Pontiac Engine Builder in Texas????
 

My friend has a '68 Firebird and we're trying to find a local shop that knows Pontiacs to build up the 400. We don't need anything special really just a pretty much stock rebuild.

Does anyone know any shops in the Austin/San Antonio area?

ship it to Lee Atkinson ...in Seabrook, Tx
if you want his email...email me at [email protected] not sure he wants it posted..
otherwise , Maybe Thomas R in San A can help You out...I`ve got his email too..

Seabrook isn't too far from us. Is he pretty good?

Is thomas R a builder also?

Lee is excellent, a bonehead, but excellent builder....:D

sent ya an email....

Did Lee used to be in Lorena TX back in the 80's ?

of course he`s a bonehead, he invited both me and Danny to his wedding...we even sat at the same table! :D

Dont know ,didnt know him then....

Only shop here in Austin that I use currently is CHS (cylinder head shop).

They do good work IMHO,and they know pontiacs pretty damn well too.

In the past I've dealt with Dennis @ Precision Auto on Reinli st. here in Austin,but that was quite a while ago,so I have no idea what's going on over there these days.

Last I heard is they're doing a lot of imports and such.

Down in SA,you might wanna try Barney Moravits @ T & P automotive machine shop,just so long as you are'nt in too big a hurry.

:2cents:

Bret P.

Thanks guys I'll check these ones out

That std '67 400 block is gonna be a good motor !

Yeah, I'm pretty excited. I can't wait to see it stomp Thomas' '67 Coronet 440 auto. haha

To do my machine work, I use Houston Engine. He built my 511 and both of my other motors as well. I have used many machine shops in the area, and they are one of the best. :)

I'm still hoping for someone a little closer but thanks

So is it getting the SpeedPro forged piston upgrade on Tomahawk 5140 Steel I-beams and a balance job ?

Still not sure. If Kelsey wants to spend the extra money. She's probably more anxious just to get it back on the road.

Just make sure the cast pistons are for a 67-68 , then maybe you will get true flat tops versus those dual-patterned crappy ones.. (if staying cheap) and a K2801 cam from Summit .. All good !

Just stay the hell away from Jenke (Junky) Engines, That MF ripped me off. I was stationed in SA, while in the military. Moved to AZ before I found out he or one of his boys helped themselves to my Forged Pistons and Comp Cam.

Oh, that sucks!

OK, Thanks Larry

I wont use the current variety of cast pistons for the 400's,the only ones out there these days are the 8 relief variety (as mentioned,they're crap),I have'nt seen or heard of a true OE style '67-up four relief cast piston being available for the 400 engines in a good long time,any sets of those that I've come across were strictly NOS stuff.

As for the rods,you'd likely spend just as much to resize the OE cast rods and add some good bolts,as you would spend on the "budget" forged 5140 I beams from Ace @ PPR,and the forged rods are a much stronger rod as well.

I would also spring for good valvesprings,and all new valves.

Build it once,build it right,then drive it like you stole it.

:2cents:

Bret P.