"migman"

Owner:   migman Year: 1979 Make: Pontiac Model: Grand Prix Est.Horsepower: 463 Page Views: 4550 Comments: 6 Comments Ratings: 7 votes   Overall: Rating : Exterior: Rating : Interior: Rating : Performance: Rating :

My name is Miguel “Mig” Irigoyen. I have been an avid reader of your magazine for many years and love that it now comes out every month. I’d like to share my Pontiac with you.
I have a 1979 Grand Prix SJ. I bought it new in May of 1979. It has gone through a few transformations over the years. In its stock configuration, it had a 301ci. 4 barrel carburetor, 4 speed transmission and a 3:23 posi; fun car but slow. I changed the motor to 400ci. Ram Air III, Borgwarner Super T10, and an 8.5 3:42 10-bolt posi; much faster but now it wouldn’t hook. At only 45,000 miles, I found paint cracking and rust beginning to rear its head in some hidden areas even though the car was never driven in snow or on salty streets. I decided to disassemble my baby, even with a lot of grief from my wife, and did a complete frame off restoration.
To start, I needed more power. I used a 400 cubic inch, 463 horsepower engine and 481-pound of torque at the flywheel. I removed the four-speed and added a Turbo 400, a Coan 3500 stall converter semi-manual valve body, 3:90 8.5 posi, and custom made headers. On the opposite end I added Trans Am tailpipes. After installing the new motor, I discovered the hood did not clear, so I made an all-metal cowl hood. I removed all chrome except the bumpers. I also completely stripped the inside and out and had the body completely repainted with high-quality, two-stage urethane paint. I also added SSBC four-wheel disc brakes, complete with drilled rotors. I updated the wheels with 18” Billet Specialties.
The restoration was well worth it and the car runs great and its fun to drive. Along with this I am sending a few pictures. You don’t see too many of these cars anymore so this is a chance for others to enjoy it as well.

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