[MPNX2]

Anyone have recommendations for a good Pontiac engine builder in the Southern California area.

My Tri-Power and intake are currently out with PontiacTripower.com getting refurbished, and they’re about 65 days out. Since the car is already going to be down for a bit, I’m starting to wonder if now is the time to freshen up the engine.

The car ran ok but the tripower was leaking bad and not actuaing properly so off it went, but I already have a few things going on. I need to replace the harmonic balancer, which I already have, the water pump is on the way, and I have an alternator ready to go on it too. There is also an oil leak somewhere that I need to track down.

I’m not looking to build a race motor or anything crazy. I’d like to keep it looking pretty stock and just make it a solid, reliable street engine. If there are some smart upgrades to do while it’s apart, I’m open to that too.

Does anyone have a Pontiac guy they trust in Southern California, or within a reasonable drive? I’d rather find someone who knows these engines instead of just taking it somewhere randomly.

Also open to advice on what I should check while the intake and carbs are already off.

I dont want to have it torn down twice..

[65madgoat]

Lust4speed from this forum may be able to take it on. Or check with Engine Supply in Santa Ana but not going to be any time soon with them. L&R Engines in Santa Fe Springs check with as well. Good luck.

[b-man]

If there’s just a few oil leaks I’d try fixing them. Replace the balancer and water pump and possibly the timing cover if it’s corroded. A new timing chain is easy to do at the same time.

If the engine is truly worn out and needing a rebuild then do it, otherwise I’d just fix the few nagging issues and put your freshly rebuilt Tri-Power on it.

I had Mick (lust4speed) do my mostly stock 1964 421 HO back in 2015 and it’s been a great engine. I’m not sure he’s still doing them anymore, his trusted machine shop of choice Dougan’s stopped taking in work other than for the race car crowd that more than keeps them busy.

421 build thread:

https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...d.php?t=771742

If a rebuild is in the cards I’d upgrade to a set of inexpensive offshore forged connecting rods bushed for floating wrist pins rather than waste money rebuilding stock cast rods. Also some forged dished pistons to adjust your compression ratio to accommodate the use of 91 octane premium pump gas, using dished pistons assumes you have earlier high compression heads from the Tri-Power era.

[Scarebird]

Tom S might have a few suggestions.

[65madgoat]

JMS Racing Engines in El Monte is also legit and good with Pontiacs....

[65madgoat]

Basham Motorsport (BSM Machine) also great out in San Bernardino

[tom s]

2X Engine Supply.He has built a few engines for me.He did the 301-383 stroker engines a couple V engines and my latest a D port headed 455 HO block.A spare engine in case I need one for my 421 62 GP or my 63 421 Lemans.His business is a full time machine shop,old school.Mike is the owner,his 2 sons work for him.One of them,Matt does the engines.He usually only does one at a time so you will need to get in line.They used to do all the machine work for Joe Sherman before his passing.He has done Pontiacs for other on this board I think.I think the only thing he send out is crank grinding.Tom

[73ta]

Anybody but Fulper @ Rock & Roll Engineering!