Choosing an engine for a GM A/G-body
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==Body codes== | ==Body codes== | ||
===A-body=== | ===A-body=== | ||
| − | 1964-1977 Chevy Chevelle | + | *1964-1977 Chevy Chevelle |
| − | 1964-1981 Chevy El Camino | + | *1964-1981 Chevy El Camino |
| − | 1970-1981 Chevy Monte Carlo | + | *1970-1981 Chevy Monte Carlo |
| − | 1964-1970 Pontiac Tempest, GTO | + | *1964-1970 Pontiac Tempest, GTO |
| − | 1964-1981 Pontiac LeMans | + | *1964-1981 Pontiac LeMans |
| − | 1964-1972 Buick Special | + | *1964-1972 Buick Special |
| − | 1964-1972 Buick Skylark, GS | + | *1964-1972 Buick Skylark, GS |
| − | 1964-1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 442 | + | *1964-1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 442 |
===G-Body=== | ===G-Body=== | ||
| − | 1978-1988 Chevy Monte Carlo | + | *1978-1988 Chevy Monte Carlo |
| − | 1978-1983 Chevy Malibu | + | *1978-1983 Chevy Malibu |
| − | 1978-1987 Chevy El Camino | + | *1978-1987 Chevy El Camino |
| − | 1978-1987 Buick Regal, Grand National | + | *1978-1987 Buick Regal, Grand National |
| − | 1978-1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 442 | + | *1978-1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 442 |
{{Note1}}The metric G-body was actually classified as an A-body from its inception in 1978 all the way through the 1981 model year. The '78 -81 cars are sometimes listed as A-bodies as a result, but are actually G-bodies. | {{Note1}}The metric G-body was actually classified as an A-body from its inception in 1978 all the way through the 1981 model year. The '78 -81 cars are sometimes listed as A-bodies as a result, but are actually G-bodies. | ||
| − | ==Popularity of the GM A | + | ==Popularity of the GM A-body== |
| − | As seen below, fully 12 of the top 13 top selling muscle cars were GM | + | As seen below, fully 12 of the top 13 top selling muscle cars were GM A-cars! No wonder they're still popular today. |
[[File:Muscle car ranking.jpg|350px]] <br style="clear:both"/> | [[File:Muscle car ranking.jpg|350px]] <br style="clear:both"/> | ||
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But these days (ca. 2012), unfortunately, budget considerations often take priority over the desire to have a numbers-matching and/or correct restoration. And there are those who are not into the whole numbers matching deal and could care less who thinks what; it's their car, they're paying the freight, and they feel the right to build their car the way they want not what someone else thinks is "right". | But these days (ca. 2012), unfortunately, budget considerations often take priority over the desire to have a numbers-matching and/or correct restoration. And there are those who are not into the whole numbers matching deal and could care less who thinks what; it's their car, they're paying the freight, and they feel the right to build their car the way they want not what someone else thinks is "right". | ||
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If a GTO does not have the original engine, any later Pontiac (301-455) would bolt in. The 455 has gobs of torque and there are many aftermarket parts now available, including stroker kits. While some of the iron round port Pontiac heads are good performers, their cost is out of sight when compared to an aluminum aftermarket head that can outflow them while costing and weighing much less. The horsepower and streetability of the large Pontiac engines is impressive. They bolt right in, however driver side headers may need slight modifications. Some of the A-body cars are on the heavy side (G-bodies not so bad), so a larger engine is a big asset. A strong transmission like the TH400 is a very good choice if an automatic is to be used. | If a GTO does not have the original engine, any later Pontiac (301-455) would bolt in. The 455 has gobs of torque and there are many aftermarket parts now available, including stroker kits. While some of the iron round port Pontiac heads are good performers, their cost is out of sight when compared to an aluminum aftermarket head that can outflow them while costing and weighing much less. The horsepower and streetability of the large Pontiac engines is impressive. They bolt right in, however driver side headers may need slight modifications. Some of the A-body cars are on the heavy side (G-bodies not so bad), so a larger engine is a big asset. A strong transmission like the TH400 is a very good choice if an automatic is to be used. | ||
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[[Category:GM]] | [[Category:GM]] | ||
| − | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Engine]] |
[[Category:General hotrodding]] | [[Category:General hotrodding]] | ||
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