Classic Auto Doc: Upgrading a Pontiac LeMans engine

Steve Linden is a classic, antique, and collector vehicle expert who offers advice, tips, and news on all things classic car related on Long Island. Send in your questions to steve@stevelinden.com.

Question
I was wondering if you could help me in getting clarification on the hood decal for a black 1986 Mustang GT. I’ve received mixed information as to the color of the decal and the "GT" logo. Any help that you could provide in clearing this up as well as locating a new decal would be helpful.

Answer
Leave it to Ford to put a black decal on a black car. Well, actually, they didn’t. The car actually came from the factory with a "Charcoal" stripe that covered the raised portion of the hood. The “GT” logo was cut out of the stripe so that the black paint showed through. These stripe kits are available at Mustang specialists such as Mustangs Unlimited (www.mustangsunlimited.com). The cost is about $90.00.

Putting these stripes on is somewhat of an art, particularly if you want to achieve excellent results. Since positioning, wrinkles, creases, air bubbles and dirt are all problematic, this is one of the few jobs that I leave to the pros.

Alternatively, for this car as well as many other popular cars that were equipped with a factory stripe, you can paint the stripe on using a stencil kit. In your case it would even include the “GT” logo. You can do this yourself with good results, and a body shop will have no problem getting perfect results. These kits are much less expensive at about $30.00. But of course then you have to paint the stripe on.

Question
I was looking at a 1967 Jaguar XK-E that I was considering purchasing, but I know very little about them. When we were ready to take it for a test ride, the owner turned the key on. Something was wrong but he wouldn’t say what it was. First he checked something under the hood. Then he opened the trunk and tapped on something in the right quarter panel. When he got back in the car and pressed the starter button everything seemed fine. Do you have any idea what he did?

Answer
Sure I know what he did. But before I tell you, a short English lesson is in order. The Queens English that is. He didn’t “check something under the hood” - then “open the trunk” - then “tap on something in the quarter panel.” What he did was to “check under the bonnet” - then “open the boot” - and finally “tap on something in the right rear wing.” You’re going to need to learn this before you’re allowed to purchase an XK-E.

Now I can answer your question. When he turned on the key he didn’t hear the electric fuel pump ticking, so the first thing he did was to check the battery connections. When those were O.K. he tapped on the fuel pump itself which is located in the right rear wing (quarter panel if you must). This is a very common problem with these cars, and not particularly difficult or expensive to repair. Some people will rebuild the existing fuel pump, but I find it much easier and faster to simply replace it. Replacement units are better than the originals and are available for under $200.00. Cheers mate!

Question
I have a 1964 Pontiac LeMans with a 326 2-barrel engine. Will I get more power if I change to a 4-barrel carburetor? Some people say yes, and others say no.

Answer
I would vote with the ones who say “yes.” Of course you’ll have to change the intake manifold to accept the 4-barrel carburetor. My choice would be an Edelbrock Performer manifold with an Edelbrock Performer carburetor somewhere in the range of 500CFM. People have a habit of putting on carburetors that are too large for the application, and unless you make internal modifications to the engine such as a camshaft swap, performance will actually be worse than with the 2 barrel carburetor. I would also install a dual exhaust. It may not have a major impact on performance, but at least you’ll sound like you’re going faster.

Tip Of The Week
If you are considering buying a classic car, or have a question about one you own, one of the best ways to gain knowledge is to attend car shows and cruise nights. Talk to the owners of these cars. They are a wealth of information and they love to be helpful. Another great resource is Motormouth Radio on 90.3FM (WHPC) Thursdays and Sundays from 12 – 1 PM. They frequently have guests that specialize in all aspects of collector cars and you can call in with your questions.