Engine Rebuild and Refurbish

Anybody who's done a comprehensive resto project knows that it doesn't always follow a straight line, nor a precise timetable. You might thrash on it for several weekends in a row and then let it sit idle for months in a sort of automotive limbo-land. That's where Larry Weiner's '65 GTO has been up until recently, but now he's getting busy with it again.


Previous projects included bodywork, paint, color sanding, and upholstery. Now we're getting down to the engine. Even though this particular vehicle has some unique features, the approaches used on it apply to a wide range of resto projects, so you'll likely find some helpful tips and tricks for all sorts of older cars and trucks.

421, Anyone?
For instance, even though the engine looks visually identical to the 389 cubic inch motor found in the factory car, Weiner had to replace it after discovering some severe cracks in the cylinder block, and used a 421 ci block instead. It preserves the correct period look, yet pumps out about 50 more horses without breaking a sweat. He obtained the block from a reputable supplier, but made sure to sonic-test the metal to check for thickness and any hidden flaws before proceeding with the buildup.


Since the car is more of a boulevard cruiser than a hot rod, the internal mods are fairly mild, emphasizing reliability and simplicity over extreme performance. In addition to having the block decked and the cylinder bores align-honed, Weiner installed hardened valve seats, because the engine now runs on unleaded fuel.


Also, other components subject to age and wear were replaced, including the pistons, oil and water pumps, camshaft, timing chain, pushrods, lifter, and gaskets. Since the rpm range is fairly low, valve float is not a big concern, and the original hydraulic lifters for the valvetrain were left stock.