Eastern Mass - Newbie, 1974 Laguna S3 454/4spd

Hi Guys - been a lurker while I've been looking for the right car, I think I found it. I'm located about 12 miles north of Fenway PAHK (spelled to reflect our phonetics here in Beantown).

The car - a pretty rare and documented '74 Laguna S3, built in Canada (have the GM doc's), 454, M21 4spd, 3:73's (orig 3:42's), no A/C. The engine is a handbuilt 454 with 1,500 miles and has some enhancements, it's estimated to be pushing about 500hp/500lbft. The original 454 is included with the deal. The previous owner may or may not have been a member on this forum, although I know he was on Team Chevelle. The body and paint have been redone and it looks real nice. I'll need to kick up the interior a bit - once the car gets here I'll make my shopping list.

Me - I'm 52, self employed, just finished putting my two beautiful daughters thru college, and I've been married to a great gal for almost 30 years. My garage has had its share of Mopars and C3/4 Corvettes in it over the years.

One of my first cars was a 73 SS454/4spd Chevelle back in the day when I'd think nothing of throwing studded snows on it and driving it all year round. It was crushed in the 80's...(sigh). My Mom had a one of these S3s in the late 70's - I have always thought they were great cars. Below are a couple pics of the car and my fat A$$ next to my 67 GTX.

Looking forward to getting active with the group - be well, and thanks in advance for your help!

Dave C - Eastern Mass

OH you have 2 great cars there and welcome aboard and glad you joined up

Welcome Dave. Nice laguna...Oh my Gawd...It's wicked pissah! I also suffer from living in the peoples republic of Taxachusetts! LOL. Do you ever bring your cars up to Skip's or Kitty's cruise in's? I would have noticed the S-3 for sure but have not had any time to go to either yet this year...working my butt off to get my Mali on the road B-4 the snow flies.
Cheer's

Mali - I'm always at Kitty's, but the Laguna isn't here yet. I've had a bunch of cars up there over the years... most recently my 340 Duster and my GTX's (two 67's and a 68)...







I've since sold the Mopars - the Duster went to TX last week.

Limey wrote:OH you have 2 great cars there and welcome aboard and glad you joined up

Limey - thanks, but I sold the GTX last April - it lives in Iowa now.... so may cars, so little garage space!

Well you ended up with the right one IMHO anyways so its all good

Cool. Maybe I'll see you there...although at this point I'll probably be riding on up in my mini-van and I am working Sat's & Sun's on my car and at night w/ the mosquito's. If i don't drop dead...I'll definitely find you...not to many of us up here that are into these cars...although I am seeing more and more A-body's out and about.

nice car i ve seen these pics some where befor on the internet again nice car and welcome aboard you couldn't have picked a better site just a damm good bunch of people here and ready to help in any way if i can help out in just let me know good luck with the new toy

Welcome aboard Dave, my kind of car.. I picked mine up last year down your way, northern Mass.

Thanks guys !!

Dave...
Which of those engines in the pic are you putting in the laguna?

The one in front is 1,500 miles old and is in the car now (500hp, cam'd up nice) the original motor is on the stand in the background and needs a rebuild. I want to repaint the new engine to look more traditional, although I do like the valve covers - I'm looking for a black aftermarket air cleaner to match it. I have the 454 Crossflags to put on it as well. Got my plates today, the car should be here on Tuesday!

500? That's a bit of a beast. Nice.

Why not Satin Powder coat the one you have ?? For you know how it looks already on there

That is a good looking car.
So you just got the car and already pulling the motor?
Rock On.

What heads are on that beast?
500 is pretty good for a dual plane intake.