1966 Pontiac LeMans 2 DR, HT from North America - Comments

Leaking front and rear window.

Water pump replaced 3 times. Biggest single problem.

Rear axle outer bearings each replaced once by 100k. Used Amsoil synth gear oil and Slick 50 for fluid replacement. Now very quiet.

Wiper arms squeek and must be hand repacked every 2 years.

Starter replaced twice.

Valve cover gasket replaced once.

Head gasket replaced at 160k (but I knew a full overhaul was really due).

Distributor needed rubber cover as a good puddle could drown it. I used an section of 3" diam inner tube for a good fix.

Need to hand lube window lift guides and gears at 140k (25 years). Tediuos work, but worth it.

I have a 1966 LeMans (yes, that's how to cap LeMans, as it's a French term), 2 DR, HT, silver-grey mist paint and black accents. It has the 4bbl OHC "Sprint" 6 cyl. w/4-speed. She was a great sounding and running car up till about 150k miles when the smoke started. If made today, I'd pony-up again in a moment. Presently, it's under a tarp in the back yard with 176k miles on the clock.

I have a 350 (325 HP 10.75:1 from a 68 'Bird) to put in as soon as the garage finishes. The trans will be a strenthened BPO 4-speed AOD I dropped out of a 82 Olds. It may not quite get to the 24-26 MPG the 6 got on the road, but I will have more scoot in the mountain canyons and an easier time in town letting the automatic worry about the gears.

One surprise: the 203 inch-long, 115 inch wheelbase beasty weighs only 3300 lbs.! A new 2003 Bird w/V6 is 3500! (And look which is better made, snicker.) I love 60's iron.

When you pull the Sprint 6 engine I would be interested in it. I would hate to see it go to waste. It is a nice piece of history.

John.

Jomonb@comcast.net.

I own a 1966 Lemans Tempestcustom Convertible. Originally white with the ohc 6, When I purchased it had been painted red with white top, very GTO looking, minus the hood scoop.

I've had to add FLow master exhaust, headman headers to the 400 firebird, also water pump gasket went, as well as fuel pump, Power steering pump went due to some hard drivin, chalk up the rear axle to that one as well which I understand was common with the goats. Still planning on ridin with the top down again.

KriKilroy@yahoo.com

Could use a 66 0r 67 parts car.

Hi I myself amcurrently restoring a 1966 Sprint Six Pontiac. I live in B ritain, so you could understand it's a bit difficult to get parts! Anyway I've managed to get a flywheel but I'm still missing the 4bbl Rochester carb. I was just wondering whether you still had it, and if so would you want to sell it? You would make a young enthusiast very happy! My e-mail address is lk_dipper@yahoo.com

Cheers, Luke.

I wonder if you have the one barrel or 4 barrel carb on your Sprint?

I have a 66 LeMans with the original 326. We put a holley 4bbl on it. We have also replaced the waterpump more than once.

Our biggest problem is the fuel "boiling" in the carb. I swear we have spent more money on the newest and greatest carb spacers and gaskets than we did to repaint the car! Does anyone have any words of wisdom? I know that she is always going to run hot, but this is crazy.