It was the first time I'd seen it. Thought they made a few mistakes on the engine build but I'm not that familiar with the all aluminum block. Didn't look like they were to familiar with Pontiac engines either, but it was cool seeing it. An all aluminum Pontiac is my next dream engine.
They installed the timing cover without dowl pins. I didn't understand using head bolts, thought they'd stud it since the bottom end was studded. Even if they didn't do it and the fiber gear does ok without it they should have mentioned the oil hole drilled in the back galley plug. I don't recall seeing anything on the lower dip stick tube or windage tray, but I might have just missed it. Pan to pump pick up distance is very important to check, especially when changing pans, pumps and pick ups. He installed the rings by twisting them over the piston tops. Major scratches on the lands doing that. Some people still do it that way, but rings pliers are cheap insurance. Getting the Rod Chamfer correct is pretty critical as well, they blew through the whole assembly pretty fast.
I've seen them get very basic and elementary on Fords and Chevy's, guess they figure the Pontiac guys already know those details.
Last edited by ho428; 02/04/0804:05 PM.
Wanting a Custom fit in an off the rack world.
I don't have time for a job, I just need the money.