How to Rebuild Pontiac V-8s – Updated Edition (Cartech)

Product Description

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.

From the Back Cover

While Pontiac was one of the last American manufacturers to introduce a V-8 engine in 1955, its high-performance components and heavy-duty block were the foundation for a renowned V-8. What started out as a meager 287-ci engine evolved and grew into a potent family of powerplants, which included the 389 Tri-Power, 421, Ram Air IV 400, and Super Duty 455. These V-8s powered a number of legendary cars–the GTO, Firebird, Trans Am, and others.
Author Rocky Rotella, long-time Pontiac expert and magazine writer, provides an insightful and detailed tour of the entire rebuild process. Drawing on his vast experience, Rotella uses detailed captions and vibrant photos to thoroughly explain each crucial step of the disassembly, identify problems, resolve these issues, and build a reliable, strong-running engine. Aftermarket parts and OEM parts interchange for high-performance applications are revealed so you can select the best parts for a particular engine and a specific application. After evaluating your engine components, you’re shown how to select essential machine shop services. Preassembly and final assembly are thoroughly described so that the engine is precisely and accurately assembled and costly mistakes are avoided. As a result, you will be able to correctly perform each procedure before the following step is started.
If you have been looking for an authoritative volume for rebuilding the classic Pontiac V-8 engine, you’ve found it.

About the Author

Pontiac muscle cars have been the driving passion for “Rocky” James Rotella and his family. Rocky 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 lives in LaVista, Nebraska.