Customer Reviews

How to Rebuild Pontiac V-8s (Sa Design-Workbench)

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I'm currently in the process of rebuilding a 1977 W72 Pontiac 400 motor, this book arrived just in time. I wish I had this book during disassembly, there are tips specific to the Pontiac such as how to find and remove the freeze and oil gallery plugs.

This book, along with How to Build Max Performance Pontiac V8s (S-A Design) are a must if you're a Pontiac nut.

Now for specifics...

This book explains specifics for how to install a Graphite (Graphtite by Best Gasket) rear main seal. As Rocky notes there are also Viton rear seals available for the Pontiac and come with their own detailed instructions so there was no need to cover installation of them in this book. Also very important as noted in this book is to avoid the normal rope seal as they tend to leak. I'm personally going with a Graphtite seal.

Freeze and oil gallery plugs are covered in this book. Take note of the hidden oil plug location, it's highlighted on page 94 step 7.

Read the note on oil filter bypass on page 111. I'm keeping my bypass and doing as Rocky recommends.

Follow his directions on assembly to a T. The only deviation I plan is to not tighten down the valve covers until after I prime the engine. I will have the valve covers in place, I just want to be able to lift them off to check that the lifters are oiled.

What's missing (and this is really nitpicking): This book is missing details how to install/remove the dip stick. Though this book briefly explains how to press in the dipstick tube, I recommend doing a Google search if you're confused. There are two sections to the dip stick, the outside portion is inserted from underneath (inside) the block and is then held in place by the lower piece that bolts to one of the main caps/windage tray. I would have also liked to have seen in chapter 1 a list of all the necessary adhesives, lubricants and gasket sealers necessary for a rebuild. You'll want to read the entire book and note each lubricant/adhesive/sealer before you go to the auto parts store.

Thanks Rocky for an awesome book!

If you are a Pontiac Guy and you're looking for a book to rebuild that vintage engine, this is the book for you. Clearly fills a big void out there. Well written, not overly technical, it's sort of the "Rebuilding a Pontiac Engine for Dummies." (This is a compliment).