78 Grand Prix project

[G-Body_Vet]

More budget build options:

1. Used, dirty Edelbrock performer $80
2. Bead blasting & painted cast iron '70 intake casting #9799068 $100

Everything says the 68-72 factory intakes flow good. Been hearing that the Edelbrocks need slight port work, even fitment issues with the RPM intakes.

 

[deanlemans81]

Hey Steve, before buying a intake, Check on the high performance pontiac magazine website. A couple of years ago they ran a fairly comprehensive comparison of various intakes including factory and aftermarket ones. They may have the article on-line in their tech section. If not let me know, I look through my back-issues.

 

[G-Body_Vet]

Hey Steve, before buying a intake, Check on the high performance pontiac magazine website. A couple of years ago they ran a fairly comprehensive comparison of various intakes including factory and aftermarket ones. They may have the article on-line in their tech section. If not let me know, I look through my back-issues.

Trust me Dean, I've been reading from a bunch of different sites. I've been checking HPP, Pontiaczone, PY, etc.

Besides, right now I'm going to focus on getting the short block rebuilt, buy some forged parts, and decide on a cam before I buy an intake. Although I did score a nice set of polished cast valve covers from ebay 😀 I got a ridiculous deal on these considering the fact that Summit charges $319 for the painted ones.

 

[79GP6.6L]

Nice valve covers!

This is well worth the money if you don't already have it.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1884089674/?tag=gbody-20

 

[G-Body_Vet]

Nice valve covers!

This is well worth the money if you don't already have it.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1884089674/?tag=gbody-20

The Pontiac bible, of course lol! I grabbed Cliff's Q-jet book too. I'm going to talk to the machine shop this week if I have time. Now that we've finally got above freezing again in Chicago. I feel more motivated to get the ball rolling.

 

[G-Body_Vet]

I haven't updated this in awhile but I'm starting to get a little more accomplished. My valves came in today so I need to go drop them off with the machinist doing the work. I'll get some pics of the port job too while I'm at it. These are made by SI Industries in Simi Valley http://www.sivalves.com/ocdomestic_valvesps_pont.html. These are the stainless, swirl polished "Portflow" version. Not at the bottom of the barrel replacements, but not full competition either. Cost me $168 shipped. I got them from Pacific Performance and they look good to me. 2.11 int, 1.66 ex. http://www.pacificperformanceracing.com/index.html.

And for anyone wondering why I didn't step up to the 1.77 ex valves this is why:
At between .4-.5" of valve lift,

The 1.66 valves flow 150-154 cfm with STOCK d-port heads

The 1.77 valves flow 157-162 cfm with STOCK d-port heads

Also consider the fact that my heads won't be stock.

Considering the cam I'll be using and the purpose of this car it wasn't worth the extra money to upgrade.

 

[67rstbkt]

Very nice....I'm trying to find a head gasket right now and did not realize it would be such a pain with a .030 over 400. On top of that, my pistons may be out of the hole slightly (.002-.003) and I might need a thicker HG. The only ones I could find are Cometics at about $200 for the set.

 

[G-Body_Vet]

Very nice....I'm trying to find a head gasket right now and did not realize it would be such a pain with a .030 over 400. On top of that, my pistons may be out of the hole slightly (.002-.003) and I might need a thicker HG. The only ones I could find are Cometics at about $200 for the set.

That seems odd that you'd have a hard time finding that for a 400. Have you called around yet? The .040 thick gasket won't cut it?

 

[67rstbkt]

Very nice....I'm trying to find a head gasket right now and did not realize it would be such a pain with a .030 over 400. On top of that, my pistons may be out of the hole slightly (.002-.003) and I might need a thicker HG. The only ones I could find are Cometics at about $200 for the set.

That seems odd that you'd have a hard time finding that for a 400. Have you called around yet? The .040 thick gasket won't cut it?

That's what I thought, too. I've checked out all the Pontiac places (pacific, Kaufmann, tin indian, butler, etc.) and Summit and Jegs. Same thing all over, they have the 1016 Fel-pro, but either for the stock bore or too big. I think I can use a bigger bore size, but I'm pretty sure I'll be affecting CR. I'm not sure yet if the .040 gasket will work; I'm waiting for the tool I ordered from Summit to check the out of hole/in hole measurement. If I am a little out of the hole, I'm not sure I want to risk it with a standard thickness gasket.

 

[G-Body_Vet]

I'm no Pontiac expert so I can't really offer any suggestions. Are you on any of the Pontiac forums at all? I'm sure one of the more seasoned guys can help you out. Either that or maybe Shotgun will see this post and chime in since he's seems to be the resident Poncho guru.