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How to Rebuild Pontiac V-8s - Updated Edition
Restore your Pontiac V-8 engine to original factory performance and specifications in this revised edition of a Pontiac best seller.
Under the guidance of Semon "Bunkie" Knutson, John DeLorean, and a host of creative and innovative people, Pontiac established its own identity and distinct V-8 engine platform under the GM banner. In 1955, Pontiac's V-8 started out at a meager 287 ci, but it was an auspicious beginning to an illustrious line of engines. The potent powerplant grew and evolved over the coming decades; which included the 389 Tri-Power, 421, Ram Air IV 400, 428, and the Super Duty 455. These V-8s powered a number of legendary cars, including the GTO, Firebird, Trans-Am, and many others.
In this updated edition, longtime Pontiac expert Rocky Rotella guides the reader through the entire rebuild process. Drawing on his vast experience, Rotella uses detailed captions and explanatory photos to show each crucial step of the disassembly, inspection, machine work, parts selection, assembly, and break-in process. This book instructs the reader how to skillfully pull the engine and prevent damage to the car. It documents how to carefully inspect the components for problems and fix these issues that could spell doom for a newly rebuilt engine. Finding a reputable and professional machine shop that specializes in Pontiac engines is discussed, as well as aftermarket parts and OEM parts interchange for high performance so you can select the best parts for a particular engine. All essential machine shop procedures are covered in detail. Also included is a new chapter on casting numbers and parts compatibility.
Most important, as with all Workbench series titles, the methodical and practical approach provides the insight and vital information required for the task. This, the first-ever book dedicated to rebuilding the Pontiac V-8 engine, is a valuable addition to any Pontiac enthusiast's library.
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Foreword by Joe Oldham
What Is a Workbenchu00ae Book?
Chapter 1: Restoration Resources
Reproduction Parts Suppliers
Reproduction Exhaust Systems
Pontiac Engine Colors
Documentation
Publications
National Clubs
Internet Web Forums
Chapter 2: Preparing for the Rebuild
Rebuild Basics
Creating a Plan
Setting Performance Expectations
Gathering Required Equipment
Selecting a Machine Shop
Chapter 3: Disassembly
Pulling the Engine
Component Inspection
Top End Removal
Valvetrain Disassembly
Camshaft Removal
Bottom End Disassembly
Cylinder Head Disassembly
Chapter 4: Factory Parts
Oiling System
Crankshafts
Connecting Rods
Pistons
Harmonic Balancer
Crankshaft Hub
Valvetrain
Camshafts
Cylinder Heads
Intake Manifold
Carburetors
Exhaust System
Chapter 5: Aftermarket Parts
Block
Crankshaft n
Pistons and Rings n
Connecting Rods
Stroker Kits
Valvetrain
Cylinder Heads
Intake Manifold
Carburetor
Fuel Pump
Exhaust Manifold
Gaskets and Fasteners
Chapter 6: Machining and Preassembly
Machining
Inspection
Block Preparation
Crankshaft Preparation
Connecting Rod Preparation
Balancing
Crankshaft Polishing
Intake Manifold Selection
Cylinder Head Preparation
Compression Ratio
Camshaft Selection
Preassembly
Block Preassembly
Cylinder Head Preassembly
Chapter 7: Final Assembly
Key Areas
Short-Block Preparation
Rotating Assembly Installation Preparation
Rearu2008Main Seal Installation
Short-Block Assembly
Long-Block Assembly
Bolt-On Components Installation
Chapter 8: Start-Up, Break-In, and Tuning
Engine Test Stand or Dyno
Engine Reinstallation
Start-Up
Flat-Tappet Camshaft Break-In
Roller Camshaft Break-In
Engine Break-In
Engine Oil and Additives
Carburetor Tuning
Distributor Types
Spark Advance Tuning
Vacuum Advance Tuning
A Final Note
Appendix 1: Torque Reference
Appendix 2: Pontiac V-8 Facts
Source Guide
Restore your Pontiac V-8 engine to original factory performance and specifications in this revised edition of a Pontiac best seller.
Under the guidance of Semon "Bunkie" Knutson, John DeLorean, and a host of creative and innovative people, Pontiac established its own identity and distinct V-8 engine platform under the GM banner. In 1955, Pontiac's V-8 started out at a meager 287 ci, but it was an auspicious beginning to an illustrious line of engines. The potent powerplant grew and evolved over the coming decades; which included the 389 Tri-Power, 421, Ram Air IV 400, 428, and the Super Duty 455. These V-8s powered a number of legendary cars, including the GTO, Firebird, Trans-Am, and many others.
In this updated edition, longtime Pontiac expert Rocky Rotella guides the reader through the entire rebuild process. Drawing on his vast experience, Rotella uses detailed captions and explanatory photos to show each crucial step of the disassembly, inspection, machine work, parts selection, assembly, and break-in process. This book instructs the reader how to skillfully pull the engine and prevent damage to the car. It documents how to carefully inspect the components for problems and fix these issues that could spell doom for a newly rebuilt engine. Finding a reputable and professional machine shop that specializes in Pontiac engines is discussed, as well as aftermarket parts and OEM parts interchange for high performance so you can select the best parts for a particular engine. All essential machine shop procedures are covered in detail. Also included is a new chapter on casting numbers and parts compatibility.
Most important, as with all Workbench series titles, the methodical and practical approach provides the insight and vital information required for the task. This, the first-ever book dedicated to rebuilding the Pontiac V-8 engine, is a valuable addition to any Pontiac enthusiast's library.
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Foreword by Joe Oldham
What Is a Workbenchu00ae Book?
Chapter 1: Restoration Resources
Reproduction Parts Suppliers
Reproduction Exhaust Systems
Pontiac Engine Colors
Documentation
Publications
National Clubs
Internet Web Forums
Chapter 2: Preparing for the Rebuild
Rebuild Basics
Creating a Plan
Setting Performance Expectations
Gathering Required Equipment
Selecting a Machine Shop
Chapter 3: Disassembly
Pulling the Engine
Component Inspection
Top End Removal
Valvetrain Disassembly
Camshaft Removal
Bottom End Disassembly
Cylinder Head Disassembly
Chapter 4: Factory Parts
Oiling System
Crankshafts
Connecting Rods
Pistons
Harmonic Balancer
Crankshaft Hub
Valvetrain
Camshafts
Cylinder Heads
Intake Manifold
Carburetors
Exhaust System
Chapter 5: Aftermarket Parts
Block
Crankshaft n
Pistons and Rings n
Connecting Rods
Stroker Kits
Valvetrain
Cylinder Heads
Intake Manifold
Carburetor
Fuel Pump
Exhaust Manifold
Gaskets and Fasteners
Chapter 6: Machining and Preassembly
Machining
Inspection
Block Preparation
Crankshaft Preparation
Connecting Rod Preparation
Balancing
Crankshaft Polishing
Intake Manifold Selection
Cylinder Head Preparation
Compression Ratio
Camshaft Selection
Preassembly
Block Preassembly
Cylinder Head Preassembly
Chapter 7: Final Assembly
Key Areas
Short-Block Preparation
Rotating Assembly Installation Preparation
Rearu2008Main Seal Installation
Short-Block Assembly
Long-Block Assembly
Bolt-On Components Installation
Chapter 8: Start-Up, Break-In, and Tuning
Engine Test Stand or Dyno
Engine Reinstallation
Start-Up
Flat-Tappet Camshaft Break-In
Roller Camshaft Break-In
Engine Break-In
Engine Oil and Additives
Carburetor Tuning
Distributor Types
Spark Advance Tuning
Vacuum Advance Tuning
A Final Note
Appendix 1: Torque Reference
Appendix 2: Pontiac V-8 Facts
Source Guide
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