The Restoration
Without having to endure harsh winters, the body of David's Grand Am was completely rust-free and had just minor body dents. "It really didn't need much," he adds. "I had a friend, Roger Sheffer, prepare the body and apply single-stage DuPont Cronar Starlight Black, while Larry Gray installed a reproduction carpet, and recovered the front and rear seats."
The original YT-code 400ci four-barrel was factory rated at 185 horsepower at 3,600 rpm, and 310 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. "It always ran hard, but I figured it needed a little attention after 132,000 miles. My brother helped, and we were happy to find that it was spotless inside and didn't need any machine work. We simply replaced a few items, installed new gaskets, and sealed it back up," David says.
Retaining its original 4.12-inch-bore, the cylinders were honed and the original pistons were wrapped with stock-replacement rings. The factory 3.75-inch-stroke crankshaft was treated to a fresh set of bearings, but was otherwise untouched. A new oil pump and timing set were also installed. The original No. 066 camshaft, which boasts 273/282 degrees of duration and 0.407-inch valve lift, showed no signs of wear, and was subsequently reused.
Though most hobbyists believe No. 5C cylinder heads were used throughout the entire 1975 model year, the 6X-series was phased into production in late February 1975 and, as such, David's May-built Grand Am was originally equipped with No. 6X-8 castings. He completely rebuilt the cylinder heads using new 2.11/1.66-inch intake and exhaust valves, and since only minimal surfacing was required, the compression ratio remains near its original advertised rating of 7.6:1.
The 165 hp L65 400ci two-barrel...
The 165 hp L65 400ci two-barrel was the standard Grand Am engine in '75, while the 185 hp L78 400 four-barrel and 200 hp L75 455 four-barrel were available at extra cost. A Turbo-400 automatic transmission and 2.56:1 rear axle ratio were the only choices that year. David opted for the L78, which added $50 to the final price. Directly beneath the original single-snorkel air cleaner is a No. 7045264 Rochester Quadrajet carburetor, and No. 496140 cast-iron intake manifold. The engine was repainted light-metallic blue like that used by Pontiac from '66-'70 during the restoration.
The classy appearance and...
The classy appearance and stout performance are among the reasons David Johnson ordered a Starlight Black '75 Grand Am, and kept it for over 30 years. Accent stripes were standard, and David says the original silver, red, white, and blue stripes on his car beautifully complemented the black exterior, but they're not presently reproduced. Custom Finned wheel covers and GR70-15 black-wall radial tires were standard, but David opted for Rally IIs and white-lettered tires. It now sports 225/70R15 Firestone Firehawk skins.
Adjustable bucket seats and...
Adjustable bucket seats and a front console were standard on the Grand Am. The front and rear seats were recovered in original burgundy cloth, and a reproduction carpet was installed. The rest of the interior is original.
Conclusion
The Grand Am's odometer presently shows 150,000, and in David's words, "That's 150,000 miles of family memories. We even brought our firstborn child, Wendy, home from the hospital in it." Today the Grand Am is driven to shows or on nice days, adding around 500 miles per year. "I love cruising along at 60 to 80 mph on the highway-it really is a great road car. The 400 generates plenty of torque, and it will easily spin the tires on command," he adds.
David says rarity is what he likes best about his Grand Am. The 1975 model year saw the fewest built during the First-Gen Grand Am's three-year run-just 10,679 were produced. "It's nice to be the original owner of something so different," states David. "We've attended several P.O.C.I. National Conventions, and most recently were awarded Senior Gold at the 2007 convention in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Combine that success with the spectator compliments, and I'm even happier to have purchased the Grand Am instead!"
While gauges were standard,...
While gauges were standard, a tachometer wasn't. This Grand Am was ordered with one, and it replaced the electric clock within the dash panel and the displaced clock was relocated to just beneath the radio. The center console also houses the adjustment control for the optional adjustable-right-hand mirror. The AM/FM Stereo with eight-track tape player was dealer-installed.