Protouring apollos

I plan to get a 73' buick apollo soon and do I restromod/protouring build. Not sure on motor yet,but I do have a tko 5 speed transmission. Any pics of builds.

 

never seen one. hell you barley see apollos in general. im sure you could use novas for inspiration.

 

That is one reason I'm thinking of going protouring. Most I see is mostly stock.

 

I have a 73. Here are a few pics. I slammed it together roadkill style to take it to the track but ultimately failed tech. It has a 430/2004r and 3.73s. I was hoping to rip some 12.50s with it. The factory suspension certainly sucks front and rear. Unfortunately tire sizes are extremely limited due to the wheel wells and tie rods. Obviously all sorts of sub frames and rear suspension packages are available for it being an X body. I'm not going to get that fancy with mine. I am planning a proper restoration after I finish the Scout. I'll start on it this spring and summer.

 

Nice apollo. I'm probably going with a LS engine. I have a tko 5 speed transmission. I want to do the whole coilovers and 4 link the rear with mini tubs

 

I think the best upgrade is ditching the factory sub frame. The front suspension is not good and the rear steering makes headers a pain. I don't want to go crazy with the car but if I had one big purchase that would be it.

 

I used to own a Nova years ago and I'm pretty sure that the suspension is the same as a first gen Camaro. They make all kinds of aftermarket suspension systems for those things!

 

Yea I was looking at different front subframes. I figured the apollo is just a nova with a different skin. I like that it is unique. It probably take me a few years to really get it the way I want it.

 

Yeah 68-74 nova and clones, and 67-69 camaro and firebirds share subframes and chassis parts. There are lots of options. 73-74 cars are the step children of the nova crowd. I'm going for a more stock build with some subtle improvements. I'm going to spend lots of time trying to tuck the bumpers in closer. Those 5 mph ruined many cars..

 

In this video from MuscleCar, they show pretty good detail of their process to tuck in the bumpers on a '73 Century

 

Thanks for the info

 

1974 Buick Apollo · GSX - Cars & Trucks - Valparaiso, Indiana | Facebook Marketplace | Facebook

 

Thanks

 

An Apollo would be a great tour car! Good luck!

 

Yea it would be different. I was hoping to go with a 455,but I been told it is a pain to install.

 

I could be wrong however I’m pretty sure the main challenge with doing the 455 swap is simply header options and fitment. It’s a bolt in swap as far as I know.

I like this setup, it didn’t seem super high cost. Looks like a slightly narrowed rear end with mini tubs, and up front “modified factory” front setup. After market control arms, but that’s a given with any pro tour build. There are great options for rear leaf springs on those cars. I would use lowering springs and air bag helpers. Also they mention a “true turn” kit to allow wide front wheels. I don’t think it’s too expensive to work with the factory configuration from a half hour of quick research.

Since you already have the car and TK-6, invest in a 4.10 gear rear end using a Mosier 12 bolt:

https://www.moserengineering.com/12-bolt-built-to-order-rear-end-package.item

 

I actually haven't got the car yet. I know where a good builder is for sale and my local junkyard has a complete parts car. I own a 63'nova ss right now. And might have a chance to get a 72'monte carlo with a factory number matching 454. So I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet.

 

Cool!

 

I couldn't strike a deal on the monte,so I'm going to get the buick apollo.

 

Awesome post up pics once you get it! If the Buick 350 is still in there look into doing a 400-450 HP build on that?