[77 TRASHCAN]

Originally Posted by Cmseabee24

No they make an adapter kit to mount up to a th350 or th400 although I think they range from $600-$1,000.

You're the Pontiac Newbie, LOL, I'm not...I've never heard of such an adapter???
Cool!!!

[Sirrotica]

Originally Posted by 77 TRASHCAN

You're the Pontiac Newbie, LOL, I'm not...I've never heard of such an adapter???
Cool!!!

They have an adapter to run a T400/T350 on the early blocks, and yes they are pricey. For all the stumbling blocks your going to run into trying to make an early engine fit in a late chassis, just buying a 70, and later engine would actually be less expensive..............

The adapters to use a late transmission in an early chassis is mostly to keep a early engine in an early chassis, but update from the slim Jim or 4 speed hydramatic transmissions. Both of the older transmission designs are old technology, plus there aren't many places left that can refurbish the old transmissions any longer, If you do find someone that is qualified, and has the necessary knowledge/tools, It gets expensive. The person with an older car then has the option of buying the adapter and converting their early engine to a late transmission.

It may be easier, and cheaper for the OP to purchase a late engine and sell the 62 engine to someone who needs it, but it's a limited market for early engines. Probably someone that already owns an early 60s car would be the prime market. You should be able to get your investment back from someone that owns an early car.

A later model 400/455 should be simple to get 350 HP from for a street driven car.

[geeteeohguy]

Originally Posted by Stuart

A good reference for building Pontiac engines would be a copy of Rocky Rotella's book: https://www.amazon.com/How-Build-Max.../dp/1613254741 There's also an updated version of the book, although I suspect the older one would be adequate for a mild build: https://www.amazon.com/How-Rebuild-P.../dp/1613255632

THIS^^^. Since you are new, you need to do a lot of research and homework in order to put together what you want with maximum efficiency and minimal cash outlay. Need to know what car, what trans, what rear gear, what driving conditions, etc. Early 389's are great engines, and can run well stock or modified with later cylinder heads and intakes. The big change came in '65, so upgrading to '65 and later heads and intake is a real improvement over time.

[1968GTO421]

Just for information Wilcap makes the adapters that also resolve the starter issue. No, not especially cheap but very useful to those who need it.

http://www.wilcap.com/pontiac.html

[389]

Just put a nice 068 cam in the 389 and use the four speed hydro. There is nothing wrong with that drive train.

[tom s]

No auto,build it for a stick shift!Way more EZ.JMHO,Tom

[DaleO]

My thoughts...building a 1962 389 is cool. To put later heads on it wrecks the "novelty" of the engine. I agree with poster 389 to put an 068 in and enjoy. 350 horse is nice but don't have this for the only goal. Going to a bigger engine would make the job easier. If you put later heads on you may as well just go with a 400/428/455.

[61-63]

Originally Posted by DaleO

My thoughts...building a 1962 389 is cool. To put later heads on it wrecks the "novelty" of the engine. I agree with poster 389 to put an 068 in and enjoy. 350 horse is nice but don't have this for the only goal. Going to a bigger engine would make the job easier. If you put later heads on you may as well just go with a 400/428/455.

The primary counter arguments to what you are saying is that you can buy several 400 pistons off the shelf where 389 pistons must be special ordered, the only screw in or pinned studs in 389 heads are on the 421 SDs (very expensive) where there are a number of late 400 heads with screw in studs, same thing re hardened exhaust seats. It is just easier/cheaper to build the '62 block as a 400 than a 389 and make more hp/torque to boot.. Just saying.

[steve25]

Folks must also consider the fact that those original brackets that he has for the front of the motor put the Generator on the passenger side of the motor and only bolt up to 389 / 421 type heads!

[Cmseabee24]

Am I able to switch over to a manual transmission if this cam from the factory with a hydromatic? I’m sure I can but how costly would it be for either a Muncie or T10?

[tom s]

All the engine side parts are avail for the 4 speed,the issue will be the linkage depending on what car it goes in.You could always go hyd linkage.I would not worry about any of the brackets on the front of the motor until you know the car application.I would not reuse the 4 bolt water pump anyway so he could chose a 8 bolt or a 11 bolt replacement.Tom

[Cmseabee24]

I’ve decided I’m going to keep the engine original. With that being said what is the best paint color match to use I order one but it doesn’t seem to be correct. I may paint it the later 70s engine color. With the 068 cam is there an aftermarket reman only asking because getting one used is something I don’t really want to deal with as it may have damage to it. Lastly is there any Oldsmobile body that I would be able to mount this in. This was from a B body. Only reason I ask is it is almost impossible to find a Bonneville or Grand Prix in decent shape that isn’t overly priced.

[Jay S]

Since your new to Pontiacs. Look up Butler performance. They have the adapters to adapt that engine the later cars. Including a starter adapter so you can run a new transmission if you need to.

https://butlerperformance.com/


https://butlerperformance.com/i-2445...%3Fq%3DAdapter

The Melling SPC-7 is the 068 replacement cam

Look thru Butlers site, lots of options for that engine. Original appears simple, but it is the most difficult path unless you happen to find a 61-64 Pontiac. Olds was totally on there own in that era. Some earlier (late 50s) Pontiacs were put on GMC pickups. You would look good pulling up to the Diesel shop driving a Pontiac power GMC. Just saying.... I work on a lot of Diesels, Pontiac should be a piece cake .

[Cmseabee24]

What about this for a cam? https://www.jegs.com/i/COMP-Cams/249...4L+%2F+389+%29

[Jay S]

That cam would take race gas in a 62 389. It is designed to build compression on lower compression engines.

The 068 factory cam will out perform that little comp cam, and be much friendlier on pump gas.

[Cmseabee24]

Why would it take race gas? Your saying it won’t run well on say 93? Or what about this cam?

https://www.jegs.com/i/COMP-Cams/249...ubmodel=CUSTOM

What number should I be looking at them on duration? And on lift?

[tom s]

You will need dished pistons if the heads and block get cut at all.Forget that cam crap unless your going to idle the car around all the time.Build it right the first time.JMO,Tom

[Cmseabee24]

Is there anything I should be aware of with either using a 093 head or a 77? I’m going to pair it with a 66 tri power intake. I figured out what route I’m going but am I able to just bolt these up or what prep do I have to do?

[Cmseabee24]

Last question is what kind or chassis can I purchase that will fit this in easy with least amount of fab work?

[Cmseabee24]

Also I found this for everyone that said it wouldn’t be worth or able to put an early 389 block in later years.

https://www.hotrod.com/articles/earl...ount-adapters/