The key to maximizing the performance of any combination is proper component selection. By expanding on the approach that Pontiac took when assembling combinations for its production vehicles, selecting components that compliment the operating characteristics of one another for a particular application, you typically produce a powerful engine that operates efficiently and reliably over a […]

Your newly rebuilt engine is just about ready to fire! If everything was assembled correctly, it should start up relatively easily, and the sound of the exhaust pulsations smoothly bellowing out the exhaust is the best reward for your hard work. If all goes well, the improved operational and performance characteristics of your new engine […]

Final assembly is the most important step of any rebuild. The assembly process oftentimes varies slightly from person to person. There’s no issue with that as long as the technique produces an engine that operates consistently and reliably for long periods. Depending upon the year, your Pontiac V-8 may contain unique components that must be […]

When assembling any engine, its intended output and operating range must be within the realistic realm of possibility. While any Pontiac can perform suitably in stock form, modifying the original pieces or purchasing aftermarket components is often required to achieve significant performance increases. Each new component must be carefully selected to ensure that its operating […]

A complete Pontiac engine can make an excellent usable core, but many of those now available may not be large enough or contain the best components to produce the desired amount of horsepower. While the aftermarket has heavily supported many other makes for several years, the number of choices for Pontiac hobbyists has been quite […]

The Pontiac V-8 block is constructed of cast iron, and though its displacement increased from 287 to 455 ci by enlarging bore and lengthening stroke over the years, the external dimensions didn’t waiver far from the original design. A number of changes occurred during the course of its production run, however, and some limit component […]

With all of the necessary tools and equipment on hand, it’s time to begin complete engine disassembly. Though it might seem relatively easy, it’s a methodical process that should be considered as important as any other portion of the rebuild, and shouldn’t be performed haphazardly. It not only gives you a firsthand look at how […]

There are several companies, organizations, and publications that specialize in the preservation and restoration of Pontiacs. While vehicle restoration is a topic large enough to fill its own book, many of these sources can help identify and document Pontiac engines, so you can correctly restore your Pontiac engine to a factory-fresh appearance and they can […]