MORE Bad News!? "Uncle" Bob finds MORE Pontiac 350 build problems!

[@StickA-yd4fp]

The world needs more Uncle Bob's

[@lawhornracing6921]

Bob is the man. Love his gold chain. He’s always locked in and never changes

[@AutomotiveAdventuresWithAustin]

He's a good dude that Bob, no doubt about it. Glad to have connected with him and very much appreciate his willingness to help me with my stuff too.

[@greg4876]

Got a lot of respect for Bob you can tell he's a honest man and very knowledgeable engine builder.... It would be a good video of him telling how he got into building motors and his past NASCAR job... He may be a private person and don't want too and I totally understand I'm that way myself

[@AutomotiveAdventuresWithAustin]

I MAY work on getting a bit of a "fire side chat" with Bob where he can tell more of his story if he would like to. He's certainly been around and seen a lot of things. Don't want to force the artist into the spotlight too much but he's a good dude and I'm very very fortunate to have him on my side with all this stuff.

[@OriginalMomo]

When uncle Bob speaks, you damn well better listen, or you get the driveway warranty lol.

[@AutomotiveAdventuresWithAustin]

Lol yeap that's kinda how it works. Do it right, or do it somewhere else.

[@Hootman865]

I’m ready to see you gents at the track. Uncle Bob needs it

[@AutomotiveAdventuresWithAustin]

We'll see how much he "let's me do" to the '70 LeMans before he's back on track with it ;) Right now it's so damn consistent we don't want to screw it up!

[@Doug-kk9su]

Probably be money a head to get Aftermarket aluminum heads by the time you get new valves and seats ,springs ,guides, labor ,but original would be cool to keep it all Pontiac.

[@AutomotiveAdventuresWithAustin]

You're about $3000 into a set of aluminum heads, then you've got labor to check them and possibly do some work. I'll be in the $1500-2000 range to redo these. THIS car specifically because it's the original engine/transmission/everything for the car I have to keep these iron heads but yeaahhhh for a BIT more money you can be way way better off with a good set of Aluminums

[@jeffjankiewicz5100]

Now who didn't see that valve job coming?😂 That car was built during the leaded gas days. Needs hardened seats for unleaded gas. Bob does it the right way. Wish I had the cash for him to rebuild the 4.3L in my 1996 Blazer. Uncle Rodney is having a party in it. Love that car so much it's in storage. I have my own adventures, work truck 700R4 gave up the ghost and that's at least $1500+ to rebuild.😮 I have a digital dash for it to install. Truck has over 300,000 on it and NO rust. My adventures have 0 budget 😢 Good luck Austin.

[@chuckclubb3045]

Pontiacs cost more to build but man do they sound good! Different than the rest !

[@ricknorris6943corvair]

As an old engineer told me, they will never know if it's too strong....

[@AutomotiveAdventuresWithAustin]

Wise words indeed. Really how I tend to do things as well, overbuild it, and never worry about it.

[@rhondasweeney7271]

Bob is definitely a perfectionist. Great to have, but definitely expensive. Hope everything works out. 😊

[@AutomotiveAdventuresWithAustin]

He is indeed no doubt about any of that. I wouldn't have it any other way honestly, better a perfectionist than a "slap it together and send it" kind of guy.

[@rhondasweeney7271]

@AutomotiveAdventuresWithAustin AMEN to that!

[@rorypengov6789]

Great video Austin Uncle Bob knows his.shit

[@AutomotiveAdventuresWithAustin]

Thanks Rory and he does indeed, that's why I'm here, and pretty much always just nod and do what he asks. Unfortunately he just keeps asking! ;)

[@royburgess4720]

I love what you are doing mat and I love you cars

[@GrandPitoVic]

Brother if you watch Gold Garage, he has a guy in Canada that works the Quadrajets over to be a beast. Even better than original. He does the 750 and 800.

[@lynngarvie2065]

I would love to see the machining of everything. I miss messing with machining parts

[@AutomotiveAdventuresWithAustin]

Going to try to talk him into letting me films some of that ;) It's not the most fun/exciting/sexy of processes but it's certainly interesting to see how the magic happens for some folks.

[@051570orion]

Im with ya Austin , when you want to keep it as close to stock appearing as possible but make the insides the holde of the mods . And I was just thinking why doesn't Jay Leno have the guys that work for him help out affordable options for the gearhead breatheren. Lol God Bless

[@dwarfgrumpy]

Remember my point last time, fastest Oldsmobile at Drag Week this year was 15.5 seconds. Should be easy to beat that!

[@AutomotiveAdventuresWithAustin]

I never raced my '71 LeMans sport but I imagine even the 350 as it was could beat that! Maybe there will be a Drag Week in my future, we'll see ;)

[@dwarfgrumpy]

@@AutomotiveAdventuresWithAustinI’m sure Bob would be into Drag Week

[@randyhyde7222]

Tell me about not having a bow tie. Try finding parts for 70 Mercury Cyclone 429 4 bolt main.

[@AutomotiveAdventuresWithAustin]

Ohhhhhh sometimes you're just ASKING for torture! ;)

[@dwarfgrumpy]

With that thumbnail you really missed a Lord of the Rings reference opportunity

[@Sainted1973]

Anything worth having and keeping is always expensive. Love the content and I love you aren't like the dime a dozen chevy sb guys sadly best money spent on these SBC's bills been running don't seem to hold up as good as ford dodge and soon to be Pontiac stuff no diss intended but I have watched so much stuff blow up through SRC and OldMansGarage there Bills holy grail but man they sure have a ton of issues. again these aren't old cast engine blocks were talking high dollar after market everything done by a very good Machinist and they still fail I rest my case. Good choice going Pontiac.

[@marcusmaddenov2451]

Can't you cut the pistons or rods to match?

[@leprechaungarage]

I bet Bob can’t wait to get your junk done 😂😂😂😂. I bet there’s actually a teeny tiny part of him that enjoys working through the issues like you’re having ….. maybe 😂

[@AutomotiveAdventuresWithAustin]

Oh I'm sure he's ready to actually take more than one step forward before having to stop and call/text that he ran into something else that needs fixed, or that I need to go spend more money. Nooooo doubt! He DOES enjoy what he does, it's just frustrating how this all works out. Plus he's got much bigger more expensive and frustrating messes around the shop right now anyway ;)

[@dondotterer24]

My friend that owns a machine shop that is an engine builder thinks the same way as Bob. No matter what the engine is.

[@GrandPitoVic]

Just trying to help you make money for your projects brother!!! ROFLMFAO!!!! I do put the video on my TV and just let it play while I cook or do dishes. I always watch it all the way through.

[@dondotterer24]

You can port the factory intake manifold

[@ricknorris6943corvair]

I'm with boB! He probably does spell his name backwards....I would. I understand where he's coming from. I have built many Corvair engines for both race and street. I too am very particular because when it leave my shop it has my name on it. Corvair folks are very cheap uh, frugal. I have had this same conversation about using old parts which is what I call false economy because somewhere down the road you will be very disappointed and have to spend twice as much to fix it because it was not done right. Also Corvair heads already had hardened seats but a complete valve job with deep high press seats is always done. This is great entertainment as I sit here looking out the window at 7" of snow, ice and overcast sky. Fortunately I am retired and do not have to go out until the butt fodder, cow juice and bread run out.....

[@gregrogers3030]

Big chief has a Pontiac in his Crow..

[@AutomotiveAdventuresWithAustin]

Yes... well sorta. Aftermarket everything, but Pontiac architecture ;)

[@jasonwehrling738]

Austin, check out Butler performance for all your Pontiac needs. Keep up the good content and videos. Love what you do

[@lawhornracing6921]

Yeah he does all Justin’s stuff and you see where he has got to… agree

[@jerrywhaley6397]

Eagle makes a 7.1 rod with a 2.20 journal with a 9.8 pin.. instead of scat giving you the one which is a big block Chevy

[@SweatyFatGuy]

Oh yeah Austin, if you haven't heard yet, hit up John about the cool thing Edelbrock is doing for us NNN guys... might be a set of D ports in your future, there probably will be a couple sets in mine.

[@AutomotiveAdventuresWithAustin]

Ummmm whaaaat?! Tell me more!

[@doughall1794]

Those weren't silicone springs back then and they loose their strength, just buy a set of new aluminum heads and enjoy the performance boost and get the engine done months sooner.

[@hydroy1]

Buy the aftermarket alum Pontiac heads and lap them and be done with it. As for the Olds 455 just get a 65 to 67 Olds 425 forged crank & rods crank kit from Mark at Napa and be done with it. juuuuuust like we talked about a month ago Austin.

[@AutomotiveAdventuresWithAustin]

With THIS motor, it's staying old school and iron headed. Most of the time though yes, agree with you. Also to be said, it's a $3000+ for a set of Edelbrock heads for a Poncho... plus you usually have some labor in disassembly and checking them out. EVENTUALLY there will be an aluminum headed Pontiac project though I promise! ;)

[@hydroy1]

@@AutomotiveAdventuresWithAustin Bob will have to $2K in them JUNK small valve 350 heads if you drill & tap for screw in studs add to that there heavy as hell on the FRONT END where you DON"T want it. As for a roller cam in ANY Pontiac motor ------ you'll be SOOOOOORRY ! KAaaaaaBOOM ! with the lifter bars broke & valves into the water jackets. Go with hyd. S/E 500 HLH and keep the extra money in your pocket (or Bob's pocket --- lol .) I guess it comes down to --- how many times you really want to do this?

[@watsisbuttndo829]

Pontiac alloy heads are expensive because they dont sell well........ Pontiac alloy heads dont sell well because they are expensive..... Sigh, we need to get together for some sort of bulk buy deal, i needs some new heads but cannot stomach the prices.

[@glennmanchester5696]

Richard holdner tested the cast iron intake against an aluminum one and the cast iron did as well or better

[@dwarfgrumpy]

So, got a power ball ticket?

[@AutomotiveAdventuresWithAustin]

Ohhhh lordy lordy this world wouldn't be ready for me to win the Powerball!

[@chuckschultz7028]

The only time it makes sense to refurbish connecting rods is when new replacements are not available. Unique and rare motors like farm machinery or antique motors yes; race cars and hot rods no.

[@GrandPitoVic]

Butler Performance works the Pontiacs lol. Ain't cheap tho ROFLMFAO!!!

[@Doug-kk9su]

Try building a Buick 401or 425 Nail Head that's a oddball , parts are ridiculous priced..

[@AutomotiveAdventuresWithAustin]

We actually have 401/425 projects sitting around for the... 4 Buick Rivieras at the shop eventually might get to. DEFINITELY not a cheap unit to buy for that's for sure.

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

!!! when in "DOUBT" = Throw $$$$$ !!! COOP ...

[@AutomotiveAdventuresWithAustin]

Yes indeed! Fire the money cannon!

[@paulsherman6450]

Even if you did rock your gold chain on the outside nobody would see it behind the beard. Lol

[@OriginalMomo]

Swift kick to the 🥜…. 🤕

[@AutomotiveAdventuresWithAustin]

Right in the jubbly bits!

[@spankyham9607]

Sounds like part availability in the engine world is becoming as bad as parts in general for vehicles.

[@stephencarter1442]

Like frickin computers every time you turn your back another part failure or communication glitch hours and $ you still have the same Junk.. Argh

[@AutomotiveAdventuresWithAustin]

A phrase I often use is "Parts get jealous" when one piece gets a new part, other pieces want new parts! ;) Isn't it great!?

[@ricknorris6943corvair]

Nothing still cost's money.

[@AutomotiveAdventuresWithAustin]

Yep. Very very true.

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

??? Ridge-REEMER ??? COOP ...

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

Hi AUSTIN & Uncle BOB, ... UNBALANCED - ie: this VIDEOGRAPHER = LOL = YES Please = BALANCING Process VIDEO ... COOP the WiSeNhEiMeR from Richmond, INDIANA ...

[@AutomotiveAdventuresWithAustin]

Lol! I'll agree with the videographer=unbalanced part ;)

[@70sport37]

Find another set .

[@scottk2342]

This is incorrect all Pontiac heads have hardened seats from the factory they do not need hardened seat for unlead fuel….

[@kennyhayes8488]

Why go through the trouble just put a big block Chevy on them

[@wickedvegas702]

Uh oh..u left out not to lie to ur spouse/partner

[@kennyhayes8488]

Do it right or don't do it at all never haft ass a motor

[@paultester1544]

You guys have no idea what you`re talking about with the Olds engine. Your info is wrong and you`re sending people in the wrong direction.

[@SweatyFatGuy]

If you plan to test a bunch of intakes, cut the water crossover off the aluminum ones, that way you don't have to drain the coolant to change the intake. You could cut it off the iron one, but that is a lot of effort. I'd test the iron one first or last. You'll find, especially on a 350, that you don't pick up power with aftermarket intakes, but they are lighter and allow you to use something other than a Qjet. Its not a wives tale, its been tested repeatedly, Jim and Floyd Hand, High Performance Pontiac Magazine, and I have swapped intakes between the Factory, Performer, Torker II and RPM on a 12.60 capable 455 in my 70 GTO, and they all ran within a tenth, which could be weather. Cool thing about Pontiac, you don't need to touch the distributor to pull the intake and heads.. unlike the poorly designed orange lumps. I put forged rods in all my engines now, might not if I do a 350 in the future, but 400s and larger get forgings, usually Eagle. in the 90s I would use 350 rods because they had an easier life with a lighter piston, 2 barrel carbs more often, and they were in pedestrian cars that didn't get beat on. Ever since I could get a set of forgings for $300 to $600, thats what I go with. The Olds thing is interesting, because the 6.8" rod is common with Pontiac crank and piston kits. The reason being bbc rods used to cost a significant amount less than 6.625" Pontiac rods, due to the larger customer base. Also for a long time all we could get was $2000 a set Callies rods. We started doing that in the late 90s, and the piston guys have been making slugs for us to use the bbc rods ever since. Doesn't make a difference in terms of power or longevity, just a bit less spendy, and last I looked it was down to less than $200 between 6.625" and 6.800" rods. Sounds like someone had a miscommunication with the rods and pistons. Probably thinking it was like Pontiac where the basic bbc 6.8 is used often, and not realizing its an Olds. You could use bushings in one or the other, they are floating pins after all... Otherwise, get a different set of rods and use the pistons, because the pistons are the thing holding you up, there is probably a rod out there that will work.

[@glenncutright9769]

i havent seen in my 68 yrs to see a pont. eng to hold up

[@hydroy1]

I have, My Ram Air IV with a 389 S/D crank & rods, low 11s in the 1/4 at 120mph. all season.

[@curtisendicott5989]

Bob beach off 62 all day long and closer