First time here, got an 89 pontiac safari w/woodgrain, dark blue metallic paint with blue interior. Car is in great shape. I've installed a new headliner along with the usual tune-up stuff. I recently took off the wire wheels and painted the stock rims the color of the car and put pontiac dog dish caps with trim rings. It has appox. 90,000 miles. I really like the car but I wish I would have checked the engine power situation out before hand. The 307 is a nice smooth motor but as most of you probably know, not much power. I originally thought I'd pull my small Serro Scotty camper with it, but would be afraid of it in the mountains (WVA) with the low power it has. If I had to do it over again I would have bought one of the GM 90s wagon with the 350 motor, but I like this style. If I keep it long enough, would like to replace the 307 with a 350 Olds motor. I also found another 89 on craigslist this past summer for parts just in case, cause if figured that woodgrain trim would be hard to find if ever needed. I've never uploaded pictures but maybe I'll try sometime. Glad to see there is a wagon site!! Thanks
Welcome to the garage! Here's all you need to post pics. http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=19
sounds like 'wagonlust'... he had that twinkle in his eyes didnt he?.. to the worlds worst support group
to the wagon train, 89saf. Yup...the 307 is a dog but the 80's GM wagons are tops. I've had them, miss them and love 'em. An Olds 350 would be the operative engine in that wagon for everyday driving with considerably more power. If you want real torque and snort, drop a 455 in there. I had an 88 Electra wagon with a built 455 and it was more than awesome. But the 350 will give better mileage. Either engine drops in with a minimum of effort.
Thanks for the replies!! Silverfox, do you know if a 350 or 455 is used, is there a certain year or years motors that would have to be used? I assume all years would have the same mounting holes but not sure?
68 thru 76 for the 455...I believe the block number is 396021. I'm not as familiar with the YEARS that the 350 was still out there but any of them during the same era should drop in. I remember it was available in 68 but don't know how long it lasted. If you DO swap engines I can help you select parts etc. These cars are awesome with a 455 in them....IF you can handle the gas mileage.
Full size Pont, blue, wood, dogys and rings........I'm in lust and, , your gona fit rite in:2_thumbs_up_-_anima
Your wagon sounds kinda familiar.... It wouldn't be this one, would it? http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=844
I'll let you know Silverfox if I change motors. I know about the 455s, they like there fuel. I have a 70 Olds 442 that has a 455 that I have owned since 1975. Common sense says a 350 but a 455 would be sweet. It's not like I drive it on a daily basis. It doesn't get driven in the winter either. Fat Tedy, I've never posted a picture on the net, but i will give it a try this weekend and try to post a wagon pic. A little more on the Safari, I've managed thru a local GM dealer to get most of the chrome items for the car. The ones on it now are decent but if I do ever paint it I'll have new stuff to put back on. The only ones I can't get are the rear fender well moldings, the right tailight bezel and the cornering light bezels. A note for anyone looking for the tailgate weatherstrip that the back windows slides on, they are still available thru GM. I bought an extra just to have.
That was '72KingswoodEstate's wagon - the one he practically had to give away. Might have been mine if it had been closer......
I'm with Fox,,,,wut da,,give it away, that wagon apears stunning! Looking fore ward to seeing yours 89:2_thumbs_up_-_anima
