Hey guys. As i've mentioned before, i am interested in building up an engine to drop into a 79-81 trans am.

I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for books or any other sources that would allow me to learn how to select parts, in addition to actually building the engine, as well as reconditioning the block..etc. (So i don't have to post on a daily basis about which what should i get and how i should do this that and the other thing!!!)


thanks a lot,

 

well, I just got a book called, how to rebuild a small block chev which I've found really interesting. It covers all small blocks from 262 to 400cid's. Its put out by HPbooks I believe

 

I would do a search on amazon or similar site for David Vizard. He has several books out on how to build/modify small block chevy engines. He also has a book on rebuiding on a budget that I just got and really like.

Bill

 

Pro Engine Blueprinting
Ben Watson
ISBN 0-7603-0424-6

How to Rebuild your Small Block Chevy
Dave Vizard
LOCCC 78-52275

Engine Builders Handbook
Tom Monroe
ISBN 1-55788-245-2

And for sure...
http://www.helminc.com/helm/homepage.asp

 

I just ordered "How to Rebuild Your Small-Block Chevy" and "How to Build Max Performance Chevy Small Blocks on a Budget" by Vizard off amazon for a whole $25. Should keep me entertained for weeks!

Thanks guys,

\/\/

 

all the replies are for Chevy small blocks. Why not stick with Pontiac? The cost is a little higher for parts but then there is the torque... Pulled a Poncho 400 out of an 81 bird to put in my Camaro. 400 and 455 are direct bolt ins and have all kinds of power. The 455 will get you more torque but you can spin the 400 higher. Just a thought.
My engine:
78 Pontiac 400 W72 .060 over (412cc)
6x4 heads milled to 81cc 9.5:1 compression
BBC 6.800 Eagle rods
Ross .030 over pistons with 1.540 c/h with BBC .990 pins
crank cut to 2.199 rod journels
etc. etc...
Can make a lot of power with these Pontiac engines

 

i'd love to go pontiac if at all possible, but between the cost for parts and the age of a v8 pont block i'd have to go for, the chevy just sounds like a better idea. What are the big differences in the two engines? I know that the distributor on a pontiac v8 is wired the opposite way as a chevy, but that's about the extent of my knowledge of the major differences. is the pontiac 400 still a SB? how much worse is it on gas than the 350?

pontiac opinions welcome!

 

There is no "small/big" block Pontiac, same block size... different bore and stroke. I like the torque the Poncho engine puts out, plus too I am more familiar with these engines. You will pay more for parts compared to Chevy. But there are more and more aftermarket parts coming out. For good info go to www.performanceyears.com, check out tech forums. Can get good gas mileage if you keep your foot out of it (which is hard to do). A lot of boneyards still have the 400's in the big cars and you can probably find a big mid 70' Grand Prix or similar pretty easy.