High Performance Pontiac Magazine Forums

Join the Pontiac Performance Forum at High-Performance Pontiac Magazine to discuss your Pontiac hot rod, modifications & performance, projects, latest news, shows & events, and more.High Performance Pontiac Magazine Forumshttp://forums.highperformancepontiac.comThu, 20 Nov 2008 06:11:52 -0800<![CDATA[T56 for a 2nd gen]]>T56 for a 2nd gen
Has anybody tried putting a T56 in a 2nd gen TA? I've got all the parts figured out for the most part. But what I'm trying to find out now is will the T56 fit into the trans tunnel or will it need to be hammered out?

]]>http://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7237284/drivetrain-upgrade/t56-for-a-2nd-gen/index.htmlhttp://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7237284/drivetrain-upgrade/t56-for-a-2nd-genWed, 19 Nov 2008 19:11:39 -0800<![CDATA[Intake manifold exaust crossover gasket help]]>Intake manifold exaust crossover gasket help
Hello I need a little help I have a 400 engine with edelbrock alu heads and a performer intake. When you install the intake manifold would you block off the exaust crossover in the gasket or install the restrictors??The gaskets I have from felpro has an opening that can either be blocked off or left open.I´ts the opening that goes from the exaust port in the heads into the intake manifold. Should it be blocked off or left open. Whats the difference?? Advice needed. Jacob

]]>http://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7234203/drivetrain-upgrade/intake-manifold-exaust-crossover-gasket-help/index.htmlhttp://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7234203/drivetrain-upgrade/intake-manifold-exaust-crossover-gasket-helpWed, 19 Nov 2008 11:11:13 -0800<![CDATA[Introduction and request for information.]]>Introduction and request for information.
Howdy from Kansas! My name is Terry Williams, my friends call me T-bone or just "T". I'm 43 years old, a new dad, and an admitted motorhead. Mostly, I'm into vintage Motorcycles, but I always have a hot rod car or truck project as well. Most of my life, I've been a hardcore Chevy fan, but I've had a few Fords too. I still have my '49 Ford F-1. The flathead finally went South on me, so I'm gonna do a small block conversion on it. Anyway, I recently picked up a 1968 Pontiac Firebird hardtop. The first gen Camaros and Firebirds have always been one of my all-time favorites, so I'm stoked! The car is complete, very solid, runs and drives but is tired, just needs a new interior, mechanicals gone through and a re-paint, at least for my needs. I live out in the country on 16 acre horse ranch with a lot of gravel roads, so I build them as drivers because you can't own a beauty queen out here. So, it was originally a 350/auto but now it has a bone stock '74 400 with a TH400. I'm not concerned about originality. In addition, I have an Edelbrock Performer aluminum intake for a 400 and a pair of '69 GTO 62 heads completely reconditioned from a 400. Since the arrival of my son, my budget is pretty tight. My last car was a '57 Chevy 350/350 with World iron heads, a pretty aggressive cam (don't know the figures but layed it down from about 3,000 to 6,000 rpm), a 3000 stall converter with a stock 370 posi-rear end. I didn't build that car but I would guess it would run low 14's or high 13's based upon some races I had with some C5 and C6 Corvettes out here on the country roads. I'm looking for at least that kind of performance out of the firebird. My biggest question is, I've heard from a couple of sources in my hot rod circle here that I can run those 62 heads on the 400 with 93 Octane with the Edelbrock intake and a carefully selected cam. A couple of guys say that's exactly what they are running right now and swear by it. Yet, I've read on the internet that I'll have to get dished pistons? Again, I have a super tight budget and am looking forward to the challenge of building a nice hot street poncho on the cheap. I'd really like to use what I already have. I was hoping to get by with just a cam purchase for now, but if the block needs to be bored, then I can change pistons if need be to compensate for C.R. I have a Holly 750 carb on the shelf and do plan on running a 2500 to 3000 stall. Oh, and when my Dad and Mom first married, my Dad went out and bought a '66 GTO brand new. I was one year old. He talks so fondly of that old Pontiac (389?). His best friend, my Godfather, bought a '67 with the 400 and they both had 4 speeds and used to race the living **** out of them down at the old drag strip by the river. My dad said the '67 would get out of the hole ahead by a fender and they would stay that way. He could never run it down. Glad to finally be a part of the Pontiac community. T Sorry so winded.

]]>http://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7217258/drivetrain-upgrade/introduction-and-request-for-information/index.htmlhttp://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7217258/drivetrain-upgrade/introduction-and-request-for-informationWed, 19 Nov 2008 06:11:41 -0800<![CDATA[T/A 6.6 engine specs]]>T/A 6.6 engine specs
1978 T/A 6.6 engine questions: What block casting is the correct one for this engine? Did it have 6X heads? What Pontiac cam came in it? I just got a pair of '78 T/A's, a keeper and a parts car. The keeper was bought engine disassembled with most of the engine parts with the car. I have 6X heads, and the block is missing the main caps--I know, it is nearly useless w/o them, but I also have the complete, running 6.6 Liter engine out of the parts car. It too has 6X heads. I thought the T/A 6.6 had different heads from the 6.6 Liter. I know the donor motor has not been into, nor any parts swapped on/off it. According to the letters I got from PHD, the T/A 6.6 had fatter jetting, a different cam, the Pontiac 350ci heads, and chrome valve covers, and that by the VIN, I have a T/A 6.6 car. I know those 350 heads are rare today, if what I've got is actually four heads for the weaker motor.

]]>http://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7190272/drivetrain-restoration/t-a-66-engine-specs/index.htmlhttp://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7190272/drivetrain-restoration/t-a-66-engine-specsTue, 18 Nov 2008 05:11:19 -0800<![CDATA[Help On a pair of Heads]]>Help On a pair of Heads
I have a pair of Pontiac heads with a casting code of 554 716 on the center two exhaust ports.(554 being on one runner and the 716 on the other runner) The center port is cast open two the center two cylinders. Not the normal d port or oval port of a Pontiac. There painted Pontiac blue and a friend gave them to me. He had told me they were Pontiac heads from a HO motor but I'm not so sure. Any help out there as I'm getting ready to rebuild my 389 and would love to find out there a hot set of heads. Thanks To All Steve

]]>http://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7230930/drivetrain-restoration/help-on-a-pair-of-heads/index.htmlhttp://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7230930/drivetrain-restoration/help-on-a-pair-of-headsMon, 17 Nov 2008 22:11:47 -0800<![CDATA[Inlet manifold]]>Inlet manifold
I am trying to find a aftermarket 4b alloy inlet manifold for a 1960 389 . Are they made for this engine now or in the past .

]]>http://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7230369/drivetrain-restoration/inlet-manifold/index.htmlhttp://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7230369/drivetrain-restoration/inlet-manifoldSun, 16 Nov 2008 23:11:17 -0800<![CDATA[Mark Your 2009 Calendar! August 15th & 16th Pontiac Show & Drags!]]>Mark Your 2009 Calendar! August 15th & 16th Pontiac Show & Drags!
Mark your calendars for the 27th Annual Pontiac GMC Oakland Show & 4th Annual Pontiac Challenge Drag Event! Feel free to contact Shawn Kniesly at TruelyPMD@aol.com, (402)-706-6750 on the Pontiac drag event. Feel free to contact Joe Dyrda at joeandrachel@cox.net, (402)-679-1781 on the Pontiac show event. You can also check out the Pontiac Owners Association Web Site at: www.geocities.com/poadrag :cool:

]]>http://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7180618/the-general-discussion/mark-your-2009-calendar-august-15th-16th-pontiac-show-drags/index.htmlhttp://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7180618/the-general-discussion/mark-your-2009-calendar-august-15th-16th-pontiac-show-dragsSat, 15 Nov 2008 17:11:09 -0800<![CDATA[1968 pontiac tempest]]>1968 pontiac tempest
Ihave a 1968 pontiac tempest that I have had for 33 years. I bought it when I was 17 when I sold my then boyfriend now husband my 63 impala. We still have both cars. Unfortunately 2 weeks ago I had an accident damaging the bumper, front driver side fender and hood. Originally, nationwide insurance wanted to total the car and give me a check for $300. Wow!!!Can't imagine why I didn't jump at it. When we told them the NADA book value they are trying to figure how much it is worth and how much it would cost to fix it. It is a daily driver. The paint and body are rough. The mechanics of the car are good. Has 176,000 miles on it. Only uses 1 quart of oil between oil changes. Anyone have any info on how much the car would be worth, and where parts could be found? We are in PA near Philadelphia. Thanks, Anne

]]>http://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7177819/the-general-discussion/1968-pontiac-tempest/index.htmlhttp://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7177819/the-general-discussion/1968-pontiac-tempestSat, 15 Nov 2008 17:11:26 -0800<![CDATA[1968 pontiac tempest]]>1968 pontiac tempest
Ihave a 1968 pontiac tempest that I have had for 33 years. I bought it when I was 17 when I sold my then boyfriend now husband my 63 impala. We still have both cars. Unfortunately 2 weeks ago I had an accident damaging the bumper, front driver side fender and hood. Originally, nationwide insurance wanted to total the car and give me a check for $300. Wow!!!Can't imagine why I didn't jump at it. When we told them the NADA book value they are trying to figure how much it is worth and how much it would cost to fix it. It is a daily driver. The paint and body are rough. The mechanics of the car are good. Has 176,000 miles on it. Only uses 1 quart of oil between oil changes. Anyone have any info on how much the car would be worth, and where parts could be found? We are in PA near Philadelphia. Thanks, Anne

]]>http://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7208387/the-general-discussion/1968-pontiac-tempest/index.htmlhttp://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7208387/the-general-discussion/1968-pontiac-tempestSat, 15 Nov 2008 14:11:22 -0800<![CDATA[Problem with cam 1967 400ci]]>Problem with cam 1967 400ci
I have a firend that has just bought a 79 TA with a 67 400ci bored 30/over.It would back fire and pop we have found that the cam had lost a lobe.Ok did it have to much lift, the cam is a 233/540, the roller rockers are 1.65, the push rods are 9in.Is this to much lift for the cam because when it was removed it had lost 3 lobes and the lifters had concaved?Now we are trying to find out the best cam for the rollers and push rods he wants to make it like a RA we will change the push rods if needed but keep the roller rockers.The heads are 670 the best what do you guys think??? :confused:

]]>http://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7208099/the-general-discussion/problem-with-cam-1967-400ci/index.htmlhttp://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7208099/the-general-discussion/problem-with-cam-1967-400ciSat, 15 Nov 2008 09:11:54 -0800<![CDATA[8 lug to 5 lug disc conversion]]>8 lug to 5 lug disc conversion
i have a 68 grand prix with 8 lug wheels and drums and would like to convert to disc brakes and a 5 on 4.75" stud pattern. what spindles will bolt in to achieve the swap and with which rotors and calipers? as for the rear axle is there a bolt on solution? i assume i'll have to redrill the axles for the 5 on 4.75" but will i have to weld on caliper brackets etc? thanks

]]>http://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7225095/the-general-discussion/8-lug-to-5-lug-disc-conversion/index.htmlhttp://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7225095/the-general-discussion/8-lug-to-5-lug-disc-conversionSat, 15 Nov 2008 06:11:41 -0800<![CDATA[1972 lemans]]>1972 lemans
Hey everybody, Im trying to find out how many luxury lemans Pontiac made in 1972. With a 350, disc brakes, buckets and a/c. And yes automatic

]]>http://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7208036/the-general-discussion/1972-lemans/index.htmlhttp://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7208036/the-general-discussion/1972-lemansSat, 15 Nov 2008 04:11:13 -0800<![CDATA[help w/ 400 rebuild]]>help w/ 400 rebuild
i got a 73 2V stock 400 still running strong w/90k on her. i would like to put new bearings, time chain, rings and a RA1V or RAV cam leaving the stock CR pistons, and stock heads. New intake and 4barrel Holley or Rochester... Will this combo run well with such a cam and these heads for a street machine... not sure of heads size but think they are small 6x maybe.... whatevr came stock on 73 400 2V Any suggestions would help me get a plan and get-er-done. thanks much GGGRRRRRRR

]]>http://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7207709/drivetrain-restoration/help-w-400-rebuild/index.htmlhttp://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7207709/drivetrain-restoration/help-w-400-rebuildSat, 15 Nov 2008 04:11:30 -0800<![CDATA[restoring Ralley II rims]]>restoring Ralley II rims
I have p/u several Rims to get a set of 4 for my 68 GTO at local bone yards..problem is they all have rust around the bead portion of the rim. most of it appears to be light and will clean up but a few spots where each of the rims had ground contact the rust is heavy. Is there anyway to restore the rim to drivable condition with out going broke? anybody doing this? Also any info on the rest of the Resto I'll need to know like sanding, prep, paint type, etc... Any advice is greatly appreciated... GGGRRRRR Thanks much.... Nothing like the USA!

]]>http://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7207454/chassis-upgrade/restoring-ralley-ii-rims/index.htmlhttp://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7207454/chassis-upgrade/restoring-ralley-ii-rimsSat, 15 Nov 2008 01:11:59 -0800<![CDATA[Shaving?]]>Shaving?
I just bought some 96cc heads to put on my 400. If I shave of .033 to make the chamber about 89cc will I have a problem lining up the intake or a gasket problem?

]]>http://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7207202/the-general-discussion/shaving/index.htmlhttp://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7207202/the-general-discussion/shavingFri, 14 Nov 2008 21:11:42 -0800<![CDATA[1978 Trans Am Y82 on Ebay]]>1978 Trans Am Y82 on Ebay
A True Barn Find!!!

]]>http://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7175881/pontiac-restoration/1978-trans-am-y82-on-ebay/index.htmlhttp://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7175881/pontiac-restoration/1978-trans-am-y82-on-ebayFri, 14 Nov 2008 18:11:25 -0800<![CDATA[Need to know if website credible or not....]]>Need to know if website credible or not....
i recently blew a rod in my 89' firebird. i'm looking to get a new motor and have found one i think i like on www.gearheadengines.com, and just wondering if anyone has used them and if they're a place i should even be considering. the guy is asking $1500 for a 350 crate engine. any advice on other sites or this one???? :confused:

]]>http://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7205285/misc-upgrade/need-to-know-if-website-credible-or-not/index.htmlhttp://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7205285/misc-upgrade/need-to-know-if-website-credible-or-notFri, 14 Nov 2008 15:11:46 -0800<![CDATA[455 TRIPOWER]]>455 TRIPOWER
I have owned GTO's since a was 17 (I'm 37 now). I do know a bit about them. I have a 1966 GTO right now it has a 400 4BBL in it right now mated with a TH400. I have a 1966 tripower unit that a friend gave to me when he took it off his 1969 Judge( a long but funny story here is the short version-"My friend bought the 1969 Judge from a farmer who was the orginal owner. The farmer didn't like how the RAM pans looked on the car and replaced the set up with a tripower unit. My friend pounced on the car when it was for sale. In the trunk of the car was the orginal carb, manifold, and the ram pans. LUCKY ME I get the tripower unit for my 1966gto that's what friend are for"). Sorry for the story but it was a good one. The real question I purchased a 455 that was pulled from a 1973 Grand Am. It has 4X heads and is pretty complete. It was frozen but, after the tear down I found that the block and the heads were in good shape. I want to keep the block,the heads, and the crank( also in good shape). I want to install the tripower unit and put it in the 66 GTO( I know i've got to change the motor mounts which I already have). I have seen a 455 tripower engine before but I am at a loss as to where I can find some specs over one. Is there anything super special that needs to be done to the internals of the engine when building it. I'm looking for between 400 to 500 horsepower when everything is said and done. I know 4X heads are okay when some "work" is done to them. Any advise please.

]]>http://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7174900/drivetrain-upgrade/455-tripower/index.htmlhttp://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7174900/drivetrain-upgrade/455-tripowerThu, 13 Nov 2008 21:11:41 -0800<![CDATA[63 Tempest sold for $226,000]]>63 Tempest sold for $226,000
Anyone check out the 1 of 6 1963 Tempest Factory Race car that sold for $226,000 on Ebay? It sure looked legit?

]]>http://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7203131/the-general-discussion/63-tempest-sold-for-226000/index.htmlhttp://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7203131/the-general-discussion/63-tempest-sold-for-226000Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:11:54 -0800<![CDATA[301 headers?]]>301 headers?
does anyone have a set for sale or know where i can get a set at a good price? or know anyone who can make a set at a fair price?

]]>http://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7172320/drivetrain-upgrade/301-headers/index.htmlhttp://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7172320/drivetrain-upgrade/301-headersWed, 12 Nov 2008 22:11:16 -0800<![CDATA[accesory brackets]]>accesory brackets
I bought a '71 455 without any a/c, power steering and altenator brackets and I was wondering if the brackets form my '76 400 wound work?

]]>http://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7170646/the-general-discussion/accesory-brackets/index.htmlhttp://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7170646/the-general-discussion/accesory-bracketsWed, 12 Nov 2008 08:11:02 -0800<![CDATA[serpentine belt systems]]>serpentine belt systems
I was wondering if anyone knew about a serpentine belt system that would fit on my 1966 389 tripower engine? It doesnt have a/c but has power steering. Im restoring my 66 convertible gto that has been in my family since 67. Please help!

]]>http://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7215804/the-general-discussion/serpentine-belt-systems/index.htmlhttp://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7215804/the-general-discussion/serpentine-belt-systemsWed, 12 Nov 2008 03:11:40 -0800<![CDATA[converter options]]>converter options
Looking for more off the line punch from my 400/ TH 400. Local car show guy said swapping out stock convertor for a smaller one out of a lighter possibly FWD car would cheaply and reliably increase stall speed. Also, he said, it would slip less than an aftermarket converter becasue it is smaller. I dont understand? Car is a 68 FBird 400 16x heads, 750 Holly on Edelbrock, factory exhaust manifolds with duals, RAIII cam and (I know, I know) a 2.73 rear. Any input on the converter?

]]>http://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7214517/drivetrain-upgrade/converter-options/index.htmlhttp://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7214517/drivetrain-upgrade/converter-optionsTue, 11 Nov 2008 22:11:51 -0800<![CDATA[rear quarters for 1964 catalina]]>rear quarters for 1964 catalina
im in need of a new or good set or rear quarters for a 1964 catalina 2 door hard top and also if any knows of good door skins or the whole doors for the same car

]]>http://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7197494/body-paint-restoration/rear-quarters-for-1964-catalina/index.htmlhttp://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7197494/body-paint-restoration/rear-quarters-for-1964-catalinaTue, 11 Nov 2008 21:11:37 -0800<![CDATA[1965 gto wheel and tire combo - what fits?]]>1965 gto wheel and tire combo - what fits?
I plan on buying Rally 1 rims for my 65 gto. Now have 14x6 rims with poverty caps. Looking at 15x7 rims in rear and 15x6 in front. What is the widest tire that would fit in the rear?

]]>http://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7167076/chassis-upgrade/1965-gto-wheel-and-tire-combo-what-fits/index.htmlhttp://forums.highperformancepontiac.com/70/7167076/chassis-upgrade/1965-gto-wheel-and-tire-combo-what-fits