Not recommended. PY has a LONG thread on them. Better to pay someone reputable like Butler or Kauffman and pay the extra shipping unless you find someone local you can trust.
Vikki 1969 Goldenrod Yellow / black 400 convertible numbers matching
If you just want good basic machine work, I've always been happy with Clarks machine shop in Cupertino. They are not Pontiac experts or race experts, but do good basic work and have been around a long time.
You can save a lot of money by researching and designing an engine yourself, based on an expert's experience, like Nunzi's or Jim Hand, then have a place like Clarks do the machining, and you do the assembling. However, if you're looking for all out race, with Dyno testing and tuning- sorry, don't know anyone.
Rob, there is a place in Suisun called T.O.E. They do certification for Nascar and the pics of their shop look pretty good. I called them when I was looking for a shop to do mine and they said 6 to 8 weeks turnaround for the bottom end. I found somewhere else. I'll bet they do good work though. Also there's a place in American Canyon(Vallejo) called Bailey Bros that's been in the race motor biz for a long time. That's where I'd go if I were to do another one. Good Luck.
http://FirstGenFirebird.org/show/closeup.mv?CarID=571 If i don't get this car back on the road soon i'm gonna go postal! On a quest for FGF knowledge 1968 Pontiac Firebird Convertible 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass "S" Convertible *Sold*
Glad I asked about R&R, will not be going there!! I’m leaning toward Butler at this point. Like Vikki said, better to pay a little more for someone reputable (And good with Pontiac's)!!
I am basically looking to put together a 70/30 street/strip car that is bulletproof and dependable. Drive to the shows and track! I want to keep the look about 85% stock, while upgrading to modern components in the engine, suspension, & brake area.
This is a great site and I’m sure I will be coming to everyone often for advice and progress reports. The car is in fairly good shape (for a yard car!), but needs a TOTAL going through.
This is my first attempt back at the hobby/sport in about 16 years. It me took that long to forgive myself for the stupidity of being a 19yr old kid who sold his '66 Tri-Power Goat!!!!
Banshee, Why do you think it's important to use someone that deals with alot of Pont motors? I'm just curious. It seems like a shop that does a decent business would do their fair share of ponchos.
Dumb question, but does Kaufman do machine work? I've got a catalog and have gone to their web site and it looks to me like they just sell parts. Also, is Spotts down in Hatfield, PA any good? They're drivable from me.
I called Butler the first week of Nevember 2005 and talked to Jim butler himself about a crate engine.
Greeted with a real "I'm too busy for you" attitude. Quoted me a 461-467 $7500 cast iron heads, $8,300 alum edelbrock heads... no distributor ($200+), no carb ($400+), no fuel pump ($60+). "Is that delivered to my dock in Kansas City?" No. "Do you test them?" no.
Still looking for a local guy. SO much for overhaulin and speed tv.
Are there any good books on building a pontiac engine? I've often wondered how big of a catastrophy it would be to rebuild one yourself.
Having only a few good Pontiac engine builders in the lower 48 is a seriously bad situation. Should it really cost $7500 to build a 467??? You can buy an aluminum headed GM crate 502 502hp/567torque for $7500.
The Pontiac engine is becomming more unpopular due to lack of parts and the availability of good quality parts. It's becoming obselete. $7500 is an excellent deal for the crate 502 and is readily available including any replacement parts which is hardly ever needed! Also you have more than enough hp and torque. Go with the 502, you won't be disappointed.
"How to Build Max-Performace Pontiac V-8s" By: Jim Hand Publisher: Cartech, INC. ISBN: 1-884089-67-4 WWW.CARTECHBOOKS.COM
And yes, Butler starts at $7500. However, I believe it will bolt right in without changing harnesses or tranny. There are certainly other crate choices, however, Butler seems to have the best track record for Ponchos. Time=Money, yadda
Yeah, butler starts at 7500...for a motor that doesn't even run yet. no carb, distributor, cast iron heads. I know Butler is awesome. I'm not knocking them.
The 502 is dyno proven, comes with distributor, carb, spark plugs, wires, water pump, and to quote Robb471:
I am basically looking to put together a 70/30 street/strip car that is bulletproof and dependable. Drive to the shows and track! I want to keep the look about 85% stock, while upgrading to modern components in the engine, suspension, & brake area.
wouldn't the 502 would fall under the modern component category?
Could a normal guy (who knows nothing about building a pontiac motor) have a 455 built and dynoed for $7500? $6500? $5500? 455's are getting kinda rare.
ok. we have to run the same size tire. how about 215/70r14's lol.
I'm not afraid to learn. Someday I want to build or have a nice mellow torquey steet 455 that runs low 13's maybe high 12's. All I need is money, after replacing all the windows in my house.
$5 to 6500 sounds like a really fair deal.
How about 3 car lengths. I'm starting out in second just to get traction. lol
Corrigan, replacing windows is a lot of hype unless the glass is falling out due to rot. The payback period is longer than you're likely to live for decent windows, and cheap new windows are generally worse than any window more than 25 years old.
The windows on my house were installed in 1822, and with good caulking, old fashioned storm windows, and a bit of DAP Peel'n'Seal on the sashes, they are more airtight and energy efficient than modern windows. If you have access to a laser or infrared thermometer it will show you where your problems are. I'm a licensed builder; I've been to renovation/restoration conferences; I've talked to window manufacturers. Put your money into your engine after insulating and caulking your existing windows.
Vikki 1969 Goldenrod Yellow / black 400 convertible numbers matching
Wow. Now, my wife is definitely cool, and she's a tomboy, but I'll never ever hear her tell me "go build a 455 and leave the windows like they are!"
I hear what you are saying, but my house doesn't have storm windows, just single pane glass. I have had other people tell me the same thing about keeping the old glass. But, a couple of them are broken from the dogs wrestling and banging into them. Some of the frames have rot & mold too. They are in sad shape. I've talked to Shelah (my wife) about just replacing the broken glass, but she wants the new stuff. I'm beginning to agree. The new windows will be quieter, and the house (living room especially) will feel much more cozy. I planned on ordering Pella's from Lowes and putting them in myself.
Thats Bruce Fulper of rock and roll engineering "fame" I hear to stay clear of them.
David
http://FirstGenFirebird.org/show/closeup.mv?CarID=571 If i don't get this car back on the road soon i'm gonna go postal! On a quest for FGF knowledge 1968 Pontiac Firebird Convertible 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass "S" Convertible *Sold*
A sucker born every minute...
