Hey guys and gals,

I just joined the club - happy to be here among fellow Pontiac lovers.

I was 4 years old and I barely remember my dad coming home with our brand new 1965 9 passenger Catalina Safari. Fast forward 60 years and I found and purchased a 1965 9 passenger (custom ordered) Bonneville Safari! I'm thrilled.

I have 2 questions I'm hoping maybe someone can answer for me:

The car unfortunately doesn't have it's original engine. It's got a good one though! - an XH code 400 4bbl from a 1970 Grand Prix - 360 horsepower, according to my research.

My questions are: 1) Should I be using a lead additive in the fuel for this engine? And 2) Was Pontiac still using the plastic timing gear on this engine in 1970 and if so, is there any way to tell if it's been replaced with a metal timing set? I understand that the plastic gear can shed teeth and cause a problem.

Again, I'm thrilled with my car and happy to have found this club. If anyone can answer these questions for me I would greatly appreciate it!

Hope to see you on the road!

Ben

While I don’t have an answer for your questions, did want to welcome you! BTW, got a pic of your Safari? We love pics here 🙂

Welcome Ben. Somebody will be on to answer your question shortly, but welcome bro. Got ant pics?

Hello Ben,

And welcome to the group. The answers to your questions will be somewhat tough for anybody here to answer. Who knows what is under your timing chain cover or if the hardened steel valve seats have been installed all these years later. Is the previous owner around for you to ask these questions?

Rick

9 hours ago, Ben Burnham said:

Hey guys and gals,

I just joined the club - happy to be here among fellow Pontiac lovers.

I was 4 years old and I barely remember my dad coming home with our brand new 1965 9 passenger Catalina Safari. Fast forward 60 years and I found and purchased a 1965 9 passenger (custom ordered) Bonneville Safari! I'm thrilled.

I have 2 questions I'm hoping maybe someone can answer for me:

The car unfortunately doesn't have it's original engine. It's got a good one though! - an XH code 400 4bbl from a 1970 Grand Prix - 360 horsepower, according to my research.

My questions are: 1) Should I be using a lead additive in the fuel for this engine? And 2) Was Pontiac still using the plastic timing gear on this engine in 1970 and if so, is there any way to tell if it's been replaced with a metal timing set? I understand that the plastic gear can shed teeth and cause a problem.

Again, I'm thrilled with my car and happy to have found this club. If anyone can answer these questions for me I would greatly appreciate it!

Hope to see you on the road!

Ben

See us on the road?? We need to see you in the forum, chattin it up, sharing pic's of your cruise nites, car shows, projects on the car. Welcome to your new obsession!

Pics of my Safari

Nice! Looks to be in great shape!

Ohhh that's awesome, thankz for the visual.