I had a 326 2 speed auto in a 1965 Tempest. I’d also rebuild it rather than a 400 swap, especially if it’s a no.s matching. However, if you have the two speed I’d pull that and switch it for something that’ll give you better performance and gas mileage
What can I do with my 326?
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So I’m a little behind on pulling the engine & resealing, it sounded like an easy quick project BUT I’m too busy driving this car & having a blast! So far I’ve put about 500 miles on the car since getting it, I’ve added two crankcase breathers as recommended, changed the oil. I’ve installed Year 1 Rally’s with 245/45/17’s up front & 275/40/17’s out back, still need to install my front disc brake conversion, control arms, coil overs, ties rods, center link, etc. to completely rebuild the front end with newer more modern hardware even though it’s still incredibly tight even though every bushing looks a million years old.
Unfortunately the oil pan/rear main seal leak is getting worse & worse, tons of drips everywhere I park, overnight or not so that really needs to be addressed but maybe I can wait until winter? The car cruises along at 65 mph without breaking a sweat, the little two barrel just hums away bringing a smile to my face every time I drive it. This little 326 is impressing me, I know people say not to waste time with it but it runs so freaking good! Until I can find a 400 to build I’m thinking I’m going to play with the little 326 to see where it can go. Right now & the main reason for the update is that I’m thinking I want to add something really cool to the car to keep with its original theme so I’ve located a 1966 tri power set up that is reasonably priced, available locally & freshly off a running car. So my question is, how’s the tri power for the “small” 326? The motor is all stock & looks original but when listening to the idle I question if it is really stock, clip below for your thoughts. The car has a 2.25 dual exhaust from the factory manifolds into dual cherry bombs, sounds pretty freaking good to me!
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Unfortunately the oil pan/rear main seal leak is getting worse & worse, tons of drips everywhere I park, overnight or not so that really needs to be addressed but maybe I can wait until winter? The car cruises along at 65 mph without breaking a sweat, the little two barrel just hums away bringing a smile to my face every time I drive it. This little 326 is impressing me, I know people say not to waste time with it but it runs so freaking good! Until I can find a 400 to build I’m thinking I’m going to play with the little 326 to see where it can go. Right now & the main reason for the update is that I’m thinking I want to add something really cool to the car to keep with its original theme so I’ve located a 1966 tri power set up that is reasonably priced, available locally & freshly off a running car. So my question is, how’s the tri power for the “small” 326? The motor is all stock & looks original but when listening to the idle I question if it is really stock, clip below for your thoughts. The car has a 2.25 dual exhaust from the factory manifolds into dual cherry bombs, sounds pretty freaking good to me!
No clip.
It probably runs rough due to age, but sounds better than stock. Have had a couple cars like that as they sounded better because the exhaust made them sound better, but they ran a tad bit rough.
The 326 is a bit underrated. You can have a little fun with it, but up to a point, and then most want bigger HP/TQ so they swap in the 400. The 326 HO version was to compete with the Chevy 283 Hi-Po engine. I learned to drive on my dad's 1965 Impala 283 3/speed on the column and it was lots of fast fun. My brother thought so too until he blew the engine up and had to replace it.
Can you put a tri-power on it? Why not. The issue as I see it is that at this time, it may be more carb than the engine can use ad will bog out on you at the lower RPM's. BUT, who says you have to use/hook-up the outboard carbs? Fake it a little and run on the center carb for a while. You can put block-off plates under the carbs to seal them off. You can try the outboards, but you most likely won't see gobbs of power and just drop gas mileage.
If you keep the 326, then you want a bigger cam that will take the tri-power. If you get a 400CI, you can also use the tri-power.
So it is your call. If you like the 326, keep it. If you want a 400, then swap it.
Car looks good.
Thanks for taking the time to respond. The car definitely runs good, fires right up, crisp response to the throttle & minimal if any smoke on start up or acceleration. I think I compressed the clip enough so let’s try it again, just click the link below it’s safe. Funny story, we went to a car show Sunday in the car, I wasn’t entering, just parking to walk around & then security directs me towards the show field, just as I’m telling them I just wanted to park they had me the entry card & pointed me down the hill to the field
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I agree with that, isn’t a bad idea but it’s not as cool as tri power
A matched cam, intake, and carb, is definitely cooler than a tri power flooding an engine, but it really depends on what you're going for.I agree with that, isn’t a bad idea but it’s not as cool as tri power
If your goal is to impress others, then yes, you can simply add two carbs to your existing setup and let er rip!
If your goal is to impress yourself and your passengers, then match your parts!
I'm biased on this... I own my favorite car, so very little impresses me at a car show. I do like cars that came with tri-powers, but then again, all Pontiac fans know that the most powerful GTO's (by far), had 4bbls.
This being said, it's your opinion that matters, but allow me to say this:
You started this thread by stating that this was your first Pontiac, and now you've had several of this sites most notable members, try to talk you out of putting trips on. This is like the Rolling Stones telling you how to be a successful rock band. There's a ton of critical knowledge here, that will likely save your ass some day, so learn how to spot it when it crosses your path.
Hmmmm. And wanting 2x4's on your engine build, is that to impress yourself, your passengers, and others?
Hell ya, isn't that the ENTIRE reason we have Pontiacs in the first place, to IMPRESS the world - especially the chicks.If you have not experienced mulitple carbs, you have not lived.
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