Pontiac Astre Wagon

Steve, Quote from the link you posted

The 145-horsepower 305-cubic-inch V-8 remained optional in all but the "S" hatchback and wagon models. Discontinued at the end of the 1978 model year were the 'S' hatchback, Towne Coupe Sport option and the Estate version of the wagon.[10]

I don't car to get dragged into a deeper debate on it, I am just very skeptical pending some actual documentation that Chevy or Pontiac made wagons with V-8;s in 78 or 79. I have fairly conclusive proof that Pontiac did not. But I do not have the same Production information on the Chevy Models.

 

Never said anything about Pontiac's In my area I am known as the "Vega" guy I have owned 18 of them and many Monza's too boot. I have scrapped HUNDREDS of them in my time. And I looked at every one I saw, on the road or "in the field".

I'm not going to argue about something I know for a fact. Even in the 70's never discount any car being built or engine manufactured. I have seen MANY FACTORY vehicles with engine/trans combo's that were never supposed to exist. Don't doubt WHAT was/could of been built around strike time at any said plant either. You go by your literature i'll go by what I've seen with my own eyes.

 

You didn't happen to take pics and notes, did you?

 

Yea 20 or so years ago I made sure to have a camera and notebook with me, everywhere I went. Just because I knew in the future I would have people calling me a liar.

 

We will have to agree to disagree on this one, I worked in the industry in the late 70's, for GM and I agree pre 1974/75 almost anything was possible.
After that thou the Federal regulations kicked in, Conservative management, tight Budgets, and most of use engineers were busy just attempting to meet next years pollution and MPG standards.

I have also been into this hobby sense the 70's and have never seen a factory V-8 H-body Wagon. I would love to see one! And am open to the Idea, it just doesn't seen likely. Given such low Volume produced. The only CA only engine in H-bodies I am aware of was the 75/76? 350 SBC option due to the 262 not meeting emissions there.

I don't mean to offend anyone here. I make mistakes all the time.

 

No worries- her car was the coupe, so is not on that list. I did put a 305 in a Vega, once. Exempt from smog requirements, so it had an aftermarket cam, etc., in it.

 

Fastest Vega I ever had was a 73 wagon 300 2bbl Buick V-8 automatic trans With the aluminum top end. Converted the stock dash to the early GT 130MPH speedo. Broke off speedo cables once a week.

That was a 9:1 compression 2bbl. I just acquired a 11:1 4bbl version I would love to find a lil wagon to put it in.

 

Original.

See there? And now someone drives that wagon and tells everyone it was factory stock.
I have three old Fords with SBC engines and a 1948 Chevy panel truck with a 350 SBC.
Almost all old Fords came stock with a SBC. If you don't believe me, go to any car show and look under the hoods.
My 1955 Chevy wagon has the factory original 305 with 200R4 tranny.
Read carefully.

 

Sounds Like a great combo for an H-body, My 78 Sunbird wagon does ok with the modified 3.8 and the 200R4 with 4.11 gears. I am putting a 215 Buick T-5 combo in my 77 Astre Formula. Intending to make it look stock. Even had some 3.5 Liter V-8 fender badges made for it. I am sure after I am gone someone will tell people it came that way.

The last 215 powered Astre I had was a lot of fun until some kid in a Prelude spun out and hit it head on while I was sitting at a light. It actually held up pretty well, but was bent to badly to repair.