Hot Rod Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

Creating a GTO Clone Right

Jump to Latest
20K views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  11echo  
6
#1 · (Edited)
I have a 67 Lemans Convertible with a frozen block. I am thinking about converting it to a good GTO Clone but want to do it right if I decide to do that versus buying a 326 anchor and keeping it stock. I know I need to change the obvious such as hood, cut out the shark gills on the rear qtrs, change the grill and the engine but what about trans or rear end, etc. Any hints on the best GTO engine options to make it a true GTO clone for maximum value. I am not looking to race it or make it overly tricked out but just like an original GTO with the exception that the serial number will indicate a lemans.

Thanks

STeve :confused:

Regarding value when I was evaluating a year ago, it was looking the complete Stock 67 Lemans Convertible is very rare but value around $26 - $32K but good GTO clones (looked all the way like a GTO except serial # match) were going for about $45K for convertible and the real 67 GTO Convertibles were going for $90K. That is where I got my impression that demand and value would be greater as a clone. Sounds like from some entries here that maybe stock would be more valuable. I do kind of like the sleeper idea though. Thanks for all the input here. Awesome ideas.
 
#2 ·
I wouldn't go for the GOAT trim but would instead make it a sleeper. Find a 400/428 Ram Air for it and make it a screamer but it appears as a 326 TEMPEST.

Save you a whole lot of money and the car would probably be worth more as no one wants to buy a fake GOAT.

My thought (and yes, they can be dangerous)... :p
 
R
#3 ·
KULTULZ is probably correct. It will probably be worth more as a restored LeMans convertible.

If you must:

In addition to the mods you already said, you will have to change out the rear panel and tailights. I think all of the 67's had the stainless trim from wheel well to wheel well and it came up on the door bottom. The 6.7 litre GTO emblem was on that trim at the bottom of the front fenders.

The engine available from the factory was the 400. I always thought they were all 4 bbl. and the tranny choices were Muncie 4 speeds and TH400 autos. According to several sites I visited, apparently, there was a 2 bbl. option and a 3 speed manual option. My guess is they would be very rare cars. Who would want a 3 speed stick 2 bbl. GTO in 1967?

If you want to make it as accurate as possible, the engine code should be a GTO code. Here is a link for engine codes.

http://www.nh-gto.com/GTO Engine Codes.htm

About 1/3 the way down you will find the 67's.
 
1
#4 ·
I did something similar a number years back. I had a 65 LeMans and converted it to a GTO ...A hood and 5 emblems! It was a 326 and I tried to build a 421, but couldn't get all the parts for it (crank) SO a buddy talked me in to dropping in a 396! It was a bolt-up engine swap! We also went from 2-spd Auto to a 4-spd T-10 ...ONLY real problem was the rearend! Pontiacs of the period are REALLY weak! Given what I know today I'd have gone with a 9" Ford, but I ended up with a 66 Chevy rearend. All "fun" stuff! ...Give the BBC some serious thought, GOOD LUCK!

PS ...GTO hoods from 65 to 67 are the same! FYI
 
Hot Rod Forum
posts
2.2M
members
183K
Since
2001
A forum community dedicated to hot rod owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about restoration, builds, performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Engine Hotrodders' Lounge Body - Exterior Transmission - Rearend Hotrodding Basics