Hi all, new member here. I currently own a 1972 gto project car. It has a 400 big block with matching 400 tranny. I don't really know anything about muscle cars and engines but I find this cars beautiful. I'm doing bodywork on the car right now. The engine and tranny needs to be rebuilt. I actually have an extra 400 tranny that came from another 72. It was given to me by a friend who used to own a 72 gto. All he asked was for me to let him spin the car one time if I ever finish it. I'm 28 yrs. old and just started getting into old cars (late bloomer). I would really like to try and rebuild the engine and transmission since I have extra time but i'm not sure what I really need and what I have to do. I found some rebuild kits online but I was wondering if those kits are good enough? Also, Is it possible to rebuild this engines without taking it to shops? Is there a step by step proper procedure of doing this? I would really like to learn so any advice or input from you is greatly appreciated.
Welcome to the site 72. I'm in the same position, wanting to learn how to fix up my car. Luckily you've come to the right place lots of knowledge to be found here and a great group. Probably the best site you could have found.
Sorry 72, looks like we left you hanging. Welcome aboard. We love pics here so if you have any please post. So this is your first engine build. My advise is to ask questions every step of the way. You might want to look into getting a how to rebuild pontiac engine book to help, see link below. Look for a good machine shop you will need for valve grind, crank polish or cut, block check for cracks and if need boring. DO not buy pistons until you find out if your block needs to be bored out. Here is a thing to remember is stick with flat top pistons, keep away from the dome piston they do not work so great in a pontiac engine. To change compression you change heads. If you need a list of what heads you need for what compression just ask I have that info. For a stock build I would stay with a kit that has the TRW forged piston. I think Sealed Power has the moldings for the TRW line now. They make good priced engine rebuild kits for Pontiacs. Any way good enough for a street engine.
Is there something wrong with the engine or are you just looking to freshen it up?
Is it apart now?
My advice is if you have never done an engine, find a friend or someone who would be willing to help you with it. To do it alone if you never had is too intimidating once you get into it and you will likely find yourself overwhelmed.
Also, I would suggest you do not attempt to overhaul an automatic transmission. That is best left to someone who specializes in them.
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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars
Welcome aboard just about to do my first engine in about 25 years so I have a friend who is going to help me. Good luck with your project and post a few pics if you have we love pics
-- Edited by 57poncho on Saturday 25th of April 2009 07:23:32 AM
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1957 Pathfinder deluxe 4 door wagon 1961 Pontiac Parisienne bubble top Traded for a Harley sorry guys.
Welcome to the site. Like was said before most guys on here have great know how. Two books that you should get is the 64-74 GTO restoration guide and a 72 service manuel. Make sure you bag and tag everything you take off so you know where it goes.
Welcome ! I have a little brother to the 72 GTO, a 1972 Pontiac Lemans with the Pontiac 400 4 barrel, turbo 400 trany as well, my engine needs to be rebuilt as well, don't let a chevy machine shop rebuild your heads, alot of them will cut them at 45 degree angle on the intake side, the Pontiac are 30 degrees unlike chevy heads. all the best and good luck on your restoration.
Another item to watch for is remind your machine shop to put back that oil gallery plug back in before they cover it up with the freeze plug. On the back end of the block ,passenger side, there is a oil gallery plug behind a freeze plug and is often forgotten about on reasembly. They put the freeze plug back in but forget about the oil gallery plug. You forget this and no oil pressure.
Whats wrong with your Poncho engine? To rebuild her is a little different than a good ole Chev block and usually a bit more expensive as they are odd a bit, like Olds Buick or Caddy.. Ask alot of questions and you will need to hit a machine shop for things like resizing your rods , turning and polishing the crank, its a good idea now a days to cross drill that big old crank and will need to use a different bearing. I did mine but with the help of a machinist buddy and we balanced it and the heads are ported and cc'd etc... Go and buy this book
Oh and use the new vitron rear main seal as the rope seal will leak with the oils they have now a days...
Change out your oil gallery plugs with threaded plugs and make sure you have the hidden one near the cam gear with the oil spurting hole drilled in it..
Before you get into it get the codes off the block and the heads, then you will know what you have for compression etc...
Here is a site to find your casting codes and date codes of your engine and heads
Thanks all. I just ordered that book. I will most likely post pics after June or July because i'm moving soon.
Are all engine rebuildable? I think the engine is seized. Is it a good idea to take it apart now so I can atleast see if it's gone?
I'm not really looking to build a powerful engine since I'm still in the process of learning about this engines. Most of my friends are into import cars and when I ask them about small block, big block or long block. They couldn't give me an answer. Is there a good book to learn about muscle car engines? Thanks!
-- Edited by project72 on Saturday 25th of April 2009 07:26:10 AM
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