Kevin Swaney's 389 GTO

 

Kevin Swaney's gold 1966 GTO is powered by a modified 389. He spent considerable time over the past few years learning everything he could about Pontiac engines and then applied that knowledge to build a very potent .030" over 389. He's done very well and it took me some time to convince Kev that his car and engine combination deserved special recognition. Kev's a real gung ho Pontiac enthusiast...and a modest guy to boot.

Kev is an Ohio resident and occasionally frequents the drag strip. He's a real gentlemen and friend and I am very pleased to feature his GTO and engine combination. If you have questions, please feel free to write Kev at KSSwaney@aol.com

Technical Data
Engine Block: 1966 Pontiac 389 with 2 bolt mains
Bore and Stroke: 4.0625" x 3.75"; +.030 over , 395 cid
Heads: stock 1966 093 casting with stock 1.92" intake and 1.66" exhaust valves; racing stability kit installed; (7/16" screw in studs); heads porterd by Kevin
Deck Height: unknown
Valve Springs: Comp Cams # 995-16 dual springs
Rocker Arms: Comp Cams Magnum Roller Tips, 1.52 to 1 ratio
Retainers: Comp Cams Steel Super Locks 10 degree # 740-16
Keepers: Comp Cams # 613-16
Valve Seals: Positive teflon, intake and exhaust
Lifters: Comp Cams
Push Rods: HO Racing chrome moly
Crankshaft: Stock, rods and mains cut .010 (not balanced)
Rods: Stock, untouched
Rod Bolts: Stock
Pistons: TRW +.030 forged
Rings: Speed Pro moly rings
Main Bearings
Rod Bearings
Cam Bearings:
Clevite (Michigan) 77
Timing Gear and Chain: Comp Cams
Gaskets: Fel-Pro full engine set
Camshaft: Comp Cams 280H (not a 270H) hyrdaulic cam with .480 lift; 230/230 intake and exhaust on 110 LSA; choppy idle
Intake Manifold: Stock Tripower set up; ported, polished and gasket matched by Kevin
Carburetion: Stock Rochester 2 barrel carbs jetted on the ends and 73 in the center; venturis have casting flash removed and are polished; 1/2" carb spacer recently added
Fuel Pump: Carter mechanical pump with 3/8" line; added Big Red electric pump as a pusher pump
Exhaust: Hooker Competition headers; 3"x 12" long Torque Tech collector; Purple Honries street mufflers
Ignition: Mallory Unilite distributor with MSD 6AL box; AC 45S plugs set at .045; initial timing set at 16 degrees, 20 additional mechanical all in by 2500 rpm for a total 36 degrees mechanical (no vac advance)
Oil Pump: TRW stock replacement; 20-25 psi at idlel 10W-40 Pennzoil; AC filter
Transmission: TH-350 with Transmission Specialties 3600 stall converter; manual body
Rear End: Stock Pontiac 10 bolt with 3.90 gear and Powertrax Locker; Lower arms are boxed and urethane bushing installed. Also using air bags [rear was upgraded to a KTRE aftermarket 12 bolt with 4.11 gear spline and full spool--change made because of stock axles twisting]
 Suspension/ Tires:  Competition Engineering drag shocks front and rear; front sway bar removed. Street rubber: BFG radials P235-60x14. Track rubber: Front narrowed Rally IIs with chrome lip; Goodyears 26 x 4.5; Rear: MT 26" x 8.5" x 15" slicks; MT ET Street, 28" x 11.5" x 15" on 12 bolt axle
Vehicle Weight: Approximately 3480 pounds with 1/4 tank of gas; 3630 with driver

Performance: The GTO has run a best elapsed time of 12.511 @ 106.91 mph. This e.t. occured when ambient temperature was a cool 52 degrees with 42 % humidity. Average e.t. and mph on a typical 70 degree day with low humidity is 12.732 @ 103.75. Kevin notes that his combination is quite sensitive to heat and humidity. All runs were made at 900 feet above sea level.

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