Tech

  • Overheating? Common Reasons why Pontiacs can Overheat Overheating? Common Reasons why Pontiacs can Overheat

    Cooling has long been an issue in performance enhanced gasoline combustion engines. Read more for Tips
  • Pontiac Ignition Systems Pontiac Ignition Systems There have been vast improvements over the years in the area of ignition systems. The flow of lectricity from the distributor through the wires and firing the spark plug in the cylinder for combustion is not as simple as it may seem. The spark must be powerful enough and timed perfectly to optimize the detonation in the cylinder. Advancements have been improved in distributors, more powerful coils, ignition boxes that produce a multi spark, and easier wiring and installation.
  • Pontiac Performance Upgrades- Butler Built Bottom End Pontiac Performance Upgrades- Butler Built Bottom End Why do people trust us for their Pontiac performance needs? Simply put, its because we have produced some of the strongest, most dependable engines out there. We balance power and reliability and our combinations are tried and true and can be found in some of the world's top Pontiac's. We bring these same parts and know-how to your daily driver or weekend warrior. This article is meant to offer you good basic information on how to improve the performance in your Pontiac. We feel the more you know and understand, the better you can be equipped to make the right decisions to get the most performance and reliability for you application and budget.
  • Valve Cover Buying Guide Valve Cover Buying Guide One of the most popular topics in about the Pontiac engine is valve covers. This includes questions about functionality, style, originality, and customization. Let us help guide you in making the best decision for your Pontiac Valve Cover application.
  • Spark Plug Information Spark Plug Information
  • Edelbrock RPM Heads Identification Edelbrock RPM Heads Identification
  • Pontiac Ignition Systems Pontiac Ignition Systems
  • Pontiac Rockers Pontiac Rockers
  • Pontiac Trans Am Shakers Pontiac Trans Am Shakers
  • Butler Spec Head Gaskets and Water Holes Butler Spec Head Gaskets and Water Holes
  • Hyd Roller Lifter Specs and Information Hyd Roller Lifter Specs and Information Over the years there has been lots of discussion on Pontiac hydraulic retro fit lifters. We have taken the time to display all the specs from each lifter along with general information about variations in Pontiac blocks and camshafts.
  • Assembly Balancing Assembly Balancing Engine Balancing- Internal or External
  • Viton Rear Main Seal Information Viton Rear Main Seal Information
  • Cam Install- EFI or Manual Pump Cam Install- EFI or Manual Pump
  • Oil Rail Tech Oil Rail Tech
  • Pontiac Main Cap Identification Pontiac Main Cap Identification
  • Installing Pontiac Dipstick Tubes Installing Pontiac Dipstick Tubes
  • Pontiac Valve Stem Sealing Pontiac Valve Stem Sealing We get many questions regarding the intake seal styles on cast iron and aftermarket heads. Pontiac factory cast iron heads came with different styles of sealing such as valve stem o-rings and positive locking valve stem seals. We also machine cast iron heads to accept the same style as aftermarket heads which accept the positive locking valve stem seals. Read more...
  • Pontiac Timing Cover Identification Pontiac Timing Cover Identification How to identify Pontiac Timing Covers from 1964-65, 1966-67, 1968, and 1969 and up
  • Pontiac Water pumps Pontiac Water pumps Here at Butler Performance, we get a lot of tech questions. Some of the most common questions regard cooling the Pontiac engines and water pumps. We have taken some time to show the difference in the water pumps and help you with conversions as well.
  • Retro-Fit EFI Fuel Pump In-Tank Retro-Fit EFI Fuel Pump In-Tank This article details how to install an EFI in-tank pump in a stock or stock reproduction tank.
  • Pontiac Engine Firing Order


    Pontiac V8

    265, 301, 326, 350, 389, 400, 421, 428, 455


    Firing Order


    Cylinder Numbering Distributor Rotation

    Rotor Under Cap Spins:

    Counter

    Clockwise

    (*307 rotates Clockwise)

    These graphics courtesy of Boxwrench.com
  • In-Tank EFI Pump on Carbureted Applications In-Tank EFI Pump on Carbureted Applications
  • How to Set Valve Lash How to Set Valve Lash
  • HotRod Magazine's article on "What Causes Passenger Side Lifter Clatter on Pontiac V8 Engines"

    HotRod Magazine's article on "What Causes Passenger Side Lifter Clatter on Pontiac V8 Engines"

    Click Image to enlarge
  • D-Port vs. Round Port Edelbrock Performer RPM Heads D-Port vs. Round Port Edelbrock Performer RPM Heads
  • Compression Calculator Compression Calculator Simply fill in the form to calculate your compression ratio
  • Car Craft - Pontiac 400-455 Block Car Craft - Pontiac 400-455 Block    Car Craft 400-455 block.pdf
  • Camshaft Selection

    Not sure what cam is right for you?
    Simply fill out this CAM form and submit it to us. Our engine techs will review the information and give you a recommended cam for you application.
  • Torque Convertor Selection    convertor.pdf

    Not sure what convertor you need?
    Download our convertor recommendation sheet, then fill it out and fax or email the sheet to us. We will call you back with our recommendation.
  • Preassembly Tip Sheet

    Click HERE for this instruction sheet.
  • Pontiac Oiling System Diagram Pontiac Oiling System Diagram    OilRestrictors.pdf

    Click here for the diagram

    Download PDF to determine if you need Oil Restrictors
  • Hydraulic Flat Tappet Lifters    PontLifters.pdf

    Not sure if you have true Pontiac style lifters?

    Download PDF to see difference between Pontiac and Chevy Lifters
  • Butler Performance Inc. Engine Limited Warranty    Warranty.pdf
  • Camshaft Degree Instructions    145.pdf
  • Valve Adjustment To properly adjust valve lash using a hydraulic flat tappet camshaft a sequence must be followed. Begin by working a single cylinder at a time. Turn the engine over by hand, or, have an assistant "bump" the engine over with its starter. When the exhaust valve begins to open, STOP! Adjust the lash of the intake valve at this time. Continue turning engine while paying attention to the intake valve. Stop turning engine when the intake valve has opened and is ¾ closed. Adjust the exhaust valve at this time. Lash adjustment is achieved by sliding the pushrod up and down between the rocker arm and lifter while slowly tightening the rocker arm adjustment nut. When pushrod has no free play between the lifter and rocker arm, STOP! Turn the nut 1/2 turn further to preload the lifter.
  • Pushrod Length Checking Instructions Link to article on compcams.com
  • Head Torque Sequence Diagram Head Torque Sequence Diagram

    Click here for this instruction sheet
  • Water Pump Height Diagram Water Pump Height Diagram
  • Smog-Era heads to OEM intakes modification Smog-Era heads to OEM intakes modification    HPPP-130100-RO.pdf

    How to modify a smog-era Pontiac cylinder head to accept any original intake manifold
  • Blocks and Motor Mounts - What will fit my car Blocks and Motor Mounts - What will fit my car

    Click Here for information
  • 4.25 or 4.500 crank clearance

    This picture shows the only area that normally needs to be clearanced to put either a 4.25" or 4.500" stroke crank in a Pontiac 400 block- although any new part should be installed and all clearances checked prior to final assembly because of factory production variances.
  • Twist Lock Fitting- Quick Install Trick
  • Oil Filter Tech