Delighted with Tripower Restoration

[schlitzman]

I just had my tripower system completely restored by Mike Wasson (www.pontiactripower.com). I am absolutely thrilled with the results. I bought a "restored" original system last year for my '66 GTO. I paid TOP dollar for it. It looked great, but it never performed well. In looking for solutions and help, I was directed to Mike. He was extremely knowledgable, and helpful. He guided me through many telephone diagnoses to help locate and correct the problems I was having, mostly with poor idling and vacuum leaks. After many attempts to solve the problems myself, I finally asked Mike to rebuild/restore the complete tripower unit. I sent him all three carbs, and got them back in much quicker than expected. They were gorgeous. Appearance was outstanding, and all faulty components were replaced. Mike sealed the throttle blades on both end carbs so they operated correctly and sealed completely. Operation of the center carb is now now smooth and exact. The first time I fired up the new system, all functions worked normally and predicatble. This was the first time I could even get the engine to properly idle. Manifold vacuum was 17" Hg, and steady as a rock! I took the car out last night on the road for the first time, and was delighted again. The engine ran smooth and performed well in all gears. Cruising was a dream, especially on side streets in third. I haven't really gotten into it, but it raps up real fast to 4500 rpm like it wants to keep on going! Maybe this weekend I'll open it up.

So lessons learned, or things I'd do different--- If you're a first time tripower person, read and explore before you buy. I'd definately go to Mike's web site, and get his CD on tripowers. If I had done this first, I'd not only be better informed, I'd be a better customer knowing what to ask and what I was getting. If you have troubles, contact Mike early. He can provide advice, parts and if needed, restoration. Mike is a craftsman and a true gentleman. I highly recommend him and his services.

Schlitzman

[mwritter]

Great write up - Mike is the best.

[DiamondJim]

Mike worked wonders on my tripower also, I highly recommend him. -Jim

[TxGoat]

I've exchanged some emails with Mike Wasson, sounds helpful and knowlegable. I just bought a tripower to rebuild - original carbs, mising a few linkage parts, chokes, pulloffs, but carbs are corect and in very salvageable shape - it went through a wee bit of an engine fire. If you don't mind me being rude, I am curious what he charged you to do it. I want to do it, but if I run into problems, I need to know what my $$ cost will be to get it done right. If you don't want to post it publicly, you can PM me or send it to my email ([email protected]). Appreciate the help.

Thanks!

[Jameaux]

I have done business with Mike on several occasions and I think he top shelf. I have bought parts from him and one completely restored '66 tripower. Most recently I ask him to do some work on a carburetor base and I was amazed how quickly the part was back to me -- he turned it around in a day and shipped it back priority. Mike is detail oriented and is a craftsman; I recommend him.

[DAN]

Web page for Mike Wasson comes up as error.

[Held for Ransom]

Web page for Mike Wasson comes up as error.

http://www.pontiactripower.com/

It's because the ). is being added in the link from above. The one I posted should be good.

[DAN]

Thanks........

[RAJ7395]

Mike is friend of mine and he's just as nice in person as he is on the phone. Truely a great guy and an asset to the pontiac fraternity. He takes great pride in his work, values his customers, always tries to exceed your expectations, and just flat out does a great job.

The restoration price is directly related to the condition of your existing tripower and what you plan on doing with it.

TxGoat- I you want your unit to lok and run as good as it did from GM then take you time, follow the advise of the folks on this board, and restore it yourself. I do suggest buying the carb kits, linkage, and fuel lines from Mike. He's very picky about the parts he uses so that's the guy to buy them from. If you run in to trouble, he'll be there for a little while longer.

However, if you want your unit to run better than it did from GM, then send it to Mike. He'll go over it with a fine tooth comb and replace/repair worn shafts (if needed), seal gaps between the throttle blades and the venturii on the front and rear carbs (The special sealent used for this is hard to get and goes bad fast), he can enlarge and radius the venturii's for better air flow, re-jet the carbs to match your engine, altitude, and fuel type and on and on.

[67 Lamnas]

I've known Mike for probably 20 years or so, he's a great friend and very fair and nice to his customers.

He recently put together a killer '66 tripower for my 455. The end carbs have had the center sections opened up, he made me up some special fuel lines and fuel log, and even converted the center carb to an electric choke for me. All this on top of a lightweight aluminum 66 repop intake.

It looks fairly stock, but it's far from it......can't wait to try it out.

Thanks, Mike!!

[GTOJOE228]

I had a friend who needed his Tri-Power restored. Read a lot about Mike and am happy to say that upon my advice my friends results were first rate. From the quick service to the many detailed questions my friend had, Mike was available and was also a gentleman to deal with. Tri-Power looks so perfect.....Thanks Mike for a job well done. I will continue to recommend you and your services.

GTO JOE

[tripwr1964]

I agree with all above. Mike is a great guy to know and do business with. I am fortunate to live close, so I can visit his shop and talk pontiacs with him on occasion!