How to Rebuild Pontiac V-8s - Updated Edition

by Rocky Rotella

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781613255858
Publisher:	CarTech Inc.
Publication date:	01/15/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Sales rank:	313,225
File size:	29 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Pontiac muscle cars have been the driving passion for James "Rocky" Rotella and his family. He has owned and modified a number of Pontiacs including a 1976 Trans-Am 455 HO. He has contributed scores of articles to High-Performance Pontiac and Smoke Signals. He is also the author of CarTech's best-selling Pontiac titles, How to Rebuild Pontiac V-8s and How to Build Max Performance Pontiac V-8s.

Table of Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Foreword by Joe Oldham

What Is a Workbench® 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
Pistons and Rings

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