Then it was time to slip the Neal Buffington-built 335hp version of Pontiac's (WT code) 389 into place. Because it had 80,000 miles on it, and the fact that Lou required a completely reliable GTO, Len's Crankshaft Service in St Louis, Missouri was called on to open the bores by .040, machine the block, and refurbish the factory cast crank and rods. Then the company added new pistons and balanced the entire rotating assembly. The cam is a stock replacement 067 piece with 273/289 degrees duration and .410/.413 lift, the oil pump is a high-volume model and the timing chain, a double roller. The 093 iron heads were treated to a three-angle valve job to aid flow past the 1.92/1.66 valves before they were bolted to the fresh short-block. To finish the assembly, the 9782896 cast-iron four-barrel intake with the correct 4033S Carter AFB was bolted in, as was the factory Delco points distributor and the original cast-iron exhaust manifolds were coated and bolted to the heads. Then the entire assembly was shoved in place just ahead of the rebuilt Muncie close-ratio four-speed, as was a set of 2 1/2-inch exhaust pipes leading to twin Flowmasters, tail pipes and chrome tips. Slap on the Rally 1 wheels wrapped in a new set of Coker tires and you not only have a rolling chassis; you have a beautiful rolling chassis.
While the chassis/driveline work was being performed, Bubba was spending as much time on the shell. There was very little damage but new parts were located as needed. Chrome pieces were sent out to Mirror Image Polishing and returned in show condition. New emblems were procured and, most of all, each and every panel was straightened to perfection (remember this is going to be a triple black car) and block sanded, and block sanded, and block sanded ... I think you get the picture. Then when it was completed Bubba shot a seriously smooth coat of PPG Concept single stage paint over the entire surface before he moved on to the myriad minor details that would make this an outstanding restification.
After all the straightening, all the sanding and all the painting, the GTO was ready for new wiring harnesses. In addition, a concealed six-disc CD changer and several strategically located yet well camouflaged speakers were added, along with the unseen Vintage Air climate controls and nicely blended A/C outlets. The glass and anything else that would be covered by the reproduction vinyl upholstery was set in place so that the trimmers at Artistic Auto Interiors in Festus, Missouri could painstakingly fit each new piece to the droptop's interior.
Next stop was Mike's shop where Bubba would spend hours putting the finishing touches on the triple black stunner before delivery to Lou. Indeed, before it was delivered, there was a celebration of sorts. Lou and the original owner Ervin Phieffer were invited to the shop the first day that the GTO was operational, where they were able to admire its newly-attained sparkle and take it for a test drive. As you might well imagine, there were smiles all around.
Once upon a time, Ervin Phieffer purchased a shiny new light green '66 GTO. And we are sure glad he did.