Shop tip to anyone rebuilding a 60s-70s engine: try not to mix pulleys, water pump, and harmonic balancer from different years. Yes they will all fit, but the pulleys may not line up.

10,845

Asked by Norm Feb 28, 2014 at 12:10 PM about the Pontiac GTO

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Pontiac changed pulley design nearly every year, for many different models and applications. The water pump changed from 8 bolt to 11 bolt in 69 but there are also short snout and long snout variations. The harmonic damper changed from 3 bolt to 4 bolt in 68. My point is, try to keep the front of the engine consistent, If you're rebuilding a mid-70's 400 and want it to look like a mid 60's, take the time to match everything. Timing cover, pump, pulleys, harmonic damper, air conditioning. There are combos that will work, but many that don't.

2 Answers

215

Been there, huge hassle - added power steering to my '68 - Thanks to my friend Steve Snyder (RIP Steve...) we found a combination that worked but it took several tries!

1 people found this helpful.
10,845

Sometimes you have to try full-size combos when adding PS or AC. Why Pontiac made them different I have no idea. Glad you were able to make it work!

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Rucko
    Reputation
    880
  • #2
    taver91
    Reputation
    830
  • #3
    Norm Davis
    Reputation
    800
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford Mustang
57 Great Deals out of 1,352 listings starting at $4,995
Used Pontiac G8
1 listing
Used Chevrolet Camaro
15 Great Deals out of 282 listings starting at $7,995
Used Chevrolet Corvette
22 Great Deals out of 1,076 listings starting at $15,000
Used Ford F-150
321 Great Deals out of 13,751 listings starting at $1,712
Used Pontiac Firebird
13 listings
Used Dodge Challenger
23 Great Deals out of 449 listings starting at $7,999
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
231 Great Deals out of 5,909 listings starting at $2,975
Used Dodge Charger
39 Great Deals out of 725 listings starting at $5,995
Used Cadillac CTS-V
1 listings starting at $51,995
Used Chrysler 300
34 Great Deals out of 548 listings starting at $3,999
Used GMC Sierra 1500
130 Great Deals out of 6,516 listings starting at $3,975
Used Lexus IS
20 Great Deals out of 308 listings starting at $6,500
Used Chevrolet Impala
7 Great Deals out of 96 listings starting at $3,531

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.