This is a project I thought you guys would like. A friend of mine runs a shop, Big 3 Performance in Green Bay WI, they are releasing a small number of re-engineered 1969 Pontiac GTO Judges.




The design was a collaboration between the shop and "the godfather of the GTO" Jim Wangers. They will be based on low millage Pontiac Tempests, with custom frames made by the Roadster shop in Chicago


They are going to be powered by an IA2 505cid 700hp motor, that can be optioned up to 1500hp with a twin turbo setup.

The ultimate goal of the car is to beat the Mercedes Benz CL63 AMG black in handling, breaking acceleration, and comfort. The base price is going to be similar to the AMG, more if you want a convertible, or the twin turbo with the stronger frame and the roll cage.

 

Old School

 

How much?

 

I think the "base" Judge will start at about $250,000. Which is not bad considering that original '69 Judges can still get $100,000 or better. Plus this one gets heated, ventilated Recaro leather seats with power adjustments, HUD GPS, a spectacular audio system, with dyno-mat everywhere, and it will still manage a low 11 second quarter mile and better than 1g on the skid pad.

 

Impressive, really liking the exhaust routing through the frame.

 

Looks excellent but it is only good for going in a straight line. The handling must be simply aweful with that solid rear axle...



Carlos

 

I was wondering the same thing. Depending on the weight, tire size, rubber, and static camber of the wheels... 1G is gonna be tough to pull with that suspension setup... but maybe not impossible. And even with 1G of cornering, it would still have issues with transients like a slalom. preliminary handling figures on domestics always seem way overestimated. Nice project none the less.

 

That set up probably handles just like a $20 Nikko or Tyco R/C car from Radio Shack. Can you imagine the poor estability, poor comfort of such set up? but then you think these cars only go to car shows or to the strip because I certainly wouldn't take that car to a rally, a slalom or to any curvy road..

Carlos

 

Well with 1500whp I'm pretty sure they needed to do something a little old school.

 

can tell by the rear shes a straight line car. cool. but boring

 

The ride quality on these frames is excellent, and the handling will surprise you, we plan to put it up against a Mercedes Benz CL63 AMG Black, and probably my Evo 8, and I think the Judge just might come out on top.