Suggestions please!

[BirdsThaWord]

I believe my motor is toast. Since I bought the car, there's been a little smoke during driving (more with heavy throttle), so I knew I wanted to rebuild it. Now I don't think I have a choice. The other day I went to start it so I could adjust the timing and carb that I recently installed. I had it running a few days before and was just going to tune it. When it started, it sounded rough, was stumbling and there was heavy vibration. I pulled the oil dipstick and found quit a bit of what looked like sand on the dipstick. I thought that maybe it had come from the entry hole of the tube being a little grimey, so I dipped it again and got more sandy oil. 3rd time produced the same results. SO... I have decided a rebuild is in order.

The existing combination is a mild build perfect for cruising and I want to stay that way (at least until I'm ready to drop in a 455 crate motor). My priority is dependablity foremost. Not too concerned about power with this build. My question is, what all machine work do I need to have done to the block? What about the heads?
As far as the block goes, I already know I want new cam, bearings, rings, lifters and freeze plugs in the block. Do I need to replace the crank or can it be machined for re use and still meet my goals? Any other stuff that I should replace? Machine work that should be done?
What all machine work should I have done to the heads? I'm sure new valves, springs, push rods are the safe way to go. Any other suggestions?
If you were taking your old blocj and heads to the machine shop, what all would you have done and what parts would you replace to ensure reliability?
Thanks in advance for your reply!

[LSx_88_Ciera]

Block: Torque plate bore, align bore or at least checked, deck surfaced, cam bearings installed, deburred, stud mains
Heads: milled to clean up surface, valves, guides, positive seals, hardened exhaust seats if an older (regular gas) head, 5 angle valve job, springs/locks/retainers, rocker and head studs
Rotating assembly: rods reconditioned, new ARP bolts, crank turned, pistons deburred/sharp edges removed, balanced.

Optional:
get a 400 block and have your 455 mains turned down to fit the 3" mains, requires special main bearings but the crank ends up being stronger, lighter and less likely to have main bearing trouble.

I may have forgot something cause I was a bit rushed have to go pick the fiancee.

[Gitter Dun]

If you are looking for the least expensive way to do this, pick up a short or long block from JR Motorsports or one of those guys out of Circle Track magazine. No sense in spending money on existing motor if you are going to go to a 455 later. Pick up a used set of heads and an intake. Throw a new mild cam in it and then use the accessories and what you can off your old engine. For $2500 you should be able to throw together a 400 h.p. motor.

You can always sell it later and still hold on to your original engine.

[BirdsThaWord]

LSX: Thank you! That's what I was looking for!
Gitter: I've considered those options too and am weighing them each against each other. I wanted to know what the cost difference was between the two, once I found out what the recommended machine work & parts would be to rebuild. I'll check out JR Motorsports as you've suggested too. Thanks!

[BirdsThaWord]

I checked them out and they don't have Pontiac motors!
What do you guys think about this?http://www.hiperformer.com/engines/p...pon_350lb.html Kind of cheap! I could run it while I save dough for the "big" motor and associated driveline stuff. Anyone bought a motor from these guys before? I doubt I could do all of the rebuild stuff at that price?

[LSx_88_Ciera]

No offense but I don't see the point of buying/building a temporary motor unless time is an issue because the vehicle is a daily driver. I am pretty sure this is not a DD.

Since you are in Florida you should get in contact with Kauffman Racing Equipment they are one of the top Pontiac builders in the world.
500-900HP on pump gas
http://www.krepower.com/

PS:
In your sig is the far right pic airbrush?
If it is.... WOW nice

[BirdsThaWord]

No offense but I don't see the point of buying/building a temporary motor unless time is an issue because the vehicle is a daily driver. I am pretty sure this is not a DD.

Since you are in Florida you should get in contact with Kauffman Racing Equipment they are one of the top Pontiac builders in the world.
500-900HP on pump gas
http://www.krepower.com/

PS:
In your sig is the far right pic airbrush?
If it is.... WOW nice

I'm familiar with Kauffman. I know they make some bad ass engines. The reason I'm going mild (for now) is this: I need to beef my rear, tranny, etc. for the power if I'm going to do it right. My old suspension, rear end, tranny, etc. would give me probs if I throw a bunch of torque at them. When I do my "big" motor, it will only be after all of those items have been beefed up.
The 'Bird in the pic is my gas door emblem. Yes, that would be amazing air brushing!!!

[aronhk_md]

Another option is to keep an eye on the pontiac sites. I have seen more than a few short and longblock pontiac motors rebuilt and ready to go for VERY reasonable $ on the forums at performanceyears.com

One if I remember correctly was very recently listed...built by SD performance and in the $3000 range. Dave at SD knows how to build pontiac motors with the best. I think it was listed under the performance parts section.

Sometimes its really best to spend a couple more $ to buy something built by a pro.

[Pro Stock]

Call or email Don Johnson at DCI Motorsports, dci.com, he will be able to answer all of your questions and is a great guy, he's located in Ohio but I'm sure that he would be glad to speak to you and get you headed the right way. If his phone # is still the same it's 330-628-3354, tell him that Woody's buddy Dale told you to call. If you like a little backgrond on him go to http://www.popularhotrodding.com/....../photo_23.html

Dale

[BirdsThaWord]

Thanks you guys! When I pulled the valve covers off, I was amazed how clean everything was. Like it was just assembled. No deposits, dark, burnt oil or anything. Just clean oil. Makes me feel like I'd be messing up to get rid of it. I wonder what all of the above mentioned machine work & assembly would run? By the way, I've located a mildly built (basically stock) short block for $1700 plus delivery. Could I get this one rebuilt for that? I wonder?