rebuilding my 389

[66temp]

Heah guys I need some help I'm rebuilding a 389 for my first time. I have no manual with the specs and clearances. I would also like know if anyone has use rebuild kits from flatlander racing? Also any pontiac hints or tips. I doing a master rebuild with news pistons, bumped up cam, etc. Any info would greatly appreciated.

[MrPbody]

66,
DANGER! WARNING! Be wary of "kits" for engines so old. Little or nothing of true correct parts are available.
The Pontiac, while similar in most areas, to other V8 engine families, it has its own little quirks. There's another site or two you can visit and get more specific help. "boyleworks.com" (muscle cars) is one, and the other is classicalpontiac.com

Both of these sites offer e tremendous amount of expertise in the old Pontiac engine, and have little of the "I know more than you do...!" crap.
if you would like, you're free to e-mail me with any specific questions. Pontiac V8s are my "thing". [email protected]

Jim

[SphinXX]

Ummm... your 389 and a 68 pontiac 400 share alot of the same parts.

[MrPbody]

Sphinxx is right. The bearings, gaskets (if your 389 is a '65 or '66), timing set, oil pump, cam and lifters (unless your 389 is a '61 or older) are the "same" as 400. 326, 350, 421,428 and 455, too! The cam grinds are all different, but they all fit across the family.
The pistons and rings are different. Care must be taken to assure the piston doesn't run into the counterweight on the crank. Different years of 389 have different requirements.