Lobe separation angle: 112-deg So large are the intake ports that the pushrods run through the center of each port via pressed-in tubes, in addition to streamlined airfoils over the tubes themselves to improve port shape, and increase flow velocity. In 1974 it was used in the GTO and was rated at 200hp (149kW) (net). The Pontiac 421 HO was the king of the streets in 1963, producing 353 and 370 horsepower depending on carburetor configuration. said the "Pontiac 421 cu. All 1977-1978 Trans Ams ordered with the 4-speed Borg Warner Super T-10 manual transmission received the W72 T/A 6.6 engine. Dry weight ranged from 590 to 650 pounds (270 to 290kg), depending on displacement and year. [11] By mid-1978, the W72 could no longer be ordered in conjunction with the MX1 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic 350 automatic transmission, and could only be ordered with the 4-speed manual transmission. The 326 subsequently became the optional V8 engine for Tempests, and later the Pontiac Firebird, through 1967 and maintained the 17 degree cylinder head valve angle for its entire production run. Wearing a revised GM B-body semi-fastback shape, the 2+2 option delivered a 421-cu.in. An HO version could be ordered in the GTO, as GM had lifted its restrictions on offering engines larger than 400cuin (6.6L) in mid-sized cars (resulting in the 454 (7.44) Chevrolet Chevelle, The 455 HO moniker was again carried over, this time as a near-exact repeat of the 1971 offering, the only changes were the carburetors (they used a conventional 750cuft/min (21m3/min) unit this year), and the head castings (casting #7F6). Apparently at least one of these engines survives under the hood of an engineer's personal Pontiac. The code consists of 3 or 4 digits. The crankshafts were also unique in the fact that they featured only two counter weights instead of the usual five and also featured lightened connecting rod journals. By comparison, the factory 421 H.O. Other dimensional factors such as the wheel base, curb weight and length were largely unchanged. Styling for Status. Pushrods: LPC chrome moly "Armasteel" was a trademark of pearlitic malleable iron developed by GM's Saginaw Metal Casting Operations around 1936, which was referred to as "locking ball" cast-iron, as opposed to the "flaking" type found in other engines. Math, not gasoline, makes horsepower under the hood of a Pontiac. The W72 was only available for a very short time, with the majority of 1979 model year W72 Firebirds ordered in late 1978. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Though airflow is paramount in making power, there are other aspects of the engine that are just as important. Two different cylinder-head castings were used for the 1962 model year, both with a combustion chamber volume of 68cc (4.15cuin) to produce an 11.0:1 compression ratio. According to the June 2019 issue of Muscle car Review magazine, during dyno testing performed during that era, the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) rated this Pontiac W72 400 T/A 6.6 engine at 260 to 280 net horsepower instead of the 220-hp rating published by Pontiac. In 1967, Pontiac moved on to a technologically simpler nodular cast iron (invented in late 1940s) crankshaft, which they used until 1975. Here are features on more than 100, Muscle cars created their own culture. By 1979, Pontiac was no longer allowed to produce the 400 engine as emissions further tightened. The 1958 370" engine and the 195960 389 version was named the "Tempest" V-8 and changed in 61 to the "Trophy" V8. In 1968, a 320hp (239kW) HO option was offered in the Tempest and Firebird. The 400 HO was offered as an option for 1967-1970 for GTO and 1968-1970 for Firebird. Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security. 1966: 421: 9782611 (late) 1967-1969. Pontiac first offered three two-barrel carburetors in 1957 and the Tri-power set up was an option on the GTO from 1964-66. / 8.3 mpg (U.S.) / 3.5 km/l, more data: 1966 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible . From 1977 to 1981 there were 4 distinct 301 versions: For 1981 model year vehicles, the engine codes are the 8th digit of the VIN. With the 1964-1967 Pontiac Catalina 2+2, Pontiac achieved a combination of power, road-holding, and fine styling superior to any other big Pontiac, and most of the competition's models besides. It shared the 389's 3+34in (95.3mm) stroke, but its bore was 3.78in (96.0mm) for a displacement of 336.66cuin (5.5L). This new material had stronger alloys in the iron. In 1967 the 421 was enlarged to 426.61cuin (7.0L) by increasing its bore to 4.12in (104.6mm). Valve lift stayed at just over 0.400-inch with 1.5:1-ratio rocker arms. In basic 2-barrel form it produced 290 horsepower and 428ft. pounds of torque in 1968. 1. Also bowing in 1967 was the new Firebird, which had the . Head ID Location Effectively, Pontiac's V8s were all small blocks, sharing the same connecting rod length 6.625 in (168.3mm) (except for the later short deck 301 and 265 produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s before Pontiac adopted universal GM engines). intake duration and later 1964 L with 288deg intake essentially the same as the 068 cam. Optional was the obligatory four-speed manual or new-for-1965 Turbo-Hyramatic three-speed automatic. Oil pump: . Free shipping on many items | Browse your favorite brands | affordable prices. The W72 also featured a camshaft with a higher duration, finer tuned 800cfm Rochester Quadrajet, insulated fuel line, larger 60PSI oil pump, chrome valve covers, a larger harmonic balancer, and the "T/A 6.6" Shaker decal. Instead, they were substituted with the L80 Oldsmobile 403, or the L37 Pontiac 301 if they still requested a 4-speed transmission. This engine was first offered in 1967 as the top engine option in full-size Pontiacs. This was underrated at 330hp (246kW). - P.Top - Correct Exterior/Interior. It featured a smaller bore of 3+34in (95.3mm) coupled with the same 3in (76.2mm) stroke of the 301 (same bore and stroke used by Chevrolet when the first small block motor was introduced in 1955). In 1973 Pontiac started stamping extra numbers (1/4" tall) on their heads.These head numbers represented chamber sizes.They are usually stamped on the machined pads by the valve covers. Both used a single two-barrel carburetor. Jim Taylor, well-known Pontiac engine builder, had that question on his bucket list for years. This was a project started with the end goal of building a 427 Hemi. The 389 was the standard engine on the GTO up to 1966. The crankshaft in the 428 had a "N" cast on them (designating nodular steel) as opposed to the 421's Armasteel. From 1955 through 1959, the Pontiac V8 was also used in some GMC pick-up trucks. Not where most enthusiasts go first. Length: 8.750-inCAM The 421SD was available in 1961 as a dealer option or over the counter then in 62 and 63 from the factory, and was fitted with a list of internal modifications designed solely to withstand the abuse of drag racing. The tri-power equipped XS-code 389 was shipped with the Ram Air pan in the trunk, and the dealer had to fit it and cut out the underside of the hood scoop to make it functional. Engine Block Date Code. Now select an engine model (if applicable) -- Pontiac Engine Models -- All Pontiac Kits 151 301 326 350 3800 389 4-cylinder 400 421 428 455 Brodix Heads Edelbrock Heads Iron Duke L67 Pro Stock Dart Heads Pro Stock Heads Ram Air Runner Heads Super Duty Generic V8. Centerline: 110-deg For 1956 the V8 was bored out to 3.9375in (100.01mm), increasing displacement to 316.6cuin (5.2L). Pontiac did not release official power ratings for this engine, saying only that it had more than 300hp (224kW). The 1966 Pontiac Ventura doesn't necessarily come up when speaking of 60's muscle cars, but the type of V-8's offered with the Ventura meant plenty of power. Piston-to-deck height: 0.009-in The most famous S/D of them all. In 1977 the 400-cubic-inch (6.6L) T/A 6.6, (RPO code W72) was created to fulfil the performance engine gap in the Pontiac line-up. 1967 - 400 Ram Air or 428 Code 670. HOT ROD and CAR AND DRIVER) were fitted with the Ram Air IV-spec camshaft and functional hood scoops - a fact that has been confirmed by several Pontiac sources. This same camshaft was also used in Pontiac's 19691970 RA IV production cars. In 1968 the 326 was replaced by the similarly 389-derived 350, which used a 3+78in (98.4mm) bore and 3+34in (95.3mm) stroke for a total displacement of 353.8cuin (5,798cc). The manuals had Hurst shifters. It requires a compression ratio of at least 10.25:1. Jim told HPP, "Since I was a young man in the '60s, I always thought how great it would be to find a true 100hp in a legendary 421 Tri-Power setup that retained its iron heads and intake. Unlike previous enlargements of Pontiac V8s, it did not replace the 389. Often called the "Ram Air III", this engine was officially called the "400 Ram Air" for 1969 and then simply "Ram Air" for the 1970 model year. He thinks the stock exhaust flow of 180 cfm will suffice for this build. As Pontiac still wanted to offer a performance motor to compete in the performance market, they looked back to the 400 Pontiac and how it could be improved to offer greater performance while meeting CAFE standards. Though never factory-installed in any car, the ultimate engine of the Ram Air line of engines was the tunnel-port Ram Air V. In 1969 Pontiac created four versions of the Ram Air V engine: a 303cuin (5.0L) short deck version for SCCA Trans-Am racing, a 366cuin (6.0L) variant for NASCAR, a 400cuin (6.6L) version for street use in GTOs and Firebirds, as well as a 428cuin (7.0L) adaptation for drag racing. The camshaft was also revised to have a slightly higher duration, the carburettor jets tuned and a dual exhaust was implemented allowing the power to increase to 220hp (223PS; 164kW) at 4000 rpm and 320lbft (434Nm) of torque at 2800 rpm. For 1967 only Pontiac called this engine the Quadra-Power 428. ENGINE TYPE Water-cooled V-8, cast iron block and head Displacement 428 in 3, 7015 cm 3 Power 390 hp @ 5200 rpm It was the top-of-the-line engine unless one opted for the "Ram Air" V-8 derived from it. Boost was wastegate limited to 91psi (0.6210.069bar). This installment includes the assembly and parts selection up to the long-block. Oil pan: 8-quart with extended pick-up, fabricated retention clamp Pontiac . It also sports the four-speed manual, limited . 1966 Pontiac Catalina Duration at .050: 247/252-deg Valvesprings: Crower, dual no damper Beginning in 1967 casting numbers moved to the rear of the block just behind cylinder #8. As with all other Pontiac V8 motors that evolved from the 316 V8, the 421 was simply a bored out and stroked version of the popular Pontiac 389 V8. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Pontiac Heads; Pontiac Engine Torque Specs; Pontiac Cars (Body Types) Pontiac Engine Information; Instruction Sheets; Compression Calculator; Ask a Tech Question; Customer Service. The 2+2 reverted to option status for '67, then died, a proud relic of a time when big cars, Pontiacs in particular, ruled the streets. In 1961 Pontiac continued to push the horsepower upwards with the release of the 421 engine. It was renamed 428 HO for 1968. Seat pressure: 110 pounds at 1.600-in Bore/Stroke: 4.150/4.00-in Manage Settings 287. The four-barrel 400 was a popular performance option for many of Pontiac's cars. While all this sounds great, remember the engine will have to retain the small 1.92-inch intake valve because chamber space is too tight for larger ones. Neither casting was equipped with an exhaust crossover. Pontiac in the 1950s was one of a few US manufacturers that did not regularly identify their engine names and sizes with air-cleaner or valve-cover decals. of torque at 3,800 RPM in the GTO, and 340 HORSEPOWER at 5,300 RPM and 430-lb.ft. A new engine was fast-tracked, its relatively late start allowing it to take advantage of developments proven in the Oldsmobile V8 and Cadillac V8. Along with being cheaper to build, this allowed more consistent valve action with less weight than a conventional shaft. The 1975 455 HO package received some negative press/reviews as some buyers expected to see a return of the 1971-1972 engine, and were disappointed when they received the lower output motor. A panel covers the dash opening where the radio would have been on a standard Catalina. The 421 SD became factory installed in 1962 and in 1963 a street version became available from the factory with a dual four-barrel or three two-barrel Tri-Power carburetion. When Robert Critchfield took over as general manager in 1952, he launched an ambitious plan to move Pontiac into the upscale, mid-range market occupied by Oldsmobile, and that demanded V8 power. From a performance perspective, the 2+2 is pretty impressive. While not related to the 400 W72, the concept was the same. All GTOs built from 1964-66 were powered by a 389-cubic-inch V-8 with 10.75:1 compression. Angles used in valve job: 30-deg intake, 45-deg exhaust seat, width 0.040-in intake, 0.060-in exhaust Greater throughput mixed with the proper amount of fuel and ignited at the ideal time for the flame to expand against the piston will result in more power. pontiac engine decoder year code c/i hp tran carb car misc 1962 13b 421 3 m 2 x 4 full super duty 1962 13u 421 4 m 2 x 4 full super duty 1962 bu 421 4 m 2 x 4 full super duty . Rated at 370 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 460 pounds-feet of torque at 3,800 rpm, it has 10.75:1 compression, with induction through three Rochester two-barrel carbs, Pontiac's well-known "Tri-Power" setup. Around January 1966 Pontiac took the next step and began offering as a factory option the XS-code engine. [4] It was replaced by the 455 for the 1970 model year. 1966 Pontiac Ventura Specifications. It featured 3+14in (82.6mm) main journals (which the legendary Smokey Yunick reputedly left Pontiac's engineering department over). The 301 had a bore and stroke of 4in 3in (101.6mm 76.2mm). The W72 offered many improvements over the standard L78 400 Pontiac. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Ellingson Motorcars (877) 638-7170. This was a completely stock car on loan from a private owner for the test. Pontiac still offered the regular 455 (RPO L75) in its full sized cars, and after a negative public reaction for dropping the 455 engine, it was re-introduced mid-year as an available option for the 1975 Pontiac Trans Am. [20] Pontiac asked Mopar (Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth) for help in designing it and making it work. In the 1968 Pontiac GTO it was given a 10.75:1 compression ratio and tuned to deliver 360 horsepower and 445 foot-pounds of torque.[2]. A Pontiac SD 421 came with forged steel rods and crankshafts for extra durability. The fuel-injected engine became an option on any Pontiac model, carrying a staggering price tag of $500 (almost 15% of the car's base price). Next time we will cover the induction system and the dyno testing to see if Jim meets his goal. ft. After the SD-455 was certified with the new cam, it was production-ready but was then further delayed by the EPA mandating Pontiac recertify all of its engines when the EPA discovered that part-throttle emissions exceeded the limits. Fuel pump: Will use 110-gph Carter Made with a provision for dry sump oiling, it truly was a racing engine, detuned for use in passenger cars. The first letter equals the month. Displacement (CID) Bore (Inches) Stroke (Inches) Mains (Inches) 1955. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The 455 was fundamentally the same for the 1976 model year, albeit the shaker decal now just read "455". It was implemented as further development of a cost-effective, more fuel efficient V8 derivative of the 301 V8 for the CAFE requirements. moniker from the shaker due to the disappointing public approval as the motor was not deemed to be "High Output". The Block Date Code represents the production date of the engine. The piston weighs 630 grams with the pin versus the stock piston and pin weight of 790 grams. The main innovation of the Pontiac engine was reverse-flow cooling and the stamped rocker-arm system, which had been devised by Pontiac engineer Clayton Leach in 1948. . Late in the model year the Ram Air 455 HO was made an available option for those GTOs with the optional "The Judge" package. The SD-455 used round-port cylinder heads similar to those used on the 1971 and 1972 455 HO, with specific "LS-2" intake and cast-iron exhaust header manifolds. The most valuable Pontiac GTO is the 1969 Judge convertible with the 370-hp Ram Air IV engine. Flamboyantly styled and expansively proportioned, the 2+2 was unbeatable for sheer presence. These heads can be distinguished from 6x8 heads through a small stamped "4" on the top of the front boss. As Stock drag racing heated up at the dawn of the Sixties, the factories were serving up a constant stream of engines, transmissions and lightweight body par. Power output ranged from 135hp (101kW) to 170hp (127kW). And it cruised silently and rode with less harshness than muscle intermediates. Get the best deals on Engines & Engine Parts for 1966 Pontiac GTO when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. The block is still at standard 421 bore size (4.09375") and will be bored to fit standard size forged 428 pistons (4.120"). The horsepower ratings of this era were often dubious, with engines rated higher or lower in output for advertising, political, or insurance purposes. Engine Specifications. It was rated at 475hp (354kW). However, in the June 1974 issue of SUPER STOCK AND DRAG ILLUSTRATED, a new 1974 Trans Am with the SD-455 motor ran 14.25 @ 101mph (163km/h). The very modest cam, combined with a low-compression ratio of 8.4 (advertised) and 7.9:1 actual resulted in 290hp (216kW) SAE NET. This was the only Poncho with standard 421-cid power. For 1969-1970 GTO the 400 HO included driver operable Ram Air induction and was renamed "400 Ram Air" for 1969 and just "Ram Air" for 1970. Pontiac Engine Torque Specifications. Regarding Crower's upgrade suggestions for its camshaft, Jim pretty much has it covered. Deck Height: 10.215-in 400 Ram Air (1969) / Ram Air (1970), aka Ram Air III, Learn how and when to remove these template messages, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Tested: 1968 Pontiac GTO 428 / Royal Bobcat", "1969 Pontiac Grand Prix 428 specifications | technical data | performance | fuel economy | emissions | dimensions | horsepower | torque | weight", "Muscle Car Horsepower How Exaggerated Was It? Reductions in reciprocating weight free up horsepower. The 389 would remain the standard Pontiac V8 engine through 1966, offered in a bewildering variety of outputs ranging from 215 to 368hp (160 to 274kW). For the truly obsessed, 16 Grand Prixs were built with Pontiac's 421 Super Duty engines, rated at a staggering 370 bhp. One of the key upgrades were the 6x4 heads. 5 January 2007. Upon reflection, many did not consider that it was the only large displacement engine still on offer for any performance car on the market, and reconsidered Pontiac's position between the rising CAFE emissions restrictions.[14]. However, the engine used in these Trans Ams was the same regular production 455 taken from the big body cars Pontiac was producing, and output 200 HP with a torque rating of 330lbft at 2,000 rpm.[13]. Pontiac went to open-chambered heads in some 1967 models and all 68 and up to improve power, engine breathing and reduce emissions. Only about 2000 like this one were built with 4 speed Muncie transmissions. It also could hold its own against a range of performance cars. The mighty Pontiac 421 was a star on the drag strip and a super nova on the Nascar tracks of the first half of the 60s. It used the "744" camshaft (301-313) in the earlier manual trans versions, later downgraded to the "068" version, and the 288/302 duration cam with automatic transmission. Lift: 0.515/0.525 with 1.6:1 rockers Low-performance and two-barrel applications, the standard engine in full-sized Pontiacs, got 1.96in (49.8mm) intake and 1.66in (42.2mm) exhaust valves and pressed in rocker arm studs. All Pontiac V8s from 1955 to 1959 were reverse cooled, known as the "gusher" cooling system. It's well documented that an internal combustion engine is nothing more than an air pump. This is the original car featured in the May 1962 issue of Motor Trend Magazine that was modified by Royal Pontiac and driven by Jim Wangers. Preparation: File-fit for end gap if needed, wash in., again available only in the GTO and Firebird. The 389 was the standard engine for the Pontiac Grand Prix and Pontiac Bonneville and installed in the Pontiac GTO through 1966. In addition, a shallower spherical-wedge combustion chamber moved the tuliped valve heads .040" closer to the piston at TDC, improving mixture draw considerably during the intake stroke. [5] It was rated at 360hp (268kW), but the Grand Prix with the same specifications was rated at 370hp (276kW).[6]. The 421 used the same 4.120-inch bore but used the 4.0-inch crank from the 421 it replaced. Casting No. "1966 Pontiac 2+2" In 1969 the 350 HO was upgraded again with the addition of the 400 HO cam, commonly referred to by enthusiasts as the 068 cam. The Armasteel cast crankshaft was the standard hardened cast-iron crankshaft used throughout the entire Pontiac V-8 line until 1967. Along with the HO it also had Pontiac's famous cast-iron "headers", which were much better at reducing backpressure than the regular manifolds. Though a change of camshaft would delay production, Pontiac decided to change camshaft, employing one with identical timing to the 744 camshaft, which had been used in the 400 Ram Air(aka Ram Air III) engine with manual transmissions. The W72 package was a standalone option, and although was discounted when ordered in conjunction with the Y82/Y84/Y88 Special Appearance package, did not come included with Special Edition Trans Ams, it remained an extra cost option. With A/C On, Engine Hot: 421: 1966: With Tri-Carb, With Air Injection reactor: 45S: 0.035: The SD-455 motor was listed as an option in dealer brochures for the 1973 Grand Am and LeMans GTO(and planned for the Grand Prix as well) although none were produced for sale. Engine Year Info Spark Plug Plug Gap Point Gap Dwell Angle Timing (BTDC) Idel RPM Manual Tran. Starting at the bottom, Jim will employ lighter and stronger parts in the reciprocating assembly, as evidenced by the choice of Howards billet rods and forged Icon pistons. Like the 421, the 428 used a large-journal crankshaft, but externally it was the same size as all Pontiac V-8s of that era (the later 301 used a shorter deck height). A three-speed stick was standard; a four-speed and automatic cost extra. Here are my top six rationales for admiring the 1966 GP. Maximum flow at 28 inches of water ][citation needed] T, While the exact total number of Ram Air V engines produced is not positively known, only about 25 303cuin (5.0L) engines were produced and about a dozen 428s and 366s. It produced 120hp (89kW) After 1981, the Pontiac V8 was replaced entirely by the GM "corporate" V8's from Chevrolet and Oldsmobile. Price $15500.00. A 400 cubic inch ram air equipped V8, it was an option on the 1969-70 GTO and Firebird Formula. It was rated at 366bhp (273kW) (gross) in the GTO version. Optional engines included the 356hp Tri-Power as seen on our feature car (code WH manual or YJ auto), or the 421HO, rated at 376hp . Initial advance: 18-deg Idel RPM Automatic In Drive Notes; 326: 1964: 45S: 0.035: . Preparation: Magnaflux, check for equal stroke and index, grind, polish 0.010-in cam specs out at 215/225-degrees duration at 0.050 and has just 0.407/0.407 lift with the factory 1.50:1 rockers. Approximately 6,000 2+2's were built in 1966, the only year the 2+2 was its own model. Splayed main caps, head bolts tie into main caps. Both Randy and Stan were aware of the . Pontiac had prepared for the forthcoming cancellation of the venerable 400 by producing large volumes of the stronger cast "XX" 400 blocks in 1977 that were assembled in 1978, and stockpiled at a warehouse by the assembly plant for later use. The 4-barrel version was available from 1978 to 1981 and the Turbo version was limited to the 1980 and 1981 model year, however, it was originally intended to be available for the 3rd generation Firebird before its cancellation by GM. Head bolts do not pull on the cylinder wall causing distortion. Pontiac Heads; Pontiac Engine Torque Specs; Pontiac Cars (Body Types) Pontiac Engine Information; Instruction Sheets; Compression Calculator; Ask a Tech Question; Customer Service. . The air cleaners look like those used on the top dog 376 gross HP 421 CI engine but there was also a lesser 356 HP version available too. Nevertheless, there appears in the October 72 issue of MOTOR TREND, a road test of a 1973 SD-455 Grand Am.