Hey everyone. I'm new here and have the opportunity to purchase a 2 door chieftain with a straight 8. It was a little smoky at the exhaust, had an exhaust leak at the manifold and a bit of blow-by was visible through the oil breather cap, but started in an instant. I am shocked at how quiet these motors are but was just wondering what am I looking at in terms of a full-blown rebuild if it does pop up in the near future. Thanks in advance!

The truthful answer is it depends...on what it needs for a rebuild. Do you just need rings, or is complete machine work, new pistons. new crank, etc. is required? Also rebuild kits for Pontiac straight sixes and eights requires you to work with companies like Egge and Kander, who specialize in parts for these non-traditional motors. So the prices for replacement parts will be higher than a small block Chevy, for example.

As a guess, and this is a guess, a complete rebuild could cost as much as $6000.

My recommendation would be to talk to a reputable engine builder in your community and get his honest opinion of your motor. Does the rebuild include the cost of removing/installing the motor from the car or is that 100% on you?