One thing missing from this video is the engine exhaust note at idle. The Pontiac RAIV was arguably the best sounding engine of all muscle cars period.
Another great GM car Kevin. Several years ago, a Detroit Area Pontiac Dealer auctioned some of his personal cars. His '70 GTO Convertible with Ram Air IV (not sure if it was a Judge though) sold for $265,000 It was an all original,triple black car, As I remember, RM Auctions handled it.
The thing i like about this series of Muscle Cars of the Week is the people who own the Brothers collection,dusts off the cars cobwebs and bring them out in the parking lot and HAMMER DOWN,the way these cars were meant to be run!!!! Great pick here Kevin, even though i own a 69' 340 Dodge....i would give my first born for this cars!
Just a note about the 1969 Judge made in Canada at the Oshawa Plant . All GTO Judge models came in that red/orange carousel while the USA version had a limit on the colour until early spring where decal kits covered almost every colour a GOT came in. In late 1969 I saw a 1970 455 HO GTO in deep red with black inside which was on its way to the GM preview that they used at an Arts Theatre where the stage welcomed each model with the narrative promoting the design and features. The Corvette though was the real eye popper from 1968 to 72 .
Love that car. My older sister had a LeMans Sport in 1972 . That was a awesome car and really wished I would have gotten it when she sold it. Now more than ever. 🤪
mickster boone From memory....The way the RAIV exhaust manifolds were configured meant that only (I think) four bolts could be used to bolt them to the heads....thus making them prone to leaking and warping. So, the red RTV isn't all that surprising. I Pontiac expert will come along soon enough and let us know for sure
Great car! Always loved Pontiac, doesn't seem like they get the attention they deserve. Friend of mine bought a new 1970 Pontiac LeMans GT-37. How many of you remember those?
Not very many people do. They were an awesome car because you could option them out just like any GTO but you only paid the insurance premium of a regular LeMans. I believe the 350 HO was the base engine but you could order all the same drivetrain options you could get in a GTO. A 71 LeMans GT-37 with the 455 HO and a 4 speed was an awesome street sleeper
This is the last year before all GM muscle cars were neutered by the EPA and the gas crisis. By 1972 the GTO, along with all American high compression, high performance cars, were a shell of their former selves. Sad to think about. 1962-1970 was the greatest era in Automotive history bar none!!!!!
That cam was a gem. The aftermarket never bested it. I'll never forget my firebird, and learning that with Pontiac, junkyards we're full of gold! (I was economically challenged) My motor (455) was from a safari wagon, heads (6X) from a grand prix, intake from a LeMans. I only bought the Holley and headers new. We had the most fun busting those new Iroc Camaros and 5.0 Mustangs. Wish I could return to the junkyards that we're around here back in the 80's.
I like the 1970-73 Trans Am body style the best. The 70 1/2 Ram Air IV and the 73 SD455 are my favorite Trans Am's ever made. But my favorite Pontiac is definitely a 62 Catalina 421 Super Duty and always will be
The 73 GTO actually was a really sharp looking car in my opinion and rode and handled better than any previous GTO. If the 73 had the performance of the earlier models it would probably be my favorite GTO. Pontiac should've offered the 455 SD as an option in the 73 GTO and 74 Ventura based GTO. The 74 would've been one of the fastest muscle cars ever made with a 455 SD under the hood. A 74 SD Trans Am was capable of mid 13 second 1/4 miles but the 74 GTO was 500 pounds lighter than a 74 T/A. So a 74 GTO equipped with a 455 SD possibly could've broken into the high 12's with stickier tires and a capable driver without even doing any aftermarket modifications
I prefer the 68-69 front end to the 70, looks to much like a Trans Am. Not to mention the hidden head lights, like the Chargers just makes it look better.
Absolutely. I saw a bone stock RAIV on an engine dyno and it made 436 horsepower at 6000 rpm. Definitely one of my favorite Pontiac engines for sure. Probably my favorite other than the 421 Super Duty and maybe the 455 Super Duty. The 421 HO and 428 HO were awesome powerplant's too. I liked the 421 and 428 better than the regular 455. It seemed like the 421/428 could take alot more abuse than the 455 could
Had a 1966 GTO with a 389 Tri-Power backed by a rock crusher oddest part was the frame it was punched out in several places. It would also let you see the judge if you went careful.Had to let it go when Uncle Sam decided I needed camping experience"""
You are correct. I think he got it a bit backwards. There were 6(some sources say 7) Ram Air IV Judge convertibles with the AUTOMATIC for 1970. There were 12 1970 RA IV/4-speed Judge convertibles.
I'm a Mopar guy first but I've gotta agree with you on that. The Pontiac 400 Ram Air IV had the nastiest sounding idle of any engine of that whole entire era. The most amazing part is that it's a hydraulic cam that produces that sound. Usually the solid lifter engines always had the best sound
1969 was the first year for he Judge and also for the Ram Air IV. 1970 was only other year for RA IV. 1971 was the final year for the Judge, and indeed it was cancelled in the first part of the calendar year.
GTO stood for Grand Tempest Option - as per all the Pontiac people who actually designed these cars - it has nothing to do with Ferrari, although they KNEW about the Ferrari connection. There was the Tempest, the LeMans -and the Grand Tempest Option (GTO).
@@V8TV I believe I heard that from one of the youtube interviews with Jim Wangers. I know Pontiac immediately seized on the popularity of the similarity to Gran Tourismo Omologoto (sp?) - didn't Ferrari even bring legal action against Pontiac (I can't remember). Anyway, the way Wangers described it was there was the Tempest line - consisting of the base Tempest and the LeMans option - and starting in '64 the Grand Tempest Option, or GTO. I have no idea as to the reality - but it came out of Jim Wangers mouth - and he was basically Mr. GTO, so they say.
@@V8TV BTW, I didn't mean to sound like an ass, or authority on the matter (although after reading my comment, I think I may have accidentally appeared so). I have heard this story from other Pontiac people, although it seems to be a very rare piece of info. I tried to find a source - couldn't in a quick search - if I find it, I will provide a link. Thanks!
The larger bar always goes in front to offset the heavier nose of the car. If the larger and stiffer bar were in the rear, the car would be far more prone to spin in the corners.
I don't think it has the the proper hood tach for a RAM AIR IV. The RA IV red lined at 5500 rpm. The tach shown appears to be a 5100 rpm red line tach, probably designed for a RA III which did red line at 5100 RPM.
You are correct that the factory redline for the 1969-1970 Ram Air IV was 5500 rpm. However, all of the GTO hood tachs for 1969 had a 5100 RPM redline, and this tach continued to be used for the first few months of production of the 1970 model year. This tach might be correct, depending on build date.
ON a clone of the car? Sure! But when you have the top optioned version int his condition and it's 1 of 6? That's not an option. You leave it alone and display it as it's supposed to be. Gaudy as the dumb-ass stickers are.......it's part of the total package that needs to be there.
I had a blue hardtop. Ram air IV with 433 gears. I won my class at Pittsburgh International Drag strip every weekend in the summer of 1970.
What a beautiful, well appointed and amazing car. Makes me sad Pontiac no longer exists to build GTOs, Firebirds or even G8s.
One thing missing from this video is the engine exhaust note at idle. The Pontiac RAIV was arguably the best sounding engine of all muscle cars period.
Absolutely right....never heard a stock small block V8 with such a nasty sounding idle as the Pontiac 400 Ram Air IV
I want one with an 400 auto trans n 3:50 rear end that's all. N a year supply of white castles 😋🍔🚗.
Holy grail Pontiac
My dad has a 1970 GTO Judge ram air 3 4 speed all numbers matching, he's the 2nd owner of 43 years
He's a lucky man. What a sweet ride!
Another great GM car Kevin. Several years ago, a Detroit Area Pontiac Dealer auctioned some of his personal cars. His '70 GTO Convertible with Ram Air IV (not sure if it was a Judge though) sold for $265,000 It was an all original,triple black car, As I remember, RM Auctions handled it.
Larry Bossler I wrote too soon. It was a '65 GTO Obviously, not a Judge.
The thing i like about this series of Muscle Cars of the Week is the people who own the Brothers collection,dusts off the cars cobwebs and bring them out in the parking lot and HAMMER DOWN,the way these cars were meant to be run!!!! Great pick here Kevin, even though i own a 69' 340 Dodge....i would give my first born for this cars!
I had a 73 Duster 340-4 speed. I loved that car
I need a House keeper. Is that offer still open ? 😉😂
Early 70's GTO's and Firebirds had the best looking interiors of any of the muscle cars. Even over other GM interiors.
Just a note about the 1969 Judge made in Canada at the Oshawa Plant . All GTO Judge models came in that red/orange carousel while the USA version had a limit on the colour until early spring where decal kits covered almost every colour a GOT came in.
In late 1969 I saw a 1970 455 HO GTO in deep red with black inside which was on its way to the GM preview that they used at an Arts Theatre where the stage welcomed each model with the narrative promoting the design and features.
The Corvette though was the real eye popper from 1968 to 72 .
72 Corvette was amazing.
Love that car. My older sister had a LeMans Sport in 1972 . That was a awesome car and really wished I would have gotten it when she sold it. Now more than ever. 🤪
got to be one of the nicest muscle cars made plus with a ram air 4 400/Muncie kicks some serious ass
Bad ass! The ultimate muscle car IMHO
This is when they made cars not the junk today I love the muscle cars always
Now that's GTO information.
Love the video
Thank you!
Great presentation! *KUDOS!*
The red RTV on the exhaust manifold gaskets!
mickster boone From memory....The way the RAIV exhaust manifolds were configured meant that only (I think) four bolts could be used to bolt them to the heads....thus making them prone to leaking and warping. So, the red RTV isn't all that surprising. I Pontiac expert will come along soon enough and let us know for sure
Point taken, but sure looks amateurish on an otherwise beautiful restoration.
Great car what a beast
Great car! Always loved Pontiac, doesn't seem like they get the attention they deserve. Friend of mine bought a new 1970 Pontiac LeMans GT-37. How many of you remember those?
Not very many people do. They were an awesome car because you could option them out just like any GTO but you only paid the insurance premium of a regular LeMans. I believe the 350 HO was the base engine but you could order all the same drivetrain options you could get in a GTO. A 71 LeMans GT-37 with the 455 HO and a 4 speed was an awesome street sleeper
very enjoyable video. I would like to drive that car around for a day. Thank You
Could you get the Eduro delete option chrome bumper in 1970?
Yes also ram air V but pay more
This cars is bad to the bone, definetly one of my favorites
gorgeous car
This is the last year before all GM muscle cars were neutered by the EPA and the gas crisis. By 1972 the GTO, along with all American high compression, high performance cars, were a shell of their former selves. Sad to think about. 1962-1970 was the greatest era in Automotive history bar none!!!!!
''The Judge Can Be Bought''
Cool
Muscle cars back then had a lot of detail to them the cars today off an assembly line plastic no imagination
Excellent. WHO MOUNTED THE FENDER JUDGE EMBLEM ?
MAY I SUGGEST A STICK RULE AND ALSO SOME WHEEL OPENING MOULDINGS ?
The 400 RA IV made more hp than the 455 HO, but the 455 HO made more torque.
A drag racing hack was to bolt Ram air 4 heads on the 455. Get some high test and send those SS396's packing!
And the RA IV cam as well, to go along with the RA IV heads.
That cam was a gem. The aftermarket never bested it.
I'll never forget my firebird, and learning that with Pontiac, junkyards we're full of gold! (I was economically challenged)
My motor (455) was from a safari wagon, heads (6X) from a grand prix, intake from a LeMans. I only bought the Holley and headers new. We had the most fun busting those new Iroc Camaros and 5.0 Mustangs. Wish I could return to the junkyards that we're around here back in the 80's.
Most hi performance Pontiac blocks were very rugged and had four bolt mains.
Man that's one nice car my uncle had a little LeMans
nice looking rarity.i still prefer the '69 Firebird Trans Am though.
I like the 1970-73 Trans Am body style the best. The 70 1/2 Ram Air IV and the 73 SD455 are my favorite Trans Am's ever made. But my favorite Pontiac is definitely a 62 Catalina 421 Super Duty and always will be
would be nice to see a 71 judge or a 73 gto
The 73 GTO actually was a really sharp looking car in my opinion and rode and handled better than any previous GTO. If the 73 had the performance of the earlier models it would probably be my favorite GTO. Pontiac should've offered the 455 SD as an option in the 73 GTO and 74 Ventura based GTO. The 74 would've been one of the fastest muscle cars ever made with a 455 SD under the hood. A 74 SD Trans Am was capable of mid 13 second 1/4 miles but the 74 GTO was 500 pounds lighter than a 74 T/A. So a 74 GTO equipped with a 455 SD possibly could've broken into the high 12's with stickier tires and a capable driver without even doing any aftermarket modifications
Damn wicked cool goat !
I prefer the 68-69 front end to the 70, looks to much like a Trans Am. Not to mention the hidden head lights, like the Chargers just makes it look better.
Me too. I don't care much for the looks of the 70-72 GTO. The Buick's and Oldsmobiles were the best looking of the 70-72 GM A-Bodies in my opinion
What he didn't say is the rated 370 HP was hogwash! These were much closer to 450 HP.
Absolutely. I saw a bone stock RAIV on an engine dyno and it made 436 horsepower at 6000 rpm. Definitely one of my favorite Pontiac engines for sure. Probably my favorite other than the 421 Super Duty and maybe the 455 Super Duty. The 421 HO and 428 HO were awesome powerplant's too. I liked the 421 and 428 better than the regular 455. It seemed like the 421/428 could take alot more abuse than the 455 could
You know it
very nice, and a 4 speed manual convertible too! How much $ ? (it could do without the cheesy pin-striping though ).
part of the package,my friend!
Had a 1966 GTO with a 389 Tri-Power backed by a rock crusher oddest part was the frame it was punched out in several places. It would also let you see the judge if you went careful.Had to let it go when Uncle Sam decided I needed camping experience"""
Glad you made it out alive.
Thanks for your service.
Love the 66. Those goats were hell!
Crazy Number's 1of 6 with this build sheet out of the 300,000 Total ? PMD gto's Production Run Batch built. + or - of course.
BTW GTO production for 1970 was just over 40K, over 555K for all years combined(1964-1974 + 2004-2006).
They made more than 6 of these - there's more than 6 documented cars that exist already.
You are correct. I think he got it a bit backwards. There were 6(some sources say 7) Ram Air IV Judge convertibles with the AUTOMATIC for 1970. There were 12 1970 RA IV/4-speed Judge convertibles.
No engine sounded better!
I'm a Mopar guy first but I've gotta agree with you on that. The Pontiac 400 Ram Air IV had the nastiest sounding idle of any engine of that whole entire era. The most amazing part is that it's a hydraulic cam that produces that sound. Usually the solid lifter engines always had the best sound
I have the poor mans GTO in my 1971 GT-37!
For sale?
sir,yhink you can have a video of a Pontiac 71 GT 37?
i thought 1969 was the last year? in another video you say something like the Baltimore plant stopped production in spring of 69.
1969 was the first year for he Judge and also for the Ram Air IV. 1970 was only other year for RA IV. 1971 was the final year for the Judge, and indeed it was cancelled in the first part of the calendar year.
svisek ok thank you very much.
GTO stood for Grand Tempest Option - as per all the Pontiac people who actually designed these cars - it has nothing to do with Ferrari, although they KNEW about the Ferrari connection. There was the Tempest, the LeMans -and the Grand Tempest Option (GTO).
Can you provide any documentation of that?
@@V8TV I believe I heard that from one of the youtube interviews with Jim Wangers. I know Pontiac immediately seized on the popularity of the similarity to Gran Tourismo Omologoto (sp?) - didn't Ferrari even bring legal action against Pontiac (I can't remember). Anyway, the way Wangers described it was there was the Tempest line - consisting of the base Tempest and the LeMans option - and starting in '64 the Grand Tempest Option, or GTO. I have no idea as to the reality - but it came out of Jim Wangers mouth - and he was basically Mr. GTO, so they say.
@@V8TV BTW, I didn't mean to sound like an ass, or authority on the matter (although after reading my comment, I think I may have accidentally appeared so). I have heard this story from other Pontiac people, although it seems to be a very rare piece of info. I tried to find a source - couldn't in a quick search - if I find it, I will provide a link. Thanks!
@buckdude62 it's all good, we've heard that reference before, but never saw any proof. We'd be interested in learning more if you find it! Thanks!
It stands for Gran Turismo Omologato...not Grand Tempest option lol
looks like it has the oversize alternator pulley.
1:58 Looks like the rear tire is delaminating.
ah there's my baby...one day....one day she'll be in my garage...
I think he got those sway bars mixed up. Inch and an eighth in the rear not the front. Front got the seven eighths.
The larger bar always goes in front to offset the heavier nose of the car. If the larger and stiffer bar were in the rear, the car would be far more prone to spin in the corners.
Why does it have a 69 trans am front end?
4:20
seriously? orange silicone on the exhaust gaskets??
G T O'S were Ferrari. so pontiac like the sound of that G T O
I don't think it has the the proper hood tach for a RAM AIR IV. The RA IV red lined at 5500 rpm. The tach shown appears to be a 5100 rpm red line tach, probably designed for a RA III which did red line at 5100 RPM.
+kevin121649 I believe you are right .Although I think the proper redline for the Ram Air 4 is 5400.
You are correct that the factory redline for the 1969-1970 Ram Air IV was 5500 rpm. However, all of the GTO hood tachs for 1969 had a 5100 RPM redline, and this tach continued to be used for the first few months of production of the 1970 model year. This tach might be correct, depending on build date.
This car would turn many heads if you had in the parking lot
The sticker colors on this car make it look like a bad Rowin and Martin Laugh In Show! Delete all of the dumbass stickers and this car is sweet!
ON a clone of the car? Sure! But when you have the top optioned version int his condition and it's 1 of 6? That's not an option. You leave it alone and display it as it's supposed to be. Gaudy as the dumb-ass stickers are.......it's part of the total package that needs to be there.
BTW still getting destroyed by the LS6 Chevelle!
He spends way to much time rambling and not enough time driving them. Don't see why he can't be rambling and driving at the same time.
We don't have the opportunity to take these out on the open road, or we would certainly do that.