1962 Catalina Engine/tranny swap!!

Didn't know where to put this so this looked like a good spot. I am going to be documenting the 62 389 engine and Slim Jim transmission removal and replacement.


I have a very limited budget right now and the 389 and slim Jim require TOO much money to repair.

Currently I am in the process of reviving another Pontiac engine. I will post a link to the pictures.

Looks good, but very bad overheating due to warped or cracked heads.


Here is the engine when I got it. 1972 Pontiac 350. Going to be swapping head gaskets and a few new parts to freshen it up.



I have a TH350 short tail that I removed from my 67 Tempest when I swapped it for a stick. So I will be using that tranny. I am going to be using a different color combo.

Underhood is going to go back to black. Engine is going to be white with some period correct Pontiac light blue.

More to come.

Dave

 

Nice to see those 389s. A rare site up here.

 

Oil pan gets painted period correct blue

 

It just doesn't look the same without all the oil and grease. I like that color Pontiac used on engines.

 

I know!!! It FEELS lighter too!! Yeah, even though the motor is a 72 I am painting the blue the correct color. I did not like the color on the cap, but I think it is gonna look good!!

Thanks
Dave

 

Its a rare thing to see a rust-free oilpan up here, over 5 years old. Although I've never seen one with bondo, come to think of it.

Nice colour too.

 

That poor thing never even had a chance to rust with all that oil/grease/sludge caked on it.

 

Well, in the first picture it is rusty closest to the front. I tried to grind it off and said the heck with it. Gave it the wrinkled look.!!!

 

Oil pump install

Out with the old....


In with the new....

 

New timing chain

 

Difference between head gaskets

The first picture is that of a Pontiac 400 head gasket. It will work in a pinch but look how much larger it is compared to the bore!!!




Here is the correct gasket see how well it fits!!!

 

Updates././

The 389 gets some parts sold and is starting to get gutted!!!!




The color scheme for the 350. WHITE block and heads with Pontiac blue accents!!!



More color and test fit distributor.

 

Nice just wanted to add a pic of my engine that I put into my Firebird although it's a chevy 350 lol...I painted it with the Pontiac metallic blue. (I didn't keep the quadrajet intake swapped it back to my tbi intake both aluminum just wanted to keep my efi!)

 

That does look good Pontiac Blue. Your Firebird came with a Chevy engine so we won't call you a cheater!!!

 

Haha thanks always want to make sure I'm not cheating....wait at what now? lol