i like the 326 engine. i would reseal it and if it ran good put it back in. drive the wheels off it. but if i were going to build an engine a 400 would be my choice.
What can I do with my 326?
Hi folks, I just purchased a 1967 Lemans with a 326 & a 2 barrel carb. The car is pretty original so I want to stay with the 326 for now but I’ve never owned a Pontiac before. My experience is with Chevy small blocks & my previous Buick 350.
Right now the 326 runs decent but everything is leaking so I’m thinking of pulling the motor to reseal it, maybe freshen it up depending on what the compression readings are. What are my options at this point, can I make the little 326 a decent street runner or should I just start saving my money & energy for 400? Is it worth doing the traditional cam, four barrel intake & headers or just move forward with a new build?
Right now the 326 runs decent but everything is leaking so I’m thinking of pulling the motor to reseal it, maybe freshen it up depending on what the compression readings are. What are my options at this point, can I make the little 326 a decent street runner or should I just start saving my money & energy for 400? Is it worth doing the traditional cam, four barrel intake & headers or just move forward with a new build?
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oh, and welcome to the forum.
I've had and driven 326's. I had one in a '65 GTO with a Crane cam and headers that would give my 440 Coronet a run for the money up til about 70 mph. A friend had one in the '70's with a tripower on it and it ran hard. Another friend had a 326 HO with a 4 speed and it was the car that got me into GTO's. 326 Pontiacs have a LOT more torque than the 327 or 350 Chevy small block and are reliable, durable, competent engines. I would re-seal it and install an 068-spec cam with GOOD lifters (NOS or verified good) and a Pontiac 4bbl intake and carb and run it. Be advised that the BIGGEST improvement to your LeMans for performance is to swap out the 2 speed auto trans for a TH350 or overdrive auto or convert to manual trans. The ST300 2 speed is a performance killer with the 1.76 first gear. Just bolting in a TH350 (direct bolt in)) will increase your in town fuel mileage and will make the car feel like it picked up 100 HP.
Welcome! There's some good aftermarket support for our 326 through 455 mills. Had a brother that bought a two year old '67 326 H.O. Firebird back in the day. Engine was pretty stock and scary fast! The reworked 350 version available the next year was pretty good as well. I remember the dotted white lines on the expressway looked like one solid line all of the sudden.
Thanks for all the reply’s! We were out cruising around in the car today & it does run good but feels like a slug. I was thinking about installing a 200 4r eventually but maybe I should prioritize it instead? I always regretted not installing one in my Skylark when I installed a rebuilt turbo 350.
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The 200r4 would wake your car right up. Great off the line and great on the highway. With the 326, probably over 20mpg. Your car looks like a nice original. I personally would forgo engine mods at this time and just fix the oil leaks and do the trans and go from there.
Thank you, the car is pretty original, looks like one repaint & only 62k miles. I’m thinking of maybe just doing exactly like you said for now.
Awesome car! White with black gills... too cool!Thanks for all the reply’s! We were out cruising around in the car today & it does run good but feels like a slug. I was thinking about installing a 200 4r eventually but maybe I should prioritize it instead? I always regretted not installing one in my Skylark when I installed a rebuilt turbo 350.
View attachment 164462
Very nice, you could always find a stock 4 barrel intake and carb, some better rocker arms and a good timing curve to wake it up and then the trans sounds like a good idea or how about some different rear gears depending on what's in it now idk just some random thoughts.Hi folks, I just purchased a 1967 Lemans with a 326 & a 2 barrel carb. The car is pretty original so I want to stay with the 326 for now but I’ve never owned a Pontiac before. My experience is with Chevy small blocks & my previous Buick 350.
Right now the 326 runs decent but everything is leaking so I’m thinking of pulling the motor to reseal it, maybe freshen it up depending on what the compression readings are. What are my options at this point, can I make the little 326 a decent street runner or should I just start saving my money & energy for 400? Is it worth doing the traditional cam, four barrel intake & headers or just move forward with a new build?
its a beautiful car. the transmission is a good start in my opinion. you could change it when the engine gets resealed.
Welcome,
I currently have two 67 Tempest both running the 326. They are great engines and what really make it nice is the GTO following now days, parts can be found in abundance.
My take on your question is go ahead and play with the engine you have. There are a few things you can do to pep it up a bit. As brought out, swapping the trans out is one of the best things you can do to use what power the engine does have. In my hard top I’m currently running an Edelbroch 650 carb with a Offenhauser intake. Headers and dual exhaust. It has the TH350. Everything else is stock. Rubber can be had off the line and depending on the surface I can get a chirp off the tires going into second.
My convertible has a Qjet, headers and dual exhaust with a bit of a cam. Intake and exhaust are .420 lift but I can’t recall the rest of the specs off the top of my head. I still have the two speed installed but with just those changes will still “get rubber” when I punch it. I can’t wait to upgrade the tranny in her.
Both cars have the original 140 heads with no mods.
You most likely have the 140 heads as well. If you go four barrel it will run great but something to consider is, if you use the heads, the intake on the head is slightly undersized compared to a four barrel intake. Gasket matching the intake/heads can be a benefit. If you go that route might as well do some general porting and clean up the heads a bit. That’s in my future as well.
Pontiacjims recommendation for the 068 cam is a good one for this engine.
Headers are a love hate on this car. Some people hate them, I like them. I run Headman headers and the only thing I had to do was relocate my brake distribution block. I suspect you would have to do the same.
The TH350 or 200R are great choices.
The point I’m making is you can have a ton of fun without dropping a big wad of cash. I recommend if you do nothing right away, add an exhaust system. Get the sound you like so you can enjoy that side of the coin.
Many people feel these engines are a waste of time but it’s fun to squeeze out the performance from these little jewels.
Jim
I currently have two 67 Tempest both running the 326. They are great engines and what really make it nice is the GTO following now days, parts can be found in abundance.
My take on your question is go ahead and play with the engine you have. There are a few things you can do to pep it up a bit. As brought out, swapping the trans out is one of the best things you can do to use what power the engine does have. In my hard top I’m currently running an Edelbroch 650 carb with a Offenhauser intake. Headers and dual exhaust. It has the TH350. Everything else is stock. Rubber can be had off the line and depending on the surface I can get a chirp off the tires going into second.
My convertible has a Qjet, headers and dual exhaust with a bit of a cam. Intake and exhaust are .420 lift but I can’t recall the rest of the specs off the top of my head. I still have the two speed installed but with just those changes will still “get rubber” when I punch it. I can’t wait to upgrade the tranny in her.
Both cars have the original 140 heads with no mods.
You most likely have the 140 heads as well. If you go four barrel it will run great but something to consider is, if you use the heads, the intake on the head is slightly undersized compared to a four barrel intake. Gasket matching the intake/heads can be a benefit. If you go that route might as well do some general porting and clean up the heads a bit. That’s in my future as well.
Pontiacjims recommendation for the 068 cam is a good one for this engine.
Headers are a love hate on this car. Some people hate them, I like them. I run Headman headers and the only thing I had to do was relocate my brake distribution block. I suspect you would have to do the same.
The TH350 or 200R are great choices.
The point I’m making is you can have a ton of fun without dropping a big wad of cash. I recommend if you do nothing right away, add an exhaust system. Get the sound you like so you can enjoy that side of the coin.
Many people feel these engines are a waste of time but it’s fun to squeeze out the performance from these little jewels.
Jim
Coming from Chevy, you may not know this, and I didnt see it come up in here yet... but Pontiac doesnt have a smal block and big block. The 326 engine is no different then the 400 or 455. So...
If you pull the engine to reseal it, you can swap out the rotating assembly and make it into a 350, 389, 400, 455, 461.
Also...
If you're leaking everywhere, please look at (or show us) you PCV valve and breather setup. If it's wrong, you'll get leaks galore. These can be fixed with a correct setup or a Wagner PCV valve.
And if that's the case, throw some 373's in the diff and and get some Cherry Bombs, and leave it as is
If you pull the engine to reseal it, you can swap out the rotating assembly and make it into a 350, 389, 400, 455, 461.
Also...
If you're leaking everywhere, please look at (or show us) you PCV valve and breather setup. If it's wrong, you'll get leaks galore. These can be fixed with a correct setup or a Wagner PCV valve.
And if that's the case, throw some 373's in the diff and and get some Cherry Bombs, and leave it as is
It does have a PCV valve, I pulled it & it rattled so it’s not stuck. Here’s a pic under hood, I’m not sure that it’s the proper hose routing but it looks old….Coming from Chevy, you may not know this, and I didnt see it come up in here yet... but Pontiac doesnt have a smal block and big block. The 326 engine is no different then the 400 or 455. So...
If you pull the engine to reseal it, you can swap out the rotating assembly and make it into a 350, 389, 400, 455, 461.
Also...
If you're leaking everywhere, please look at (or show us) you PCV valve and breather setup. If it's wrong, you'll get leaks galore. These can be fixed with a correct setup or a Wagner PCV valve.
And if that's the case, throw some 373's in the diff and and get some Cherry Bombs, and leave it as is
That is as Fact Tree as it gets, from the original rubber valve cover plug on the pass side to the indent on the timing cover for a tripower thermostat to the special washer on the timing cover to intake bolt. Carb looks recent. Very much the survivor. If you pull the engine to re-seal it and replace the trans, do yourself a favor and check the timing chain slop first. If it has slop, it may still have the original nylon cam gear and you should change the timing chain set. The nylon cam gears like to shed teeth and you end up bending valves. The recommendation to mess with the rocker arms, etc. would not be something I would do. Keep it simple, and it will be low cost and dependable for many years to come. The more you tweak on it, the more thirsty it will get, the more expensive, and the less reliable. Fact.
Well you have no breathers so it's no surprise you have leaks, why is there a plug in the passenger valve cover and not a breather ? I would put two breathers and a Wagner adjustable pcv. I'm assuming the pcv is in the rear of the valley pan where the hose disappears but I don't know 326's then what is the T for and what does it go to under your carb, can't see.It does have a PCV valve, I pulled it & it rattled so it’s not stuck. Here’s a pic under hood, I’m not sure that it’s the proper hose routing but it looks old….
View attachment 164484
View attachment 164483
What's that flat plate with holes in it in front of the passenger valve cover for, a/c ? And he was looking for some simple power increases so I thought some new 1.52 roller tip rockers would help, I know it's not clearanced for 1.65's but what do I know.That is as Fact Tree as it gets, from the original rubber valve cover plug on the pass side to the indent on the timing cover for a tripower thermostat to the special washer on the timing cover to intake bolt. Carb looks recent. Very much the survivor. If you pull the engine to re-seal it and replace the trans, do yourself a favor and check the timing chain slop first. If it has slop, it may still have the original nylon cam gear and you should change the timing chain set. The nylon cam gears like to shed teeth and you end up bending valves. The recommendation to mess with the rocker arms, etc. would not be something I would do. Keep it simple, and it will be low cost and dependable for many years to come. The more you tweak on it, the more thirsty it will get, the more expensive, and the less reliable. Fact.
I suppose as usual, "it depends on what you want".
I have had a few 326's and currently have one in my 67 lemans. I did just what these guys are suggesting....the aforementioned 4bbl, turbo 350 swap, dual exhaust, and added a 3.23 gear posi. I thought the 068 cam might be too big for a 326 auto with those gears so I went with something more 066 like - summit 2800. It was very budget friendly. Oh- added a budget HEI distributor too. It performs respectfully for those cu. in. and purrs like a kitten.
But it will never be a tire shredding/wheelie popping/street pounding beast if that's what your after, and sometimes we all do need a little of that!
I have had a few 326's and currently have one in my 67 lemans. I did just what these guys are suggesting....the aforementioned 4bbl, turbo 350 swap, dual exhaust, and added a 3.23 gear posi. I thought the 068 cam might be too big for a 326 auto with those gears so I went with something more 066 like - summit 2800. It was very budget friendly. Oh- added a budget HEI distributor too. It performs respectfully for those cu. in. and purrs like a kitten.
But it will never be a tire shredding/wheelie popping/street pounding beast if that's what your after, and sometimes we all do need a little of that!
Ah yes, the infamous GM plastic cam gears, great point, I will definitely keep that in mind! The seller told me that the motor is not numbers matching but if it was replaced it was obviously done a long time ago so it probably looks factory still.That is as Fact Tree as it gets, from the original rubber valve cover plug on the pass side to the indent on the timing cover for a tripower thermostat to the special washer on the timing cover to intake bolt. Carb looks recent. Very much the survivor. If you pull the engine to re-seal it and replace the trans, do yourself a favor and check the timing chain slop first. If it has slop, it may still have the original nylon cam gear and you should change the timing chain set. The nylon cam gears like to shed teeth and you end up bending valves. The recommendation to mess with the rocker arms, etc. would not be something I would do. Keep it simple, and it will be low cost and dependable for many years to come. The more you tweak on it, the more thirsty it will get, the more expensive, and the less reliable. Fact.
Yes, PCV is in the rear of the pan. I’m thinking that I should replace the hoses & the valve to start fresh. What kind of breather for the passenger side valve cover? Where would I put the second? In the oil fill hole?Well you have no breathers so it's no surprise you have leaks, why is there a plug in the passenger valve cover and not a breather ? I would put two breathers and a Wagner adjustable pcv. I'm assuming the pcv is in the rear of the valley pan where the hose disappears but I don't know 326's then what is the T for and what does it go to under your carb, can't see.
We believe that the car had an aftermaket AC at one point using that bracket, there’s also two holes that were sealed up in the firewall that the lines probably ran through.What's that flat plate with holes in it in front of the passenger valve cover for, a/c ? And he was looking for some simple power increases so I thought some new 1.52 roller tip rockers would help, I know it's not clearanced for 1.65's but what do I know.
Well the experts would know which breathers were stock if they had them at all but if you're not worried about absolute stock looking then find a Pontiac push in breather and a half twist oil filler breather I guess. So where does that pcv hose go that's hidden under the front of the carb? I guess maybe Pontiac didn't put breathers in but if you have several leaks I would think that's part of the problem is crankcase pressure. At idle the pcv is taking in crankcase fumes and putting them into the intake to be burned drawing in outside air through the breathers but when you get on it the pcv valve drops out do to no vacuum so then the crankcase pressure goes out the breathers...which you have none so the pressure is causing leaks. I should probably be fact checked but that's my understanding, I've dealt with this issue on my 461 with it popping the dipstick out on hard runs but luckily no leaks.Ah yes, the infamous GM plastic cam gears, great point, I will definitely keep that in mind! The seller told me that the motor is not numbers matching but if it was replaced it was obviously done a long time ago so it probably looks factory still.
Yes, PCV is in the rear of the pan. I’m thinking that I should replace the hoses & the valve to start fresh. What kind of breather for the passenger side valve cover? Where would I put the second? In the oil fill hole?
We believe that the car had an aftermaket AC at one point using that bracket, there’s also two holes that were sealed up in the firewall that the lines probably ran through.
1 - 20 of 86 Posts
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