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.

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.

[Rybar]

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

Forgeline RB3C Concave:



Or the Rushforth Rated-X

[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


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

Ryan