1960 Pontiac Ventura... pro tour style

[Rickerbucks]

Hi folks. A friend of mine referred me to this board. I hope to update you on my build although I expect it to take 2 years. Perhaps longer depending on funding needs.

I just bought a 1960 Pontiac Ventura. Body is in GREAT shape and has the stock 389 but of course I only want the body.

I have a VERY talented builder / fabricator that can do ANYTHING.

Big picture theme is a black car, black engine with accents of yellow and carbon fiber and a black interior with yellow accencts.

I guess one of the decisions that is keeping me up at night is the engine decision. This car will be a driver... about 5,000 miles a year and a show circuit car. I also might take it around a track now and again and maybe the drag strip on the very rare occasion.

So basically the three engine options I'm considering are....

1. Nelson Racing 632 NA fuel injected. (I know about the concerns about NRE so with great respect no need to recite them here) I REALLY like the alien intake he has although its a VERY expensive option. 830 HP. You get BB cool but about $30k with the aluminum block and black matching accessories. I can get this motor right away and not have to wait 9+ months for it.

2. Buy a used LS7 and rebuild it as a 454 and install a twin turbo. Not sure the cost. I see some shops are quoting about $46k for a 427 TT including installation. About 800 HP. My builder would do the install and fabrication of everything.

3. LSX 4XX TT. NRE has a LSX 454 TT engine for $36k and 1175 HP

The other thing to consider is that I have a chance to buy a C6 ZO6 rollings chasis where I can use the tranny, the suspension the brakes and the dash pod. for about $22k so it would give me a WHOLE bunch of parts I can use and then rebuild the motor and TT.

I do NOT have the weight comparisons and have NO idea. A new chassis will be built from scratch.

My builder is very keen on buying the ZO6 chassis and building the motor out from there.

Anyone have some thoughts on which engine?

I have added a picture of the "look" I want... although the wheels are not quite what I have in mind. Also including a picture of a black '60 Buick with a similar stance.

[Jon69RagTop]

Maybe we should all send money so it goes quicker.:)

Keep us updated! Love this generation of GM cars.

[coolwelder62]

Sound's like a very cool project.

[Rybar]

Welcome Shaun, very cool build for sure. Glad you joined the best site.

The Z06 chassis would require extensive work to retrofit into your car. I would definitely get in touch with the Roadster shop and see if that can fit the bill.

On the motor, N/A will save you alot of work and potential headaches over a TT build. My vote at this point is for the nelson BBC. Contact youthpastor on this forum he just build a Chevelle with a similar motor at his shop Chris Holstrom Concepts he's just south of us in Tuyalip, WA area.

Post some pics of the car and keep us posted. :thumbsup:

Ryan

[Hdesign]

Love the big body Pontiacs! This is gonna be a cool project!

[unplugged4]

SWEET!!! Sounds like this will be a Monster of a Build. Looking forward to updates.

[Rickerbucks]

So one (of many) decisions has been made today. Going to go with an LS block. Will be forced induction as well. I have yet to decide if it will be a 427 LS7 motor or a 454 LSX motor, turbo or blower.

WILL be a manual and will have rear independence suspension.

Today I made arrangements for the shipping company to pick up so probably 2 - 3 weeks until it is here. I elected NOT to buy the C6 ZO6 rolling chassis on Ebay. I figured I would need to rebuild the engine and upgrade the tranny anyway

My builder is a BRILLIANT guy... he is an engineer by training. Igor Braderic of Superior Motorsports in Surrey BC. He will be working on chassis drawings and some rendering over the next few weeks.

This will probably be a LONG build though. My first goal is to have it finished by my 50th... Sept 14 2014 but if that is not viable then by April 2015.

Iggy, my builder, tells me the first decision needs to be wheels. So.... that is the next decision I need to make.

Wish me luck. :-)

[Captain Clueles]

Awesome, I’ll be watching this one for sure.

I started a 1959 Star Chief a few weeks ago.

Love these old Pontiacs. :D

[Rybar]

Here's one wheel I think would look killer on the car Shaun

Forgeline RB3C Concave:

http://www.forgeline.com/product_images/product_photo-xlarge_image-549.jpg

Or the Rushforth Rated-X

http://image.sporttruck.com/f/9925804/0806st_08_z+new_truck_products+rushforth_wheels.jp g

[Ryguy442]

I'm very interested in this build! I also own a 60 Ventura mine isn't pro touring style but still a ton of work has been done. Here's a pic
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn252/ratrodryan/c6a2fccd.jpg

Lots and lots of room in those wheel tubs for big tires!!

Ryan

[Rickerbucks]

This picture is from the ebay auction. As you can see, it had been prepped and painted so I'm hoping the body is basically "done". Arranged shipping from GT shipping. they are a new sponsor for one Lap Of America so it was noce to support them for their efforts.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=221183625146&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:MOTORS:1123#v4-41

Iggy has started engineering drawing for the chassis and suspension - i saw his work todate on his cad cam program. He downloaded or the measurements of the car somewhere. He expects to get specs on the C6 spindals tomorrow. Spoke to a wheel shop that might he interested in sponsoring me when I do One Lap Of America this May and they are able to make custom wheels if you provide the drawing and specs so that might happen. Much of this will possibly change but thinking of painting the chassis yellow with yellow calipers. Still wrestling with the LS7 versus LSX decision though. Still.... LOTS of time before that needs to be finalized.

[Radlark]

LOVE that body style here is something to give you a little motivation, although this is a 1961!!!

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e22/gthmcty1/Drake/Ventura.jpg

[Rickerbucks]

So I think I have a name for the project. "Ventura Capitalist" (I'm in the investment industry).

Reflecting on my colour plan. Originally I was going black but frankly perhaps something more bold is called for. Considering this green chrome scheme found on the Camaro and these Savini SV 30 wheels with green accents on the wheels.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCBBgsFEuFo

[kyle_newman]

LOVE that body style here is something to give you a little motivation, although this is a 1961!!!

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e22/gthmcty1/Drake/Ventura.jpg

We did the chassis under this car, its all C-4 front and rear. It drives awesome!

[kyle_newman]

here are some more of that car.


http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd205/orangerider06/IMG_4414_zps532b36da.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd205/orangerider06/IMG_4420_zpsdd1e853d.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd205/orangerider06/IMG_4421_zps50014e34.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd205/orangerider06/IMG_4432_zps8906a3dd.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd205/orangerider06/IMG_4451_zpsfaf5974c.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd205/orangerider06/IMG_4458_zps8bd0fef5.jpg

[Radlark]

here are some more of that car.


http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd205/orangerider06/IMG_4414_zps532b36da.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd205/orangerider06/IMG_4420_zpsdd1e853d.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd205/orangerider06/IMG_4421_zps50014e34.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd205/orangerider06/IMG_4432_zps8906a3dd.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd205/orangerider06/IMG_4451_zpsfaf5974c.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd205/orangerider06/IMG_4458_zps8bd0fef5.jpg


WOW thanks for sharing!! I had a 61 Bonnie and found this pic on the net and always wanted to know more about it!! Great build!!

[Rickerbucks]

There you go... THAT is what I'm talking about... THAT is the kind of project I have to have when finished.

thanks for posting.

[brada]

here are some more of that car.


http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd205/orangerider06/IMG_4414_zps532b36da.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd205/orangerider06/IMG_4420_zpsdd1e853d.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd205/orangerider06/IMG_4421_zps50014e34.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd205/orangerider06/IMG_4432_zps8906a3dd.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd205/orangerider06/IMG_4451_zpsfaf5974c.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd205/orangerider06/IMG_4458_zps8bd0fef5.jpg

BEAUTIFUL!!!
the stance of that car is great. and the engine bay nice and clean, but not to boring.
Keep in mind Shaun, that we will also be running twin turbos and piping for such, which must look just as beautiful!
So have you gotten anywhere with a wheel decision?..:D

[Krazed]

This picture is from the ebay auction. As you can see, it had been prepped and painted so I'm hoping the body is basically "done". Arranged shipping from GT shipping. they are a new sponsor for one Lap Of America so it was noce to support them for their efforts.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=221183625146&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:MOTORS:1123#v4-41


I'm just going to be honest here. (Not trying to hurt you or be mean!)

That auction to me looks like hes hiding more with new paint/prep. Looking inside through the trunk looks like a lot of rust. Some surface, some not so much.

I can also see a lot of random rust. The "new" panels look like poor patches, overlaps, and bad welds covered up with seam sealer.

Just what I'm seeing in pictures.

I Sincerely hope for your sake I'm wrong and crazy! Either way I'm sure you'Ll enjoy building something. I know we all like welding. :D

[Rickerbucks]

Thanks Krazed. you have a better eye then I.

That being said.... it will all be stripped done to base metal and refreshed as needed. It cost $3k to buy out of an estimated $120k build. I'm confident that it is a sound enough foundation on which to start a build. but as you suggest... I hope not to be disappointed.

:-)

[brada]

I'm just going to be honest here. (Not trying to hurt you or be mean!)

That auction to me looks like hes hiding more with new paint/prep. Looking inside through the trunk looks like a lot of rust. Some surface, some not so much.

I can also see a lot of random rust. The "new" panels look like poor patches, overlaps, and bad welds covered up with seam sealer.

Just what I'm seeing in pictures.

I Sincerely hope for your sake I'm wrong and crazy! Either way I'm sure you'Ll enjoy building something. I know we all like welding. :D

Yeah . that car Will be stripped completely down to steel and re assessed. alot of it Will be modified also.... it has great bones for this kind of build . :)

[Rickerbucks]

Well these are a couple of wheels that I'm considering.... comments are welcome....

[brada]

the first 1 for sure..

[Royalworks]

The first one looks '90ish.

[Rickerbucks]

Brada (Iggy) and his team are my builder.

:G-Dub:

[Rybar]

Shaun, I'm not a fan of the chrome green. And I like wheel #3 of your choices.

[Krazed]

Yeah . that car Will be stripped completely down to steel and re assessed. alot of it Will be modified also.... it has great bones for this kind of build . :)

Awesome! Glad it'll work out for you then. :thumbsup:

[Royalworks]

I like either 2 or 3

[Rickerbucks]

So I am VERY tempted to consider buying a C6 Z06 rolling chassis and I'm curious if anyone has some positive or negative tips or thoughts on that idea. My plans are for a 800 - 1000 hp TT LS7 motor. I need new pistons, freashen the heads. The stock PCM, tranny, brakes (including ABS) and rear diff are attractive. I'm not sure though about replacing the torque tube and what that might mean.

Plan on a new chassis and want IRS in the back. Any insights or direction?

[Rickerbucks]

So I bought a 2010 Corvette GS rolling chassis from Cleveland pick a part. So that decision is made.

[Hdesign]

I hate to say it but I'm having trouble visualizing any of those wheels on your 60 Ventura. The style of the first one is really dated, it looks like it belongs on a Boyd car from the 90's. The second one is too blingy and contemporary, sort of like putting a bunch of modernist art in a Federal style house, it doesn't fit. And the 3rd one is almost too clean or too plain for an early 60's car, especially a Pontiac. Sorry to be harsh but I'm sure there's a perfect fit for your car out there. Good luck in the search!

[Rickerbucks]

I hate to say it but I'm having trouble visualizing any of those wheels on your 60 Ventura. The style of the first one is really dated, it looks like it belongs on a Boyd car from the 90's. The second one is too blingy and contemporary, sort of like putting a bunch of modernist art in a Federal style house, it doesn't fit. And the 3rd one is almost too clean or too plain for an early 60's car, especially a Pontiac. Sorry to be harsh but I'm sure there's a perfect fit for your car out there. Good luck in the search!

No offense taken at all. Here is the problem.... 10,000 wheels to choose from and not sure where to turn. On the one hand... the classic look on this type of ride is a wide 5 spoke wheel... which I like... on the other looking for a modern look that shows off the big brake bling....

The first two wheels has that wide spoke look with the directional 'flare' which appeals. I don't think a "mesh' style wheels will look right... perhaps a 10 spoke?


you have any suggestions?

[Rickerbucks]

what about this syle of wheel?