[scott70]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDxQmkPskeQ

I think tastefully done and looks good. Looks like it might of started as a very nice 421 tripower though in which I cringe a little.

[imposter]

nice but the interior is terrible the 65 was much better as well

[george kujanski]

looks like the roadster shop is just a few miles from me.

George

[geeteeohguy]

Not a fan of LS swaps. Into anything. Pass.

[jhein]

What is it with these guys that don't wear seat belts??

[242177P]

Ugh. Watched just over a minute. Survivor? Older restoration? Resto-mod?? It was all just word salad. Resto-mod would have a stroker motor and 15" rims. This was all mod and no resto.

And it's a crude mockery of what once was. There is nothing 66 2+2 about that car left. They could've started with a base Catalina. They wish to retain it's provenance, while discarding it's heritage?

[Scarebird]

Nice workmanship. I would have certainly picked a different color for the interior; something more period correct. Graphite is just a no for me here.

Infotainment/HVAC center is interesting but personally prefer the electronic sliders.

Manually adjusted lap-only belt on a 800+ hp car? I know shoulder belts are not the prettiest things but make a huge difference in survivability in a major crash.

One thing is really nice are the 8 lug rims; if they made them 17 x 8 they would sell quite a few!

[mgarblik]

I have owned a number of the real 2+2's. Including a 66 2+2 convertible 421 HO convertible 4-speed. I can't really explain why, but this car does NOT disgust me like I fully expected it would. It might have to do with the what appears on video at least to be very high quality workmanship. The 8 lug wheels, the seat stitch pattern, the not screwed-up body shell, were all done nicely IMO. Would I own it? Never! It's heart and soul was ripped out when the engine was replaced with a Chevy/Corporate, whatever you want to call it non-Pontiac engine. They said 850 HP. ? Easily achieved with a proper Pontiac engine , NA, Turbo or Supercharged. Your choice. Why take a high quality build like this and put a cookie cutter Walmart engine in it? That's the part I just don't get. But I can't deny it's a nice car.

[grandam1979]

The black car they referred to was on the cover of Hemmings awhile back it’s a awesome car also.

[tom s]

I would have not wanted to pay the bill on that build.We just bought a Roadster shop chassis for a 76 T/A,with a 9in and it was like 18K alone for the chassis.We have not powder coated it yet.Going to have a 455 and a 200R.Tom

[mgarblik]

There are hundreds of pictures of the build start to finish on the Roadster Shop web site. It appears the build started with a very, very nice 421 HO 4-speed hardtop. As mostly a purist, it's sad to see a nice solid pretty rare car get all cut up and highly modified but that's up to the owner. Personally, I think the pictures show a very high quality build from the chassis, to interior down to their nonsensical choice for a generic cookie cutter powerplant. Tom, I am guessing that build would be in the low 200K area? I don't think a proper 850 HP engine would have made even a tiny dent in that budget. The 421 HO they threw away would have been a fine base for a Butler build or someone else competent to supply proper power.

[scott70]

To me when I see the non traditional engine put in there it's just the lazy way out and overall takes away from the car itself. As far as a modified car I do like how they didn't go crazy and tried to keep a certain look without being gaudy. They tried to keep a pontiac look by way of the valve covers but to each their own. Being a fairly desirable car with its options I wish they would of picked a different car to chop up . But I think overall they did a good job.

[jhein]

Those guys do high quality work. For the right car, I like their stuff. Though, I'd have kept a Pontiac motor in it for sure.

I find the guy a little annoying though. Is that just me?

[Scarebird]

Originally Posted by mgarblik

...nonsensical choice for a generic cookie cutter powerplant...

...The 421 HO they threw away would have been a fine base for a Butler build or someone else competent to supply proper power.

You should ask the Butlers what they have to say about that - note they have been selling more LS/Gen5 stuff than StratoStreak for a decade.

The owner wanted the power, handling and efficiency of a modern car with a 2+2's classic styling: he succeeded.

[Scarebird]

Originally Posted by tom s

I would have not wanted to pay the bill on that build.We just bought a Roadster shop chassis for a 76 T/A,with a 9in and it was like 18K alone for the chassis.We have not powder coated it yet.Going to have a 455 and a 200R.Tom

Tom, are you posting the build?

[tom s]

I think I will,the engine should be done next week,nothing exotic,48 headed 455.450 HP pump gas engine.Will document the chassis build as best I can.The shop is a couple hours away.Tom

[mgarblik]

Originally Posted by Scarebird

You should ask the Butlers what they have to say about that - note they have been selling more LS/Gen5 stuff than StratoStreak for a decade.

The owner wanted the power, handling and efficiency of a modern car with a 2+2's classic styling: he succeeded.

I have no doubt that the owner is happy with his car. He should be. The "power, handling, and efficiency" could have been matched or exceeded with a traditional, correct Pontiac V-8 engine. He chose to take the lazy, easy way out. Nothing wrong with that if it has little or no meaning to you. It's just fine, no argument. An aluminum IA II, port fuel injection, modern seals and gaskets and engine management system and your there. It would cost more and take more skill to make it happen than a cookie cutter transplant. Also, it would only matter to a real Pontiac person. Only a few thousand of them still alive.
To your point: Exactly why Butler started their LS engine business. They saw the writing on the wall years ago. Diversify to the LS platform or go out of business in 10-15 years. I don't hold that against them or this guy for cutting up his 2+2. He should do what makes him happy. To me it's a very cool car that could be even cooler with a Pontiac engine.

I would also add I have no ill will for the LS platform engines. We build them all the time in my classes. How can anybody complain when they can run at 1000 HP with a stock bottom end? Very strong case, crankshaft containment. Like every engine, they do have some issues. Lousy stock oil pump, some head sealing issues at higher power levels with thin head castings and essentially 10 head bolts. Oil leak issues at rear seal carrier, rocker arm needles grinding up/falling out. No engine is perfect, but they are damn impressive.

[Scarebird]

Originally Posted by mgarblik

...The "power, handling, and efficiency" could have been matched or exceeded with a traditional, correct Pontiac V-8 engine.

Not even close, I tried.

440P with Edelbrock ProFlo 4 and KRE heads. My LS3 beat it in every aspect, and I did not need to go thru 3 sets of roller lifters either.

[Scarebird]

Originally Posted by tom s

I think I will,the engine should be done next week,nothing exotic,48 headed 455.450 HP pump gas engine.Will document the chassis build as best I can.The shop is a couple hours away. Tom

I look forward to it - it should be interesting to see how a modern chassis fits under a Second Gen...

[BILL BOWMAN1]

I am all about the Pontiac power plant.
I hope I’m not around to see it, but ALL of these cars will be crushed in order to produce (cars) lol that plug in. So long as it goes vroom, I’m ok with it for now. Just sayin.