Heat, ignition modules and distributor
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 191
From: On the Edge of the Desert
Heat kills the dura spark (and EEC IV whatever) all the time here in the desert. Trucks will run great "cold", then start breaking up and die when the box gets hot. They'll flat out leave you stranded on the side of the highway.
If it's a carbureted engine. I always convert it back to a points distributor.
Fuel injected engines can use a MSD ignition box. Same thing, but a little more heat tolerant.
If it's a carbureted engine. I always convert it back to a points distributor.
Fuel injected engines can use a MSD ignition box. Same thing, but a little more heat tolerant.
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 529
Likes: 54
From: Houston
That is a very rare beast, IIRC there were literally only a handful of Formulas made, There were not many Pontiac Astre's made period but the Formulas were super rare. It is one of the rarer sport trim editions from the 70's. and that car has some investment potential. That car is rare enough that a to factory resto is about the only option.
If you pick it up you will have to post pics. It;s always cool to see some of the forgotten stuff from the 70's that was super cool in the era, but now has been mostly forgotten.. I have not seen a Pontiac Astre in person since the late 80's
If you pick it up you will have to post pics. It;s always cool to see some of the forgotten stuff from the 70's that was super cool in the era, but now has been mostly forgotten.. I have not seen a Pontiac Astre in person since the late 80's
And it isn't the feau Camero trim. It has a/c (I think dealer) and the 3 speed automatic. Not sure how how deep the battery rust has gone; the owner says it has gotten aft of the wheel well.
The good stuff: glass, lenses, grill, and rear bumper look good. All the trim is there. I'd prefer to swap in a five speed, but as I'm going for a daily driver rebuild, it isn't crittical. Owner has had it for 15 years and not touched it. he was going to build a drag car, so at least that won't happen to it.
But working on a unibody has me nervous. Having a pro sport out the rust may become part of the plan.
So, all I need to get started is....
.... a garage. Ahhhhhh, apartment life: no repairs and no space.
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 529
Likes: 54
From: Houston
Heat kills the dura spark (and EEC IV whatever) all the time here in the desert. Trucks will run great "cold", then start breaking up and die when the box gets hot. They'll flat out leave you stranded on the side of the highway.
If it's a carbureted engine. I always convert it back to a points distributor.
Fuel injected engines can use a MSD ignition box. Same thing, but a little more heat tolerant.
If it's a carbureted engine. I always convert it back to a points distributor.
Fuel injected engines can use a MSD ignition box. Same thing, but a little more heat tolerant.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,831
Likes: 121
From: St Albert, Alberta
Worth it in money? No, not really. I have yet to see one over 15k. Even a 47000 mile, nice, virgin, Cosworth Vega is only asking 17k.
And it isn't the feau Camero trim. It has a/c (I think dealer) and the 3 speed automatic. Not sure how how deep the battery rust has gone; the owner says it has gotten aft of the wheel well.
The good stuff: glass, lenses, grill, and rear bumper look good. All the trim is there. I'd prefer to swap in a five speed, but as I'm going for a daily driver rebuild, it isn't crittical. Owner has had it for 15 years and not touched it. he was going to build a drag car, so at least that won't happen to it.
But working on a unibody has me nervous. Having a pro sport out the rust may become part of the plan.
So, all I need to get started is....
.... a garage. Ahhhhhh, apartment life: no repairs and no space.
And it isn't the feau Camero trim. It has a/c (I think dealer) and the 3 speed automatic. Not sure how how deep the battery rust has gone; the owner says it has gotten aft of the wheel well.
The good stuff: glass, lenses, grill, and rear bumper look good. All the trim is there. I'd prefer to swap in a five speed, but as I'm going for a daily driver rebuild, it isn't crittical. Owner has had it for 15 years and not touched it. he was going to build a drag car, so at least that won't happen to it.
But working on a unibody has me nervous. Having a pro sport out the rust may become part of the plan.
So, all I need to get started is....
.... a garage. Ahhhhhh, apartment life: no repairs and no space.
The Cosworth Vegas were like sand compared to the Astre Formulas with a few thousand of them built. IIRC Astre formula production numbers were in the double digits. (that would be something to confirm )
I think they are one of those sleeper investments that may do the to the moon trick like the original V8 Range Rovers have. 6 or 7 years ago pristine examples could be had for around $10-12K those same examples now are $50K +
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 529
Likes: 54
From: Houston
Hmmm. According to Wikipedia, "1977 Astre models also featured a new vertical design grill and aluminum wheels (13-inch) were a new option. The "Formula" option was also introduced for the Astre's final year, which included the handling package, chrome valve cover, three-piece spoiler, Formula T/A steering wheel and special decals.[7]" and only 2327 total notchbacks of 32,788 total were produced in 1977.
This one does not have the spoiler and the wheels look aftermarket, and after some research, I'm not sure it IS a Formula. Remember, in those days a new car buyer had a long list of individual options, and it looks like many Astres were built to order. Oh well, we shall see.
This one does not have the spoiler and the wheels look aftermarket, and after some research, I'm not sure it IS a Formula. Remember, in those days a new car buyer had a long list of individual options, and it looks like many Astres were built to order. Oh well, we shall see.
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