How we rebuilt our Pontiac GTO 389 engine | Redline Rebuilds Explained

From a couple bins of parts to a fully built, iconic Pontiac Tri-Power 389, this is the story behind our latest Redline Rebuild time-lapse engine project. Hagerty's Davin Reckow and Ben Woodworth sit down and dig into the nitty-gritty details of the build. We answer a few questions from you, chat about processes and parts, and finish up with a discussion about the total cost of our build.
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[@williamgregory6684]

I cannot believe how anyone would question your methods of rebuilding an engine.I have never seen anyone as precise particular and professional as you are.Anyone who had you rebuild their engine would be very lucky.Thanks for all the great videos!!!! I would love to have that engine in a 70-72 Trans Am with a Tremec 6 speed,4:33 hogshead,end a centrifugal blower( or maybe 2)

[@kookiebub]

THE best walk/talk through of a ground up rebuild I have ever seen. With a major 59 Bonneville restoration underway, this video provides detail & reasoning on specific areas of a build, often missed or taken as granted. Confidence inspiring to say the least - I feel I've received an education again.... Thank You for sharing.

[@glennk1931]

That 389 is a work of art completely assembled with the tri-power. One of my favorite engines. Beautifully done.

[@jessefoulk]

Just thought I'd share with the community on what my brother and father built late 90s. My brother built a engine stand generally out of angle iron, some wheels, and a huge nut. We bored out the nut threads to fit a pipe. Welded the nut to a square post. Worked great for our 3 engine uses. Still have it but doesn't get used anymore. We used it to rebuild a 350, tear apart a 305 to see why it failed, and reconditioned a 4.3 V6. Made our own vs buying just cuz we could make one.

[@thszntatst]

Creating this video is literally a humanitarian exercise. There's no way that a non-machinist, even with mechanical talent will ever understand these processes of the craft without seeing it with a comprehensive description. Such talent, it's simply above and beyond.

[@mattk859]

So y'all mentioned it a few times, but I want you to know, I appreciate the more detailed descriptions and discussion. The time-lapsed rebuild is great for the general audiences; but for the nerds like me, I love that I always learn something new from the detailed discussions. Please keep it up - great job!

[@goosrodz]

What a jewel! I like your take on painting the engine. I hope to make my 64 Gal 390 engine a jewel someday as well.

[@matthewmiller2268]

Davin and Ben, even though this video is long there's a lot of useful information about this 389 build. I'm very detail-oriented and appreciated every bit. When my mom was in High School, my Grandparents, her folks had a '69 Pontiac Catalina with the 400 V8... just like that '66 389+.030 over you rebuilt, the 400 is a sweet motor. I owned a 1970 Buick Electra 225 with the 455ci V8 and that was an amazing engine/car. God Bless y'alls work and all you do to restore treasures of automotive history.

[@moman0166]

I am a Pontiac fan from way back. I love the 389 3 duce set up. My brother bought a new 1966 GTO and I bought a new 1967 GTO which was the first year for the 400 CUI with a Quadrajet 4 Barrel. I had a Buick mechanic redo my carburetor and made a complete difference in the performance of my 67 400 CUI plus I put a nice set of headers on it also. My dad always said that the next car I got he hoped it had headlights on it so I wouldn’t have to wait till morning to come home.

[@johnjenkins6547]

Awesome build. Brings back a lot of memories when I was in High School. 2 of my best friends in High school drove Gto's. One was a 65 with 389 and tripower and the other a 67 with a 400ci. Had another friend that i had a 68 GTO with a 400. But the best times was in the 65 GTO. This was in 71 and 72. Those were the days!

[@waynemuehlenbein2281]

These two make a great team. Love these shows.

[@micks1373]

Great work guys I think this video should be mandatory for every guy in high school. Keep up the great work somebody give these guys a raise. Thanks for all the time you spent on putting this together.

[@stevenwhite56]

Hey gents, around a year ago you where talking about the 60's Pontiac big block you where rebuilding and how a couple crank journals where turned to different diameters than the rest. Maybe the following story will help to explain why. I was told by an old timer( I'm 63 so that makes me a geezer too I suppose.) that back in his younger days there was a machine available that could resurface journals while the motor/crank where still in the car. Youou just had to pull the oil pan and set up the device. The subject came up as I was bitching about a rod knock on an out of round journal on my 65 f100 that had a transplanted 68 ford 390 that I knew was going to grenade in a year or so and I had a 460 with 75k miles from a 86 f250 waiting in the wings. I would of used that tool right then and there.

[@JoDoDesigns2011]

Wow I knew I liked Davin style about building out an engine, and I have watched alot of videos, "That he installs the the cam shaft first, so he can use his other hand to guide it into the block." 👍👍👍👍👍💯

[@SilverBullet93GT]

Best hour and 21min on KZbin i have seen lately. Very nice build and attention to detail.

[@daveryan4353]

That Was One Of The Prettiest, and Most Fun Builds You Guys Have Done. And I Love The old Rochester 2bbl Carbs.

[@pappabob29]

In addition to all the reasons you gave for painting the motor "parts" prior to them all being assembled, I like the little extra detail that is provided by all the gasket ends and any exposed parts create when they are "absent" paint because everything was painted "prior" to assembly. Is it more work doing it this way??? Absolutely!!! And, we all are aware of that!!

[@Scubasteve22]

I totally agree with painting before assembly. Shop teacher back in 1985 taught us this and been doing it every since. Also on the 20/50 oil for break in. I started using amsoil break in oil probably on the last 4 motors. Am seeing a big difference in performance, quality of break in, and longevity. They basically schooled me on ring break in and it turns out that my old school science lab concauction of oil and additive mixing was wrong all along(30 yrs).

[@DirceuCorsetti]

I watched it all! Thanks for the in depth run. I never knew there could be that much going on in a rebuild. Looking forward to more of this in 2019! Happy new year!!

[@SW3434]

I wish I could watch a new engine rebuild video every day. They are so damn good!

[@Hagerty]

Wish we could do one every day!

[@MarcAmengual]

@@Hagerty you make a great work guys!!

[@davidthompson245]

Nice to see the man behind the camera!,you sir produce the best rebuild videos known to KZbin.FULLSTOP.

[@kevintibbetts5249]

These are the best videos on KZbin. Redline rebuilds explained

[@pacerodi]

Trash to some, tresure to others. Happy New Year, everybody! My neighbour in LA, CA., was a racer at Willow Springs, he used to buy these big bathtubs, to remove the engines, he would remove them, after a few races. I was there to hear the popping sound of it, most of the time. Adrenaline+Gasoline=Winning races! He would tell me.

[@fw1421]

I love the light metallic blue paint Pontiac used on their engines. PRETY!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@heatmizer-jim6762]

This is GREAT! I really appreciate the slowed down vids with explanation!

[@jimyed]

Not only fascinating to watch the rebuilds and learn but i appreciate the amount of work put into the production. Great stuff!

[@donaldmosteller5876]

My buddy use to use Intake Mr Gasket ... with the center plug was a mental plug

[@gman1035]

The just stunning machine work process showed, build, assembly, and absolute knowledgeable in detail explanation is very much appreciated, thank you so so much for all the hard work put in, this is such a time-less piece you have uploaded.

[@jasmith1867]

I always learn a little bit every time I watch your videos. You're a great team

[@oceanhome2023]

Has anyone else here saved a block not the a sleeve but JB Weld ? How did it work for you ? It is part of being a guy to leave the block on the engine stand letting everyone to spin it by hand as you add on the parts it is the trophy of the Man Cave ! Always take good care of your machinist !!

[@_BAD_MERC_]

Amazing video!!! Hagerty just puts the knowledge out there and I love these engine rebuilds. I learned something about cylinder sleeves today. Great work as usual. Happy New Year to the hard working folks that make these videos possible.

[@gregschultz2029]

Great Job Guys !!! I’m A Pontiac Lover ,Old School,I’m Building A Blown Mild 455 For A Steel Body T , Thank You !!!

[@Anonymous-it5jw]

Great video! Thanks for the detailed rebuild and the insight into the various decisions and choices that had to be made to get the engine just right.

[@user-io3hw7hx7q]

Happy new year's Outstanding job

[@av8tore71]

Awesome video, it's very interesting the steps you actually went through during this build! Thank you for this

[@thebigpicture2032]

Thanks for posting. I have a 455 Pontiac that came in boxes just like this one so I’ll give it a go.

[@shaunh227]

Thank you for taking the time to record these videos, I learn so much from them. Fantastic quality and the simple, honest explanations are great.

[@DANWRIGHTITIS]

The opening shot explains your finely trimmed eyebrows!! CLASSIC stuff lads. Love From Madrid

[@dbalderson89]

I love these videos and learning something new every time I watch one. Keep it up!

[@richieleon]

Can't wait to see how You Balance the Crank, Rods and Piston Assembly, Harmonic Balancer, Flywheel and Clutch and Pressure Plate

[@VWfinatic27]

Best videos, this is how far and engine videos should be

[@wisheye1]

Would be awesome to put this baby on the dyno. Thanks for all your hard work on this, really great showcase.

[@Darthdavid16]

That was a really great video! Very detailed and informative! Thank you for all your hard work!

[@JonBecker81]

I love the stop motion. It’s the little things that make this channel awesome. Also you and that water pump should get a room.

[@sadubone]

what a gorgeous engine.

[@donaldmosteller5876]

Thank You for sharing your Pontiac GTO

[@blackhawk-kt5fk]

i love what yall do with the time lapse rebuilds and then how yall go back and explain it in dept !! i just amazing !! and if yall dont mind me asking, could yall do a build on an older chysler 360, if yall do that would be great !! yall keep up that good work

[@Orcinus1967]

Seems like you had fun. Most important part. Nice job!

[@cynicalnative3389]

Have a 59 pontiac catalina with this motor anxious to get to it soon! Or pass it to someone who can get it back to its former glory!

[@MrKsmith65]

Fantastic stuff! More please....

[@eieghn]

When I worked for Chrysler in the engine test labs through the early 2000's, we used serpentine belts as slings up through the 8.0L Truck engines; 820lbs fully dressed and I am STILL using THE very same belts I have had since the late 80's. They are THAT strong and long-lasting. Just did an early Jag 3.4L engine (no lightweight engine that!) using the very same sling er, serpentine belt I used on the Viper GTS-r, GT-1 FIA engine in the 90's.

[@eieghn]

In the 2010's at GM Powertrain, they did NOT like us using my serpentine belts to lift engines as they were not "certified" for lifting. But I used those same belts at GM ALL the time. So one could say there is a "little bit" of MOPAR in today's GM V-8's.....

[@Hagerty]

Thanks for sharing, Mark!

[@daviddefortier5970]

Damn i love this channel! Please never stop uploading these brilliant vids!

[@patrickreid2767]

That was a most enjoyable video. Your work is appreciated.

[@haleysdad2004]

I love these videos! I love listening to the specifics and learning about engines.

[@Hagerty]

Thank you for watching!

[@manitoublack]

Great work guys, love the commentary and analysis in the the 'why' certain things were done. Look forward to seeing it on the dyno. I think your 400BHP guess if fair. Would be a great boat motor :)

[@andrewlewandowski868]

You mentioned that it needed to be 9:1 compression with today's ethanol fuel to avoid spark knock. If you ran it on E85 (85% ethanol) you could have built it to be 14:1 compression. Alcohol is not the problem, crappy gas is the problem. Love the videos. Thank you!

[@kachkhan8023]

And this whole time i thought you guys did this rebuild in like one week😂. Amazing job!! THE BEST there is.

[@hygri]

Great job guys. Love these explained videos.

[@SLK638]

Ви молодці, так педантично та якісно підходити до своєї роботи, любо дивитися. Я б працював у вас...

[@Gallows_Motorcycle]

you guys do an awesome job!!! Could watch it all day! cheers

[@Hagerty]

Thank you for being a fan Olivier!

[@LEMMYKISGOD]

Cool, can I borrow it ?? My 67 GTO needs one 😬

[@noellozada8439]

I really enjoy these videos I get to learn about rebuilding the whole car...

[@Iainkellyis]

Awesome video guys - Love seeing the Pontiac content too :)

[@vintagedashboard6810]

My 66 GTO 389 dropped the cam into the crank and all hell broke. I ended up putting a 400 back in it and it never ran the same again. Of course this was when I was in high school in 71.

[@michaelmartinez1345]

Friggin Awesome!!! Great info. on re-building!!!

[@garraddavies1138]

That was awesome, love the color

[@donaldmosteller5876]

I believe I seen Redline on the Pistons.... Nice 👍

[@Imnotyourdoormat]

Davins 100% right to paint before assembly, but theres even more to what he grazed on. cast-iron is extremely porous, even more after its cleaned especialy with the caustic-acids of a hot-tank. and assembly lubes or oil are quickly soaked into the parts preventing paint from ever adhering properly. so a few months later, the gorgeous motor is peeling paint.

[@spammonkey1216]

happy new year, great restoration and congratulations It would be great for the next restoration to see a tornado ohc 230

[@dennisbryan4070]

Thanks for letting me join in the fun rebuild I definitely learned a lot from just watching the video

[@nononsenseBennett]

Great grinding demo!

[@toomanyhobbies8119]

Great video been a while since I've done a rebuild makes me want to do one, one thing that would help a first timer would have been to explain indexing the piston rings, keep building!

[@dustinwegner853]

I wish they would do a video at Thirlbys going through and having the guys explain what they are doing.

[@kotimoto]

Thank you for the knowledge!

[@samragsdale2301]

I bet this engine runs better than it ever did new

[@junker7791]

In regards to the lathe with the grinding head - you can grind down to tenths of a thou (.0001) of accuracy. Once you hit a half of a tenth (.00005) it is extremely difficult to maintain a dimension because the surface will expand/grow as a result of the heat generated from the grinding operation (even with flood coolant). Dimensions below half tenths that I have dealt with are accompanied by temperature tolerances. In other words, the feature or surface has to be a specific distance from another feature at a given dimension. The measuring tool also has to be the same temperature. A millionth (.000001) I would argue is improbable for a lathe with a grinding head to be capable of hitting. Dressing (making the surface flat with a diamond tipped tool) a grinding head to be flat enough to do a hundred thousandth (.00001) is unlikely at best. Basically what I'm saying is at 19:06 he should have said "... size in the ten thousandths." Which is well beyond the tolerance required for the crank.

[@sabledriver]

Great video, thanks for all the hard work. Great for novice on up.

[@justinelliott293]

This is an amazing video, i would love to see more

[@andersl.359]

happy new year, everybody! see y'all in 2019

[@miken7382]

I’ve had a few Pontiac GTOs fell in love with everyone of them.

[@williamhelus3522]

Hello. Great Stock Pontiac Engine video. When I get my dream pontiac engine, it will have a forged bottom end. Butler Performance Pontiac. Thanks, BullyBilly.

[@spiritrider3348]

Watched the whole lot, could not move on, too intrigued! Great YT vlog- superb! More purr/roar makes me 'smile for the mile'!! Better copyright that 'quote' Dave!!

[@meteoman7958]

You guys are a couple of geniuses. Nice work.

[@Hagerty]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@chadsimmons6347]

Cant wait for the rest of the GTO to be restored, watch it rip up some road!..(good-upload)

[@mismas81]

About painting block before motor assembling...i agree. It looks beter and i consider this way much more quality job done.

[@gaijinsumo]

I ran Gates Japan for a few years. We sold an aramid cord belt to a Japanese customer that could easily hold 2000 Newtons per rib. You are using a 6 rib belt to lift that engine = 12,000 N of tensile strength or 2700 lbs (but they don't stretch much, as you supposed!)

[@skylinefever]

7:40 In addition, this process produces the right surface texture so a gasket can seal. It is called the "RA measurement" 10:14 I never saw an engine that needed to have intake valve seats pressed in, but I suppose anything can happen when an engine lives a hard life. 12:36 As you mill off more material, the combustion chamber becomes smaller and that raises the compression ratio. People have to know the compression ratio when building an engine. 17:00 In addition, this rebuild teaches people how connecting rod machining works. 21:45 As the crank gets cut down, it may get weaker. That is why some companies can't make certain undersize bearings. At that point, it may be practical to weld a crank journal. 36:20 I thought full floating connecting rods needed bronze bushings in the small end. 42:40 THe best thing to have is a tapered cone compressor, but those are expensive. You have to have one compressor for each different bore size.

[@w.t.cortecaes4842]

Awesome video , And very informative in the assembly steps , highlighted due to the editing efforts ,Have a great and successful 2019 !

[@rusty6666]

Happy New Year to all you guys at hagerty

[@robertrennells6866]

this is a great episode very important knowledge

[@dragking9735]

a very good information for us viewers and also mechanics detailing with the build

[@jglennson2591]

Sweet. Nice job, Makes me wanna rebuild my 389👍🤣.

[@jimmypopp2695]

Excellent detailed explanations!!

[@duanehewitt8852]

Another awesome video. Just for those that do not know what you called a micrometer are actually "Calipers". Have a happy new year. BTW a friend of mine has a '64 Goat with tri-power.

[@EATxDAxPUPU]

What a fun channel to watch 💕

[@paulbaluch439]

That was super guys thanks a lot

[@engr.nemuelobas4923]

You always do a very good job guys

[@terrypetty9822]

Noticed the term "clamp load" used in this video. So did you compensate for the fine threads on the nuts of the main studs ? Fine thread will deliver higher clamping load. And the ARP bolts won't stretch as much as the stock bolts. I'm sure you had the studs in there when you had it line bored and the same clamp load value on the threads of the block.

[@ronaldbradley9949]

On the oil filter adaptor. It's been my experience that on the 66, 67 Tempest line which includes the GTO you need the angled filter adaptor. This is because of upper control arm mount on the frame makes removing the filter a pain in the butt.

[@AustrianAnarchy]

Great stuff!