How to Rebuild

Pontiac V-8s 

Chapter 1: Restoration Resources 

Reproduction Parts Suppliers 

Reproduction Exhaust Systems 

Pontiac Engine Colors 

Documentation 

Publications 

National Clubs 

Internet Web Forums

Chapter 2: Preparing for the Rebuild 

Rebuild Basics

Creating a Plan

Setting Performance Expectations 

Gathering Required Equipment 

Selecting a Machine Shop  

Chapter 3: Disassembly

Pulling the Engine

Component Inspection 

Top End Removal 

Valvetrain Disassembly 

Camshaft Removal 

Bottom End Disassembly 

Cylinder Head Disassembly 

Chapter 4: Factory Parts 

Oiling System 

Crankshafts 

Connecting Rods 

Pistons 

Harmonic Balancer 

Crankshaft Hub 

Valvetrain 

Camshafts 

Cylinder Heads 

Intake Manifold 

Carburetors 

Exhaust System 

Chapter 5: Aftermarket Parts 

Block

Crankshaft n
Pistons and Rings  n

Connecting Rods 

Stroker Kits 

Valvetrain 

Cylinder Heads

Intake Manifold 

Carburetor

Fuel Pump 

Exhaust Manifold 

Gaskets and Fasteners  

Chapter 6: Machining and Preassembly 

Machining 

Inspection 

Block Preparation 

Crankshaft Preparation 

Connecting Rod Preparation 

Balancing 

Crankshaft Polishing 

Intake Manifold Selection 

Cylinder Head Preparation 

Compression Ratio 

Camshaft Selection 

Preassembly 

Block Preassembly 

Cylinder Head Preassembly 

Chapter 7: Final Assembly

Key Areas 

Short-Block Preparation 

Rotating Assembly Installation Preparation 

Rearu2008Main Seal Installation 

Short-Block Assembly 

Long-Block Assembly 

Bolt-On Components Installation

Chapter 8: Start-Up, Break-In, and Tuning 

Engine Test Stand or Dyno 

Engine Reinstallation 

Start-Up 

Flat-Tappet Camshaft Break-In 

Roller Camshaft Break-In 

Engine Break-In 

Engine Oil and Additives

Carburetor Tuning 

Distributor Types 

Spark Advance Tuning 

Vacuum Advance Tuning 

A Final Note