Engine Components- External

Dress for Success: External Engine Components for Pontiacs at Butler Performance

Taming the Crank: Harmonic Balancers/Dampers

A high-revving Pontiac engine generates significant torsional vibrations in the crankshaft, which can lead to component failure. The harmonic balancer (or damper) is essential for absorbing this energy.

• SFI-Approved Dampers: For any engine seeing track duty or producing high horsepower, SFI-Approved Dampers from trusted brands like ATI and Romac are mandatory. These units are built to strict specifications to eliminate vibration and are certified safe for racing.

• Performance and Stock Replacement: Butler also offers high-quality Performance Street Balancers (like the ones from Powerbond) and durable stock replacements, many featuring the 4-bolt design common on 1968 and later Pontiac V8s. These parts are engineered with superior bonding materials to prevent the inner and outer rings from spinning, a common failure point on old OE dampers.

   
   

Oil Control and Capacity: Oil Pans & Accessories

Proper oil management is non-negotiable for engine longevity, especially in high-G cornering or hard acceleration.

• High-Capacity Oil Pans: Butler stocks performance oil pans from specialists like Canton Racing Products and others. These pans feature increased oil capacity (often 7–9 quarts) and include internal baffles and trap doors.

   
   

  • Road Race/Drag Race Pans: Designs with kick-outs and specialized baffling ensure the oil pickup remains submerged under oil, preventing cavitation and engine damage during aggressive driving.

• Dip Sticks, Tubes & Oil Accessories: The section includes replacement and specialty parts like custom dipstick tube kits and Windage Trays. These trays strip oil mist off the rapidly moving crankshaft and connecting rods, reducing internal friction and freeing up horsepower.

   

Front-End Aesthetics and Functionality

Modernizing the front of the engine, where all accessories are driven, is a key part of any performance build.

• Pulleys & Serpentine Belt Systems: Replacing old, bulky V-belt setups with a modern serpentine system greatly improves reliability and aesthetics. Butler offers:

   

  • All-Inclusive Serpentine Systems: Complete kits from brands like March Performance that provide a polished, high-end look while cleanly integrating the alternator, power steering pump, and A/C compressor.

     

  • V-Belt Pulleys: Stock replacement and conversion V-belt pulleys for builders maintaining a more original look.

     

• Alternator Relocation Kits: When installing an electric water pump or custom dry-sump system, the alternator often needs to be moved. Butler provides specialized Alternator Relocation Kits that move the alternator to a low-mount position, accommodating different water pump types and maintaining a clean engine bay layout.

   

Ignition, Air, and Starting Components

Rounding out the external components are essential parts for air intake, starting, and ignition:

• Starters: Offering dependable High-Torque Mini Starters from GPE, IMI, and TCI that are smaller, lighter, and more powerful than factory units, often providing better clearance for large-tube headers.

• Air Cleaners/Filters: Butler supplies a variety of high-flow air cleaners and filters to ensure clean, unrestricted air induction to the carburetor or EFI system.

   

• Valley Pans and Accessories: Including specialized valley pans that help eliminate oil consumption through the PCV valve and keep a neat appearance beneath the intake manifold.

   

By stocking the highest quality external components from names like ATI, Holley, Milodon, and Canton, Butler Performance ensures that every aspect of a Pontiac engine build is addressed with performance, durability, and a clean finished look in mind.