The 350 H.O. at 330 hp was...
The 350 H.O. at 330 hp was the hottest engine option for the LeMans before stepping up to a GTO, but you wouldn't realize this by looking at it. A black single-snorkel air cleaner hides the Q-jet, the valve covers are painted engine color, the standard log-type exhaust manifolds are used, and the lack of any ID conceals the potential within.
He took the same care with the interior, as he refurbished as many of the components as possible in an effort to retain the original parts. The headliner and carpet were beyond help, so they were replaced with new parts from Ames.
George's attention was then directed to the XU-code, 330-horse, 350 H.O., and his friends assisted, once again. Dan Jansen helped in a lot of other areas on the project and rebuilt the distributor. Much to George's surprise, the LeMans still had the original plug wires. John Pirkle restored the starter, wiper motor, and alternator, while the factory 7029268 Q-jet carburetor received a complete rebuild by Craig Woodruff.
George disassembled the engine with the help of his grandfather, and they inspected it for problems. Since it had only about 19,000 miles on it, everything was in good shape, including the No. 48 cylinder heads with large 2.11/1.77 valves that gave the '69 350 H.O. a small power boost over the '68. Just for good measure, George slid in a new 068 camshaft (288/302 degrees duration) to replace the 067 camshaft (273/289 degrees duration 0.410/0.413 lift) and replaced the rings, bearings, and gaskets before buttoning up everything and reinstalling the engine.
Inside the low-mile A-Body,...
Inside the low-mile A-Body, the factory interior is mostly intact. George had to contact Ames Performance for a replacement headliner and carpeting. The console is one of very few comfort options.
The factory PS-code Turbo 400 automatic transmission and XH-code 3.55 Safe-T-Track rear passed muster mechanically and were detailed externally.
Back on the road, George says, "The H.O. drives like a new car now. It's quick and smooth when accelerating, and it provides lots of response to the driver since it came with the 'go-fast' options like the 350 H.O., the Ride and Handling Package, and the Safe-T-Track rear (the steering and the brakes have no power assist)." The LeMans' attributes would make for a great Pure-Stock racer, and that's just what George plans to do with it after a swap back to the stock 067 cam.
He wants to thank everyone at the dealership for the hard work they all contributed to the project. Jack Scott, whose '69 Judge was featured in 2005, was a major influence for getting the ball rolling and restoring the Pontiac, as was Bud Scott. Further assistance was provided by George's two sons, Jack and Maverick. It isn't often that four generations of the same family are involved in the same project.
It also isn't often that the same dealership gets to sell the same car again after 34 years. This unique LeMans has lived a storied life that revolved around Midway Pontiac. It's only fitting that the dealership was also instrumental in resurrecting it as a pristine performer.