attach some photos of the car.

[XcYZ]

Cool, that will make for a nice project. Welcome to the site, Robert. :thumbsup:

[Roger Poirier]

Now we are trying to figure out a build plan, our end goal is a nice PT daily driver with around 300 hp (with stock BOP 350), updated auto trans, updated suspension and brakes. I am looking for some design plan steering, where to start and how to start, how to budget the improvements.

Congrats,

There is a hundred different ways you may go. Used, aftermarket parts, rebuilt, etc. You can check under Project Updates: Starting Point 1969 GTO Judge. I went the expensive route, however, both of our cars are A-bodys. Same tech applies.

R.P.

[Sales@Dutchboys]

Welcome to the site! :)

[Ummgawa]

Lots of Pontiac Lovers here dude. Welcome. :yes:

[John Monnin]

I had a 71 lemans for 9 years, now I wish I had it back.

I like the 71 because the huge grill opening would be a great place to put a turbo intercooler.

Here is a picture of it next to my Z28. I sold the Pontiac because the Camaro could out perform it in everyway. I later sold the Camaro because it was a lemon, I don't really miss it.
http://wrenchmonkey.com/Images/OtherCars/PontiacCamaro2.jpg
http://wrenchmonkey.com/Images/OtherCars/PontiacCamaro1.jpg

The best mod I ever made to that car was the 15" wheels with Radial tires, I orginally had 14" wheels with Firstone Supersports. The handining increase from tire and wheel change was amazing, those old bias ply tires sucked.

http://wrenchmonkey.com/Images/OtherCars/71LemansLake1.jpg

After changing the tires and wheels I decides to upgrade the whole front suspension. At the time HO racing (Herb Adams) was one one of the very few upgrades. I got the full polygraphite front end kit will new everything, springs, ball joints tie rod ends, center links... and I could barely tell the difference driving on the street. 12 years later and you have a lot more suspension option choices.

[67Sally]

Welcome