[silver69judge]

I'm looking at a 77 astre gt to put a 455 and turbo 400 into to make a street strip[ car. Has anyone done this before? how tough will this be? really would like to keep the car all pontiac. Thanks. Bryan

[rexs73gto]

The astra is just a Pontiac vega & people have been putting small blck & big block chevys for a long time. Putting in a Pontiac engine is just as easy if your good with a welder. I say go for it. But don't forget to reinforce the body/frame or it will twist it up like a pretzel.

[74gto]

Search for member Bud Lyons on this forum. He used to race one.

[camerjeff]

Like any thing else it can be done, I thought about doing the same to my 77 Astre Formula, but after looking at all the mods that would have to be done, including Subframe connectors, roll cage ect, and mine being strickly a street car with trips down the 1/4 1 or 2 times a year, I decided to go with an aluminum 215 Buick V-8.

I have seen a couple of Pontiac V-8 powered Astre's, but they were both track only cars.

[455Grandville]

Originally Posted by camerjeff

Like any thing else it can be done, I thought about doing the same to my 77 Astre Formula, but after looking at all the mods that would have to be done, including Subframe connectors, roll cage ect, and mine being strickly a street car with trips down the 1/4 1 or 2 times a year, I decided to go with an aluminum 215 Buick V-8.

I have seen a couple of Pontiac V-8 powered Astre's, but they were both track only cars.

Hows that project going anyway ?

I found a 3.9 Land Rover engine & bought it for the novelty.

[camerjeff]

Thanks for asking,

Sorry to say after I got the body shell back from paint & striping, I managed to get all the glass reinstalled. And the gears changed in the Dana 44 axle. And gathered all the parts I needed (with the exeption of Carpeting) Then Life and work got in the way. We had a rather large Kitchen disaster when we left for a weekend. The 100 year old plumbing let loose and flooded the kitchen and basement!!!!! That rework is almost complete, so maybe I can get back to work on it.

I did manage to get the little 215 assembled and dyno'd and it made 208 net HP (compared to the 200 gross it was rated at back in 63) And I managed to get an adaptor plate made to mount the T-5 from the 94 firebird at the proper 17 degree angle. Now I just have to find the time to start all the reassembly work.

[camerjeff]

Just a few pic's for any one interested in the progress, I also included a shot of the 215 V-8, and the C3 Corvette front brakes that are going on it. It is also getting a DANA 44 with S-10 rear disc's. Still hopeing to get back home next month and start to work on it!!!!

As for why I did not go with a Pontiac V-8. When I measured the engine compartment I decided the only way to fit it in and keep the radiator behind the core support was to move the fire wall back. I also like to keep the hood stock, so with no hood scoop you could probably fit a 301 Pontiac in there, but I wasn't willing to spend the time and effert getting 200 HP out a N/A 301 4bbl. The 215 can be made to put out that HP level with little effert by mixing and matching Buick abd Rover parts, and some after market parts are available. And the Buick is at least 80lbs lighter than a 301 Pontiac.

My goal is to make it look like the factory made it that way.

[c5farmer]

Why not put an GM LS series engine in it? I have seen this swap preformed on a vega and it fits great. Use an LS1 aluminum engine to keep the weight down. Much more potential HP than the V6.

[Ron Landis]

Pontiacs rule! Ron Baisden has been running this car VERY successfully for YEARS! Fukabunchasmallblocks. Just sayin'.






































Poci Gtoaa Convention Ron Baisden




Ron Baisden's 9-second '77 Astre took first place in the Chief Payout class running a stellar 9.889 on a 9.88 dial-in. The Heck brothers' '62 Cat is on its way to another signature wheelstand. View Related Article



Read more: http://www.highperformancepontiac.co...#ixzz2EzU9OKgh

[mrrat1]

MY bud way back had a v-8 vega wagon. He used a corvette radiator and remote fill tank. It was a really neat looking feature under the hood. I think he had the remote tank chromed, it was mounted on the inner fender. I think the fan was in front of the rad.