Someday I’ll stop leading my posts with the disclaimer that I am total newbie at all of this, but today is not that day...
I’m removed my engine and am breaking it down now to bring the long block in to a shop to be rebuilt. I’ve been reading up a lot and keep seeing the suggestion to bring the engine to a shop that specializes or otherwise understands Pontiac engines. My questions are:
What is special about our engines that warrant this?
How critical is it to bring it to a shop with this experience if I’m mostly having them rebuild to stock, perhaps with a couple mods like a slightly larger cam?
What do I need to be sure to have the shop do or otherwise not do to the engine?
What questions do I need to ask to make sure the rebuild is done right (such as where and what parts do they source from? cast vs forged? etc)?
What are some intelligent upgrades to think about?
I’m trying to figure out where to bring the engine and what to do with it (eg, what to upgrade) so I don’t need to take the engine out again to fix any regrets... I have a shop my friend took his ‘52 Ford truck engine to that quoted me a good price (he hasn’t installed or fired it up yet) and I want to make sure it’s not because I’ll be “paying for it laterâ€.
It is the modernized/updated version of the original book that I have (which is pretty pricey to obtain these days). The original provides a lot of the answers you are seeking along with other critical information to have on hand when picking an engine builder for your Firebird. In my opinion, the oil galley restriction issue along with the discussion of the different V8 cylinder heads is definitely important information a good Pontiac engine builder should be familiar with. I do see comments on Amazon that some of the info from the original book (porting of OEM heads) has been cut down and the newer book has much more on aftermarket parts which it appears you want to stay away from.
2012 Mustang Boss 302 #1918, Competition Orange. FGF replacement 2006 Mustang V6 Pony, Vista Blue. Factory ordered. 2019 BMW X3 (Titled to the wife, but I'm always driving it for her. So I'm claiming it) Old projects, gone but not forgotten: 1967 FB 400, original CA car. After 22 years of work, trashed by the guy who was supposed to paint it. I had to sell it. 1980 Turbo Trans Am 1970 Mustang fastback, 351C 4Bbl, auto 1988 Mustang GT, 5 speed 1983 F-150 4x4, built 302 1994 Chevy K2500 HD 4x4, 454 TBI
If you live in North TX, you may wanna consider Len Williams, in OK. He's only about 230 miles from Dallas. He gets good reviews from all his customers I've read about.
Or, you can contact one of the local Pontiac clubs in a big city near you. There's a couple in the D/FW area. They will know of some shops that can build Pontiac engines.
"...what parts do they source from? cast vs forged? etc)?.."
Forged rods & pistons are best, if your budget will stand it.
After you get an estimate you may wanna consider a Len Williams longblock. He can build about anything you want, using the parts you prefer. Some charge more for a lower quality product.
I missed the Texas location on my 1st post, so let me add my builder to the suggestions. Donnie at Panhandle Performance in Amarillo. Not only did he do a great job putting my 455 together (consulting with Butler Performance whenever needed), he will break in your new engine and tune it (timing & carb) on his dyno as part of the build.
The tranny shop that was next to him at the time I lived in Amarillo were also really helpful as they raced Pontiacs.
2012 Mustang Boss 302 #1918, Competition Orange. FGF replacement 2006 Mustang V6 Pony, Vista Blue. Factory ordered. 2019 BMW X3 (Titled to the wife, but I'm always driving it for her. So I'm claiming it) Old projects, gone but not forgotten: 1967 FB 400, original CA car. After 22 years of work, trashed by the guy who was supposed to paint it. I had to sell it. 1980 Turbo Trans Am 1970 Mustang fastback, 351C 4Bbl, auto 1988 Mustang GT, 5 speed 1983 F-150 4x4, built 302 1994 Chevy K2500 HD 4x4, 454 TBI