Got a '79 for free
12-14-2002, 06:52 PM
#1
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Got a '79 for free
Hey Pontiac Freeks-
I just was given a 1979 Bonneville by my grandpa. He bought it new in '78 and the last seven years of its life have been spent in a field sitting. Vinal top is starting to crack all over and the paint is pretty faded with some surface rust. Its Navy Blue with the sky blue interior. He said it was parked due to a bad timing chain. It is a 4.9 liter which I believe makes it a Pontiac 301right? Well, i was just wondering if anyone here knows of any good places to get parts for this engine and if they make gear drive setups, instead of going back with a timing chain. Would I have to add an oil-slinger if I went with the gears? Any other cheap mods I can do for her?
Thanks in advance for any help and nice little site by the way!
-§§
I just was given a 1979 Bonneville by my grandpa. He bought it new in '78 and the last seven years of its life have been spent in a field sitting. Vinal top is starting to crack all over and the paint is pretty faded with some surface rust. Its Navy Blue with the sky blue interior. He said it was parked due to a bad timing chain. It is a 4.9 liter which I believe makes it a Pontiac 301right? Well, i was just wondering if anyone here knows of any good places to get parts for this engine and if they make gear drive setups, instead of going back with a timing chain. Would I have to add an oil-slinger if I went with the gears? Any other cheap mods I can do for her?
Thanks in advance for any help and nice little site by the way!-§§
12-15-2002, 10:36 PM
#3
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Look into the cost to get her running well first. I mean find out what the engine will cost to be fixed or replaced. Personally I would look into the possible limits of the car. I think with alot of time and money it could be made into an awesome ride. I see alot of that type of Bonneville and GP in Fresno and many are dropped and set up with other bigger hp 8'*.
Ty
Ty
12-16-2002, 12:44 PM
#4
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NEVER pass up a free deal unless the basic maintenance proves too costly. Never overlook the fun and enjoyment of tinkering on a project, either. This will be fun for us to watch your progress if you go through with it. Welcome to the forum!
12-16-2002, 05:54 PM
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I agree with Will. The 4.9 was the last true Pontiac V-8 engine. In its NA state it wasn't that big of a performer--but it is a classic. The older Bonnevilles are full frame, RWD cars--not unibody FWD like ours. This gives it a much nicer ride, and is easier to Mod than the later Bonnevilles that received McPhearson Struts and FWD. They are also a lot roomier.
My suggestion is to get it on the road first, mod as $ comes in. If you are looking for 4.9 mods, pick the boneyards for 4.9 turbo Trans Ams. Don't forget the tranny. It has been sitting a while, it should be flushed and have a new filter before it hits the road.
Yes it is a small V-8, yes it is a big car. But if you treat it right and fix it up, the mods will come later and you will have a true sleeper.
Welcome to the forum.
My suggestion is to get it on the road first, mod as $ comes in. If you are looking for 4.9 mods, pick the boneyards for 4.9 turbo Trans Ams. Don't forget the tranny. It has been sitting a while, it should be flushed and have a new filter before it hits the road.
Yes it is a small V-8, yes it is a big car. But if you treat it right and fix it up, the mods will come later and you will have a true sleeper.
Welcome to the forum.
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