Recent Posts

1

Mechanical / Re: Clutch Fan

« Last post by nUcLeArEnVoY on Today at 11:20:12 AM »

A standard duty clutch fan was what was equipped from the factory, which would be a Hayden 2705. This was even for AC cars.

Most owners upgrade to the Heavy Duty 2747, which is JUST barely applicable for the 18.5-19" Pontiac 400 or Olds 403 fans. This is what I use and it cools very well.

Still, others overkill and use the Severe Duty 2797. The issue with using this clutch is that it is meant for fans with a much larger pitch than any factory fan, and as a result it is pretty much engaged 100% of the time. This overcools the motor as well as robs engine power due to how stiff it is.

2

Mechanical / Re: Coolant leak how to fix

« Last post by nUcLeArEnVoY on Today at 11:11:32 AM »

Probably the most notorious coolant leak point on a Pontiac motor.

As others have said, you only bolt down the intake not even finger tight; and you tighten the draw bolt first to effectively "pull" the intake into the timing cover to compress the donut seal. The spec is 15 lb-ft, but it goes more by feel since that draw bolt is prone to snapping easily. Once that's torqued, THEN you torque the intake bolts to spec.

A bead of RTV along the machined flange on either the intake or timing cover is permissible for a little extra insurance. Shouldn't have to put any on the donut itself.

3

Mechanical / Re: Boosting a 301 (for fun)

« Last post by 5th T/A on Today at 10:45:56 AM »

Luke, this is the guy you should talk to https://ttaperformance.com/my-turbo-cars
Actually I think you already have a relationship. Isn’t this where you get your flywheel from? He probably is the most knowledgeable guy out there on th 301 turbo. He has integrated EFI and run 12.85 quarter miles with his 301 turbo TA.

4

Mechanical / Re: Boosting a 301 (for fun)

« Last post by N PRGRES on Today at 10:28:35 AM »

Its a 301, you can't make it any worse!  Sounds like a fun experiment!

5

Mechanical / Re: Coolant leak how to fix

« Last post by 5th T/A on Today at 08:46:15 AM »

Years ago I installed many Pontiac intakes without leaking problems pretty much the same as Brian mentioned, having the intake to head bolts started, then draw the intake forward with the single water pump bolt. I might have used some Permatex aviation formagasket on the O-ring doughnut. I read somewhere there were problems with some of the new doughnuts not being thick enough. Not confirmed.

I also like to use a cooling system pressure tester on the system putting about 15 PSI while checking for leaks. This allows leak testing without topping off the cooling system or running the engine. I bought mine forty years ago. Most auto parts stores will lend one for free.

6

Mechanical / Re: Coolant leak how to fix

« Last post by b_hill_86 on Today at 08:19:40 AM »

You’ll want to replace the intake gaskets too of course and a little RTV can help with the o ring too

7

Mechanical / Re: Coolant leak how to fix

« Last post by formula46two on Today at 07:14:49 AM »

First thing I would try is loosen the intake bolts then snug the bolt that draws the intake toward the timing cover. Then properly torque the intake bolts. Can’t hurt to try. If you try that and it doesn’t work or skip it, I’d remove the intake, replace the o-ring and reinstall following the same procedure of drawing the intake forward first then tighten the intake bolts.

Thanks, I'll try that. Now I know why some separate the coolant intake and the intake

8

Interior / Re: Interior progress.

« Last post by rkellerjr on Today at 06:18:12 AM »

Good to see progress, very nice!

If you ever need more criticism post some progress pics on fbook!

hahahaha!

9

Number Crunching / Re: 400 casting code

« Last post by rkellerjr on Today at 06:15:10 AM »

I think the 557 block has a much worse reputation than it deserves. Buttler Performance uses the 557 block in builds up to 450 or 500 HP, I don’t remember which. Obviously there a lot of variables that come into play when building an engine other than just the block. Probably just as important to have it done by a competent shop.

The shop that did my motor work was aware of the 557 reputation. He said yes, it is a weaker motor but, he said, done right, he could push that block to run 600hp without issue. He said while you don't want to build a quarter mile beast with it, you can build a very nice street machine.

10

Mechanical / Re: Boosting a 301 (for fun)

« Last post by roadking77 on Today at 05:50:05 AM »

I think it sounds like fun. I am not mechanically inclined but I am pretty good at figuring things out. I would be up to the challenge for fun and entertainment! You are pretty good with this kind of stuff and I am sure you can do something crazy with it.