Engine is from a 1966 pontiac Lemans.

I got it really cheap thanks to a friend of mine.
I really don't want to go a 350 like everyone says or a 400 (due to the fact that I have this sitting in my garage right now and would rather spend it on performance parts.) I would also like to be original too. Do you think it would make power? Of course, new cam four barrel carb, new intake etc. . . No rebuild as pistons are too expensive. Maybe gasket set and rings. I mean, do you think I would do well with this? It's backed by a TH350 and 3.42s.

I think it would be pretty cool. Just wanted to know the specs or opinions of an engine dating 35 years.

Plus, pontiac edelbrock stuff is dirt cheap on ebay and it's not in real high demand.

I'm ready to do all the work, just want some opinions.

 

I guess I should have posted this in motor swap. Sorry.

 

Are you considering the swap into your 3rdgen? If so, I'd suggest selling to someone who has a Pontiac that *wants* a 326, and if you want to be original, put in a 400 or 455, one of them big cubed Pontiac engines.

Heck, may as well be fast and "original"

 

I haven't seen a lot of 326's, but every one I have seen seemed to hold the front end of the car down nicely...

Given the same types of upgrades, a 305 will make more power than a 326. For the same amount of money spent, it's not even a contest.

Poncho in a Pontiac has some sentimental value to it. In a Camaro, I can't see doing it.

The last factory 326 car that I saw that ran well had a 455 in it.

 

well, the 326 sure isn't known for it's power but could be a "different" thing to have. since you'd have a lack of cubic inches i'd recomend going with a 2004R transmission and a 4.10 gear. the 4.10 gear would really help the smaller engine wind up and help with it's lack of decent torque. the 2004R would help take care of the deep gear difference and pretty much bolt right in with a trans mount for a tta and the bellhousing already being b-o-p ready. using a performer rpm intake with a 600 to 750 cfm carb and higher duration cam would make alot of improvement in the upper rev's. trying to make good low end torque with this engine isn't as easy as making it rev.

 

Well, that's depressing. Do anyone you know the specs comparing the two? 'Ive got a 305 in the garage also but it's all taken apart down to bare block.

 

JMB,

If I had that engine in my garage, I'd be saving it for someone that was restoring an older 'Bird or GTO/LeMans to original. As for spending any time or cash trying to get it to make serious power, you'd be better off starting with a Pontiac 400 block or different SBC. The cost of the parts versus the performance gained will be high compared to what can be done with the Chevrolet engine. It would be a good reliable engine, but can't be expected to break any records. The difference in transmission, engine mounts, exhaust clearance, and all the other issues you'll face would be a challenge.

I had a 326 in my original Firebird ('67). It was the last year for the 326 (thankfully), and this one came factory rated at 285HP-359ft/lb with the 10.5:1 pistons, heavy valve springs, etc. The original engine ran well for the first 160,000 miles then ate a ring in a high speed run down the expressway at 3:00 AM, thus the rebuild.

I did a complete rebuild, new Badger pistons, rings, shells, polished crank, new cam, Edelbrock, Holley 4V, recurved dist, headers, yada, yada. The engine had plenty of torque to get the car moving, but wouldn't out pull even a decent 327 Camaro. It did have a good top end, but the 3.08 gears helped a bunch with that. I nearly buried the 140 MPH speedo several times, probably on the gears alone.

I don't have the car any more, but still have the old service manual supplement: