When did Pontiac start using the same crankshaft?
This particular casting was used for mid-1970s 350 and 400 applications, and contains only the first four digits of the part number. Since the two engines use the same crank but require different balances, the remaining two digits were stamped elsewhere. It makes identification very difficult.
What kind of timing chain does GM use?
The rest of GM’s lineup (2.0/2.2L, 3100, 3300 and 3800 V6; 5.0, 5.7L and 7.4L V8, etc.) are all pushrod engines that use a traditional timing chain and gear set to turn the cam. To better understand the cam drives on some of these GM applications, let’s take a closer look at a few examples to see what’s unique or different.
Which is TDC when the crank is 180 degrees off?
If the cam is 180 degrees off (360 deg for the crank) it should not make a difference. because each 360 the crank does the cam does 180 meaning piston 1 will be tdc when the cam lobes are pointing up and again when they are down. but you still need to make sure your cams are at exactly their 180 degree spot relative to the cranks 360 degree spot.
Can a cast crankshaft be removed from a Pontiac V-8?
About as much as .050 inch can be removed without compromising crankshaft rigidity. The limiting factor is availability of correctly undersized bearings. Beyond normal grinding and micropolishing of the journal surfaces, there isn’t much more that a cast Pontiac crank requires for use up to 600 hp, or slightly more.
Where does the crankshaft go when setting to TDC?
So, if you simply set the crankshaft to TDC without looking at the position of the camshaft, you may actually be at TDC on the exhaust stroke for cylinder #1.
Why do you need to chamfer the crankshaft on a Pontiac?
Chamfering the oil passages on a stock Pontiac crankshaft improves lubrication by giving the passage a greater surface to disperse oil. It removes burrs that can scratch the crankshaft and/or inhibit proper oil flow. It’s a modification that your machinist should perform before journal polishing.
What are the dimensions of a Pontiac crankshaft?
Depending upon the manufacturer, bearings are available in standard dimensions, .001- inch undersize and then in .010-inch increments. Present undersize is up to .030 inch for main journals and .040 inch for Pontiac- and Chevy-size rod journals. You may need to check with the manufacturer for current availability.
When did Pontiac start using cast crankshafts?
: Pontiac used a forged crankshaft in its early V-8s. Castings first appeared in 1959 and were used through the end of V-8 production in 1981. Cast Pontiac cranks are quite durable and can offer excellent reliability to 600 hp or more with typical preparation.
When did Pontiac start using nodular iron for cranks?
Pontiac used the alloy during the late 1960s and through the mid 1970s; such cranks have a large “N” cast into them. Some nodular cranks of the era lack the identifier and that can cause confusion. Pontiac records indicate that the cranks were still constructed of nodular iron, however.
What was the displacement of the Pontiac V-8?
Forward/ rearward thrust is taken up at the fourth main journal. Enlarging bore diameter and adding crankshaft stroke length were ways that Pontiac increased the displacement of its original 287 to an eventual size of 455.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwMcmCIJaL0
When did Pontiac start casting cranks for V-8 engines?
Once Pontiac increased main journal diameter to 3 inches, it found that a cast crank could offer sufficient durability and reliability for its production V-8, allowing the elimination of the costly forging in all but a limited number of highly specialized competition engines. Pontiac began casting its production cranks in 1959.
How many HP does a cast Pontiac crankshaft need?
Beyond normal grinding and micropolishing of the journal surfaces, there isn’t much more that a cast Pontiac crank requires for use up to 600 hp, or slightly more. I suggest removing all traces of casting flash from the counterweights to eliminate areas where cracks can propagate.
What kind of drivetrain does a Trans Am have?
The drivetrains were durable for the most part. There may be a difference of opinion on the 301 engines as far as their reliability and durability. This Tech Tip is From the Full Book, TRANS AM & FIREBIRD RESTORATION: 1970-1/2 – 1981.
How do you drive a Pontiac Firebird Trans Am?
Slide the forward yoke over the transmission output shaft. Place the other end of the driveshaft into the rear axle yoke. Slide the shaft forward enough to clear the axle yoke ears and then pull it back slightly to seat the U-joint into the seat of the rear yoke.
What should I do if I hear a noise in my Pontiac Firebird?
If you hear a noise at idle and it goes away when the clutch pedal is depressed, the problem is most likely between the clutch fork and pivot ball. Set the parking brake, put the car in neutral, and start the engine. With the Firebird running, listen for a low-pitched noise. If you hear a noise, the issue may be in the transmission.
What should the timing be on a Pontiac V-8?
It’s an excellent piece that’s ideal for tailoring vacuum advance to provide peak engine efficiency at idle and part throttle. I recommend it above all others. For a naturally aspirated Pontiac V-8, I recommend a base (or initial) timing anywhere between 10 and 15 degrees.
Why do you need a grinding stone on a crankshaft?
It’s a modification that your machinist should perform before journal polishing. A grinding stone smooths the rough parting lines left behind on the crankshaft after the production process. It reduces the risk of cracks forming along the sharp edges, which can lead to failure in extreme applications.
What causes a Pontiac Montana to not start?
While the battery cables are not necessarily the most likely issue to cause your Montana to not start, they are some of the easiest to diagnose. You can take a look at the battery poles where the cables connect. If there appears to be green or white corrosion all around it, cleaning them may help get you back on the road.
What are the symptoms of a bad crankshaft position sensor?
Cost of Replacing a Bad or Failing Crankshaft Position Sensor. Common signs of a faulty crankshaft position sensor include issues starting the vehicle, intermittent stalling, and the Check Engine Light coming on. Our certified technicians can come to you and diagnose the problem.
What causes a crack in a Pontiac crankshaft?
A crankshaft constantly flexes during normal operation. Over time, cracks can develop in the fillet area (where the journals meet the counterweights). If your build includes a cast Pontiac crankshaft, it must be magnetically inspected (Magnafluxed) to determine that it’s completely crack free before spending any money on machining.
This particular casting was used for mid-1970s 350 and 400 applications, and contains only the first four digits of the part number. Since the two engines use the same crank but require different balances, the remaining two digits were stamped elsewhere. It makes identification very difficult.
What does no start no crank no click mean?
If you have a late model GM vehicle and turn the key only to hear nothing, you’ll most likely think you have a dead battery—and you may. But a no start, no crank, no click condition can be far more involved than that. In the old days, power flowed through the ignition switch and down to the starter solenoid. Not anymore.
Once Pontiac increased main journal diameter to 3 inches, it found that a cast crank could offer sufficient durability and reliability for its production V-8, allowing the elimination of the costly forging in all but a limited number of highly specialized competition engines. Pontiac began casting its production cranks in 1959.
Pontiac used the alloy during the late 1960s and through the mid 1970s; such cranks have a large “N” cast into them. Some nodular cranks of the era lack the identifier and that can cause confusion. Pontiac records indicate that the cranks were still constructed of nodular iron, however.
How are engine blocks cleaned in a Pontiac?
Engine blocks are cleaned then magnafluxed to check for cracks. The cylinder bores are measured at the top, bottom and center as well as inspected for damage.
What’s the best way to assemble a Pontiac engine?
You can also use residue-free solvents and lint-free cloths to wipe contact surfaces just prior to assembly. You can never be too clean when building any engine! A Fel-Pro number-2806 Gasket Kit contains virtually every gasket required to completely assemble a typical Pontiac engine.
What kind of head does a Pontiac head have?
PONTIAC HEAD CHART CASTING NUMBER YEAR & FACTORY APPLICATION CHAMBER VOL# CC’S NOTEWORTHY ATTRIBUTES 528511 1958 370 62 1.88/1.6 55-60 INT MAN 538177 61-62 389 62 1.88/1.6 61-64 INT MAN 543797 63 389 62 1.88/1.60 9770716 63 421 HO,64 GTO 65 1.92/1.66
About as much as .050 inch can be removed without compromising crankshaft rigidity. The limiting factor is availability of correctly undersized bearings. Beyond normal grinding and micropolishing of the journal surfaces, there isn’t much more that a cast Pontiac crank requires for use up to 600 hp, or slightly more.
You can also use residue-free solvents and lint-free cloths to wipe contact surfaces just prior to assembly. You can never be too clean when building any engine! A Fel-Pro number-2806 Gasket Kit contains virtually every gasket required to completely assemble a typical Pontiac engine.