[grnwng]

My 65 389 is running good now, thanks to many here.

But!

What I want to do is as follows.

Get a good block, then build over a winter or two to drop in the 65.


Have seen many blocks at Franks for what seems like a fair price, in fact, complete engines which to me seems a better way to go. When I talk to local yards they seem to scoff at old Pontiac engines.

Here is the questions I would like some sounding of.

Would this be a good idea? Then the original could be kept for a posible future owner.

Would greasing the number match 389 be a good idea for the storage of it with new engine in?


Or, would it be best to drop in a running engine and rebuild the 389?

Want a bit more performance so was gonna do minor build up for main engine.


One reason I wish to do an engine then drop it in is ...............DAMMMMMMMMMM she is fun to drive!

[Blackcat]

Nothing wrong with storing your #matching engine and sliding in a more potent powerplant! A beefed 389, 400, 421, 428, 455 can drop right in!

[wheelspin]

Big ol' heavy Pontiacs need big inch motors . The rebuilding costs are about the same regardless of the engine size, so I vote for a stroked 400 or a 455 to properly motivate that 65 .

Les

[Engine-Ear]

I agree with Wheelspin & BlackCat: build a mid-level 455 and bag-n-tag your OE engine.

[Stuart]

Building a second engine that you can drop right in is a good way to go, but since you're in South Dakota I assume the car will be off the road during the winter months - that should give enough time to rebuild the original engine if you decide to go that way instead. You can put a stroker crank in a 389 and bump it up to around 440 cubic inches. Unless you're planning on real high HP and/or racing the car it should still be reliable, from the outside it will still look original, you won't have the expense of buying a second engine and you won't have to worry about finding space to properly store the original.

[Keith Vrabec]

FOr more fun consider my 76 TA motor as a pattern. WIth close 4 sp and 3.23's

455 with 6X heads, 7.6 (YES THAT LOW!!!!) compression.

RA 3 manifolds, 2.5 exhaust with crossover.

73 EGR manifold with spreadbore Holley with vac secondaries.

Comp Cams XE series 268 with Rhoades lifters.

Split duration cam with rhoades is key to combo, builds plenty of cylinder pressure and is a complete gas to drive.

Mash the pedal without ping or worry about silent knock.

Put all the timing in you want.

Pull the car from 20 mph in 4th gear witihout ping, stumble or pop. Pulls hard and smooth. Really works well at 1500-2200 and beyond.

Likes manifold vacuum to distributor to bring in advance early.

Run 87 octane.

PErfect street combo for daily use here in the land of many mountains.

[grnwng]

Think I found an engine. Now when and if things get caught back up I can go to Illinoise and bring it home with the semi. ( Same way I brought Bonnie home.)