Jim, I have a set of Comp Cams 859 solid roller lifters that I bought in 2009. How can I visually tell if the are the endure-X type, they do have removable link bars. I have been sick for a few years and just getting back to working on my car, obviously I have forgot a lot. Thank you. Bob

Jim,

Was wondering if I could call you sometime today. I need some engine building advice.

Thanks,

Britt

call me on 313 372-9890

Tom Vaught

Hey Jim! "Dances with Elephants", what are great name for an Indian. Thanks for the tip on the trans cable clip, guess I will have to scrape all the crude off now. Have a great day Jim. -Jim Thompson (DiamondJim)

Shawn,

I didn't get the e-mail, sorry.

The 400 block and a "stroker" kit is the best way to go. Cost difference between building a strong 455 and a TOUGH 461 is minimal. The latter would be far stronger for longevity.

The "big" question regards heads. What do you have in mind? You need about 500 HP top run low 12s/high 11s with a 3,600 lb. car (ballpark weight of a 2nd gen). Iron heads can be modified to make that level without compromising integrity, but aluminum heads would make it a "slam dunk" with FAR more power available "later".

I'm gonna be closed from about noon today until Monday. If you would like to discuss it, call me Monday or Tuesday and we can talk.

Jim
Central Virginia Machine Service
606B 2nd St. NW
Burkeville, VA 23922
(434) 767-9915 Mon- Fri 9-6 ET

www.centralvirginiamachine.com

i sent you an e-mail but it must have gone to an old e-mail address so i'll copy it here:

Hi Jim:

I know you from 2 different forums , TAC and 78ta.com

i just bought Jim hand's book on pontiac V8's and found out you wrote the second chapter in it!!! how cool is that hehe.

anyhow, my question is, there are 2 guys local to me that are selling their engines, one is a 400 (says from a 73) and other is a 72 455

here are their craigslist ads:

pontiac 400 ad


the pontiac 455 ad is no longer there but it's a guy selling a 72 455 that he says it "looks like" it's rebuilt which doesn't matter since i'll be building it.

which one should i buy to start my build and why? i'm on a budget but not gonna cheap out on parts either if i have to save to get the right part i will.

the car i wanna build an engine for is a 79 TA that has a pontiac 350 in it right now (from a 72 lemans), built T-400 and all new 3.42 rear end with new posi, subframe connectors, electric pump and fan.

here's a link to my album if you wanna see some pictures of the car:


http://s514.photobucket.com/albums/t...rs/Trans%20am/

since this picture i've finished the interior and once i'm done with the engine it'll head to the paint shop.

my goals = street driven weekend warrior that can run low 12's (i'd like 11's but that can get really expensive and not street friendly) on pump gas.

if you get a chance to read this and reply i would really appreciate it.

Thank you.

Shawn.

Kevin,

Thanks! Same to ya!!

Jim

Hey Jim, or should I say Mr. Fastest Pontiac engine builder!
Congratulations on helping put together the fastest Pontiac ever!

Just wanted to wish you a very Merry Christmas.

Have a good one too!

Kevin Howe

Arrived Monday. Probably not going to install for a while as busy with a trip to Buffalo and later Norwalk.Thanks Bob