For now, at least.
October to January:
Read More: Pontiac Catalina
Read More: Pontiac Catalina
We swapped out the old “outers only” valve springs, and installed Comp Cams 988-16 valve springs by pumping compressed air into the cylinder (through an old compression tester hose), and a valve compressor made from a “fiendishly low build quality” Wrecking Bar that I modified.
Handy tip for installing hoods – use a bolt with the head cut off and rounded (and slotted like a flat-blade screw) as a “pin” to hold the hood in the hinges. Much easier to support the hood while you argue with fasteners.
Now we just need to wait for some dry, no snow, no salt, days to break in the rings.
Broke in the cam today.
Idle exhaust note is different than before. Previously it was just “big old car” sound. It’s different now, a little more “stout” – maybe “hint of lope”?
Cam is Summit’s “high-lift” version of the H.O. #068 cam (some call it the Ram Air III, but it isn’t): 214°/224° .444″/.466″ 112°. Engine is allegedly 10.25:1 from the factory.
Nice to have it not pissing fluids all over the place anymore….
Read More: Pontiac Catalina!
Upper control arm bushings were shot, so new bushings, quick scrub and paint, and it’ll go back on. Lower bushings are iffy, so those are ordered.
Read More: Pontiac Catalina!
Another effort in trying to stop all the leaks, we re-sealed the Saginaw steering box:
I tell you, this was the easiest remove and replace I’ve ever done. I didn’t have to fight with it at all.
Read More: Pontiac Catalina!
Read More: Pontiac Catalina!
Heads are on. “Break-in” springs installed. Tested for oil pressure and we have oil up at all the rockers. Intake next, and paint!
Read More: Pontiac Catalina!
What matters is how the ports “feel” to the air. I port for “smooth.”
The tools I used on this job:
Shop-vac-to-port-adapter, various die grinders, pressure regulator.
The LONG burr has a metal sleeve around it which I use to guide the cutter to where I want it – I hold the metal sleeve.
Only smooth the short-side. Significant cuts to finish the incomplete factory throat cut. All “edges” removed. Burr finish only.
To the haters: the level of work depends on the application – this is more than fine for a 19′ road sofa with a 2-barrel and single exhaust.
3-angle valve job completed. Though, truthfully, any valve job should be at least 3-angle.
Valve Guide Boss Cutter I made years ago cut down the valve guide bosses, so I can fit modern positive lock valve seals (part number below), which it turns out are harder to find than different part numbers. These are quite a small body diameter.
Read More: Pontiac Catalina!
