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Posted: 11/26/2021 4:33:19 AM EDT
[#1]
Quote HistoryQuoted: That was probably the worst era for American cars. Yep, if you're considering performance and build quality. Some of the styling was still kind of cool.  Attached File |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 5:07:15 AM EDT
[#2]
Somewhere my red 1977 Grand Prix is being well looked after, I hope.
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Posted: 11/26/2021 5:33:11 AM EDT
[#3]
Cool.
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Posted: 11/26/2021 5:33:59 AM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Ugly as sin. That was probably the worst era for American cars. Nails it. |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 6:20:41 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Ugly as sin. That was probably the worst era for American cars. |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 6:39:11 AM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Jesus Christ that era of American cars was fucking dogshit awful.  There were 2 distinct eras in cars back then.70-74 cars still had some power and style.Then the Arab oil embargo hit and from roughly ‘75 on most everything was underpowered and ugly.I agree there’s nothing special about the car in the OP other than it’s old. |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 6:57:25 AM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Jesus Christ that era of American cars was fucking dogshit awful. Saw the date and immediately thought the same thing. |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 7:32:55 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Yep, if you're considering performance and build quality. Some of the styling was still kind of cool. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/13258/1978_Cougar_jpg-2181579.JPG Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: That was probably the worst era for American cars. Yep, if you're considering performance and build quality. Some of the styling was still kind of cool. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/13258/1978_Cougar_jpg-2181579.JPG I always thought of them as blank slates for performance modification. From a mechanical standpoint, the cars themselves were very workable. They had full frames and plenty of room under the hood. Dual A arm front suspension, and a 4 link style rear with coils. Large transmission tunnels. They would literally accept just about any engine and rwd drivetrain. The Grand Prix in question was also relatively lightweight. The only problem was the engines of that time. They were so light duty that most people understood that there was no point in even trying to modify them. Pull those boat anchors out and you could put absolutely anything you wanted in there. Button it all back up, and you had yourself a completely different vehicle, and a real sleeper if you didn't go too crazy with the exhaust. Personally, I always struggled with that last part. 
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Posted: 11/26/2021 7:40:05 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Still better looking than any Japanese or Korean car ever made, though. Lol ok    |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 8:05:52 AM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The first of the G body Grand Prix. They only made those for 3 years, 78-80. It would have been so much better with a 400 under the hood, but those ended with the larger 77 models. But an earlier engine swap and a rear gear change made those cars a whole lot of fun. Eta: They're not bad looking cars at all. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/61196/20180808_054711_jpg-2181408.JPG |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 8:14:04 AM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted: There were 2 distinct eras in cars back then.70-74 cars still had some power and style.Then the Arab oil embargo hit and from roughly ‘75 on most everything was underpowered and ugly.I agree there’s nothing special about the car in the OP other than it’s old. The manual transmission is what makes it special. Along with that I'm sure is also has a limited slip differential. The car was ordered that way from the factory. Which makes it a rarity. |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 8:23:45 AM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryHow'd they look in 1979? Most were ugly due to their huge US spec bumpers on their undersized bodies. And unless you were forking over money for high end cars like the 911, most mass produced cars were not that good looking. |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 8:24:19 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted: where was that picture taken? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: The first of the G body Grand Prix. They only made those for 3 years, 78-80. It would have been so much better with a 400 under the hood, but those ended with the larger 77 models. But an earlier engine swap and a rear gear change made those cars a whole lot of fun. Eta: They're not bad looking cars at all. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/61196/20180808_054711_jpg-2181408.JPG No idea, I snagged it from the internet for a previous discussion a while back. |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 8:35:56 AM EDT
[#14]
I had one.
Liked it a lot. Also had a'77 Cutlass Supreme |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 9:03:30 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The manual transmission is what makes it special. Along with that I'm sure is also has a limited slip differential. The car was ordered that way from the factory. Which makes it a rarity. I can see where the manual makes it rare but it’s still lipstick on a pig. |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 9:08:01 AM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted: So Youtube feeds you the same crap rec's they feed me and everyone else eh? |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 9:08:05 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I can see where the manual makes it rare but it’s still lipstick on a pig. It's still an underpowered late 70's GM shitbox. No one can argue that. But in collector terms, it's a very special car. |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 9:09:14 AM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Ugly as sin. That was probably the worst era for American cars. The malaise era. Thanks to the EPA, foreign competition, and the gas crisis. |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 9:10:48 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Nice! I had a 77 Monte Carlo. Bought it from my grandfather with 43,000 miles on it and cruising on the highway was where cars from this era absolutely shined! Like an idiot I sold it to buy an 87 Accord  Not my pics, powder blue with the white vinyl top. Never should have sold it- she was a beast and a blast to drive https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/120557/5D803778-CE30-43CA-BAFA-450CAF602651_jpe-2181551.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/120557/710492A6-E232-4157-9706-7E5924D95D2B_jpe-2181552.JPG Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I had a 77 Olds Cutlass Supreme Brougham, pretty close to the same car except for body style. Had the 350 and about a million feet of crushed velour inside. Handle? Hell no but it would cruise very nice and smooth down the highway. Only real downside it it had a horrible vapor lock issue if you shut if off hot and then tried to start it in less then 20 minutes or so. It always did start but you had to crank awhile. Never had any issues other then that with it. Got decent MPG for a big car. Nice! I had a 77 Monte Carlo. Bought it from my grandfather with 43,000 miles on it and cruising on the highway was where cars from this era absolutely shined! Like an idiot I sold it to buy an 87 Accord Not my pics, powder blue with the white vinyl top. Never should have sold it- she was a beast and a blast to drive https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/120557/5D803778-CE30-43CA-BAFA-450CAF602651_jpe-2181551.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/120557/710492A6-E232-4157-9706-7E5924D95D2B_jpe-2181552.JPG Had a similar 1976 with the ole 350 in it. Owned it long enough to sell it for a slowmaro. |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 9:32:39 AM EDT
[#20]
858 miles is bad, really bad. Worse thing you can do to car is not drive it. Gasoline turns to yellow powder for starters, shit rusts, rubber rots
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Posted: 11/26/2021 9:39:42 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Yep, if you're considering performance and build quality. Some of the styling was still kind of cool. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/13258/1978_Cougar_jpg-2181579.JPG My 79 Cad Coupe De Ville laughs at that statement in bold. Those cars easily lasted 400,000 miles (although you would need around 3 transmissions to do it, but those were dirt cheap) I loved that 79 and could do amazing things with it, not to mention the kinds of things you could do inside that barge with girls. It was no match for the unibodies once those got good though. |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 9:43:22 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Show me a better looking Jap car from 1979....most Jap cars then rusted out in 3 years if they didn't blow a head gasket first at that time. 280Zx. The 240/60/80 Z were better looking but they were still decent looking and looked better then detroit steel of the late 70's. |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 9:49:30 AM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted: 280Zx. The 240/60/80 Z were better looking but they were still decent looking and looked better then detroit steel of the late 70's. 1979 Japanese styling wasn't that great. A lot of it was because of US laws. Especially the bumpers.  /stories/2021/05/18085511/FOTD_Yota.jpg)
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Posted: 11/26/2021 9:56:42 AM EDT
[#24]
brings back memories. I think I have some old physical pics of mine, 79 GP SJ with bucket seat, T-tops, ralley wheels, 301 (it was aweful). Oh and 8-track!
Mine had the handling package which included the limited diff. A 308 or 273 diff did not help either. 301 just was not in the cards for mods. Deck height was shorter so no aftermarket intakes, and the stock was a single plane. Still I loved that car but rust killed the frame right behind the rear wheels. |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 10:01:46 AM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: 1979 Japanese styling wasn't that great. A lot of it was because of US laws. Especially the bumpers. https://wieck-nissanao-production.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/998af1b3d149afce3eee9c083eacade24c37712d/preview-928x522.jpg https://img.hmn.com/fit-in/900x506/filters:upscale()/stories/2021/05/18085511/FOTD_Yota.jpg Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: 280Zx. The 240/60/80 Z were better looking but they were still decent looking and looked better then detroit steel of the late 70's. 1979 Japanese styling wasn't that great. A lot of it was because of US laws. Especially the bumpers. https://wieck-nissanao-production.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/998af1b3d149afce3eee9c083eacade24c37712d/preview-928x522.jpg https://img.hmn.com/fit-in/900x506/filters:upscale()/stories/2021/05/18085511/FOTD_Yota.jpg Neither of those are 1979 280zx's. |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 10:23:24 AM EDT
[#26]
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Posted: 11/26/2021 10:33:34 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Show me a better looking Jap car from 1979....most Jap cars then rusted out in 3 years if they didn't blow a head gasket first at that time. |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 10:43:21 AM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Neither of those are 1979 280zx's. But they are 1979 model year cars. |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 10:44:57 AM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Mom and dad had a 1971 Like thishttps://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/307202/B32237DC-FB34-4DBB-95E0-752A5582F534_jpe-2181737.JPG I had a '69 J-type with a few upgrades in 1990-92. Cream with a black top, car was a monster, best muscle car chassis there was in '69, got a little squirrely over 150mph. |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 10:47:01 AM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The first of the G body Grand Prix. They only made those for 3 years, 78-80. It would have been so much better with a 400 under the hood, but those ended with the larger 77 models. But an earlier engine swap and a rear gear change made those cars a whole lot of fun. Eta: They're not bad looking cars at all. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/61196/20180808_054711_jpg-2181408.JPG I had a 77 SJ with the 400 for my first car. Lots of fun. |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 10:56:26 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted: But they are 1979 model year cars. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Neither of those are 1979 280zx's. But they are 1979 model year cars. And I could post a 1979 AMC Pacer. However, I am far to kind to subject ARFcoms collective eyes and brains with that turd of a car. |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 11:01:32 AM EDT
[#32]
Disappointed not to see an "Ernie Miller" badge on the back based on the OP's location
Had a family member that worked there from about '78 to '88.
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Posted: 11/26/2021 11:09:31 AM EDT
[#33]
I would prefer the 463 horsepower model over the 301 cubic inch engine that was the only way to get a factory 4 speed...I would rather have an automatic with more horsepower... With that said, it is a beautiful car.
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Posted: 11/26/2021 11:12:43 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What 140 HP maybe? That can be corrected since a traditional big cube Pontiac engine slips between those frame rails no problem and you can use the motor mounts from the 301 . ?? |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 11:14:46 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The first of the G body Grand Prix. They only made those for 3 years, 78-80. It would have been so much better with a 400 under the hood, but those ended with the larger 77 models. But an earlier engine swap and a rear gear change made those cars a whole lot of fun. Eta: They're not bad looking cars at all. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/61196/20180808_054711_jpg-2181408.JPG Agree ! I always liked the 78 /80 GP's . |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 11:16:19 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted: That can be corrected since a traditional big cube Pontiac engine slips between those frame rails no problem and you can use the motor mounts from the 301 . ?? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: What 140 HP maybe? That can be corrected since a traditional big cube Pontiac engine slips between those frame rails no problem and you can use the motor mounts from the 301 . ?? Many forget the ultimate G-body had a V-6 and came in black only. |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 11:23:45 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: That can be corrected since a traditional big cube Pontiac engine slips between those frame rails no problem and you can use the motor mounts from the 301 . ?? 455 will bolt right in. May even have a Borg Warner T-10 transmission, that would handle the 455 as well. (my Iraqi Taxi had a 3 on the floor Saggy Box) How much are the asking for that car anyways ? |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 11:45:39 AM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Show me a better looking Jap car from 1979....most Jap cars then rusted out in 3 years if they didn't blow a head gasket first at that time. My first car in 1986 was a 1976 Toyota Corolla station wagon my parents bought new in 1976 from a dealer in Houston. Not a good looking car but never had any issues nor did it have any rust on it when we sold it in 1988 - TX & CA climates might have played a role. |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 12:41:29 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Still better looking than any Japanese or Korean car ever made, though. hell, My kids civic looks better than that boat. 1979 Jap cars that were better,....and looked better  
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Posted: 11/26/2021 12:50:34 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted: hell, My kids civic looks better than that boat. 1979 Jap cars that were better,....and looked better https://cdn.dealeraccelerate.com/gkm/1/421/57213/790x1024/1979-datsun-280zx https://journal.classiccars.com/media/2020/12/mazda-rx7-silver-pick-4.jpg Better at looking like something that some commie enviro-dipshit liberal arts professor would drive? |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 1:02:24 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Better at looking like something that some commie enviro-dipshit liberal arts professor would drive?   1979 Grand Prix on 24s DUB |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 1:09:31 PM EDT
[#42]
69 Grand Prix is the best Grand Prix
 Attached File |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 1:18:17 PM EDT
[#43]
My buddy [Italian] had one. He broke a big ass bottle of Drakkar Noir on the front carpet. Holy shit was it excruciating riding in that car.
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Posted: 11/26/2021 1:23:17 PM EDT
[#44]
 1960 Pontiac Ventura Bubbletop |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 1:29:42 PM EDT
[#45]
301 was the result of a weight reducing program for the Pontiac V8. As mentioned before it has a much shorter deck height and very thin wall block casting. They also removed most of the counter-weights from the crankshaft using CAD to keep the crank balanced and the engine mostly vibration free. Ended up with a Pontiac V8 that weighed only 475 pounds, and was still all cast iron, where the standard weight for Pontiac V8's of the 60's and 70's was 675 pounds. And the 301 will bolt in place of any other Pontiac engine as it still had the same engine mount location and bolt patterns and bellhousing bolt pattern of all the other Pontiac V8 engines. You can physically bolt on older heads, but there are no intake manifolds that will fit and no reason the do it as the crank can't take any extra power. Found a photo of the crankshaft showing the lack of counter-weights.
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Posted: 11/26/2021 1:41:06 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted: hell, My kids civic looks better than that boat. 1979 Jap cars that were better,....and looked better https://cdn.dealeraccelerate.com/gkm/1/421/57213/790x1024/1979-datsun-280zx https://journal.classiccars.com/media/2020/12/mazda-rx7-silver-pick-4.jpg Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Still better looking than any Japanese or Korean car ever made, though. hell, My kids civic looks better than that boat. 1979 Jap cars that were better,....and looked better https://cdn.dealeraccelerate.com/gkm/1/421/57213/790x1024/1979-datsun-280zx https://journal.classiccars.com/media/2020/12/mazda-rx7-silver-pick-4.jpg Thatsrealretardedsir.jpg |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 1:57:46 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted: You are literally comparing a commuter to a sports car. Thatsrealretardedsir.jpg I "commuter" with a v8, 4 on the floor Hurst, and the name "Grand Prix" ?  I'd call it a piss poor example of Detroit muscle, strangled by poor quality and govt. overreach |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 2:01:47 PM EDT
[#48]
My 1977 Grand Prix, with a 301, was the best starting car at my NDSU dormitory parking lot. Upside, I could start my car without regard to the temperature. Downside, I ended up jump starting a lot of other guy’s cars.
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Posted: 11/26/2021 2:09:42 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I'd drive the shit out of that. I'd put a turbo on it and have fun. It's a great candidate for an LS swap. That would be a really cool car. |
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Posted: 11/26/2021 2:11:11 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Still better looking than any Japanese or Korean car ever made, though. 
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