Horsepower: See Part 2 For those who may not be familiar with the equation, here it is again: in., again available only in the GTO and Firebird. Some 400s were dealer installed. Along with being cheaper to build, this allowed more consistent valve action with less weight than a conventional shaft. The Pontiac 2+2 featured a 6.9 L V8 engine, heavy-duty front springs, dual exhaust and distinctive exterior body design. Apparently at least one of these engines survives under the hood of an engineer's personal Pontiac. 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. Mods: Built to factory specifications/ adapt '64 choke to '66 center carburetor Preparation: Cook, bead blast, magnaflux, bore, true decks, align bore 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. Coil: GM Keepers: Comp Cams race locks As a result, peak horsepower dropped from 310 to 290, though torque increased from 390 to 395lb. The engines feature a cast-iron block and head and two valves per cylinder. 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). If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Lobe separation angle: 112-deg 1966 Pontiac Engine Data Location Of Engine Code: (Six-Cyl) - On cylinder head-to-block contact surface behind oil filter pipe. For 1965, however, the 2+2 became a bonafide muscle car. 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. . Contemporary road tests suggest that it was actually somewhat inferior to the Tri-Power engines, although it did have better fuel economy. At the request of Ed Cole, general manager of Chevrolet, the layout was also used by the Chevrolet V8 released in 1955, an exception to the customary GM policy of allowing a division one year of exclusive use of an internally developed advance. Pontiac Heads; Pontiac Engine Torque Specs; Pontiac Cars (Body Types) Pontiac Engine Information; Instruction Sheets; Compression Calculator; Ask a Tech Question; Customer Service. The L75 455 engine continued as an option into the 1976 model year for the Trans Am, however, Pontiac opted to drop the "H.O." The 421 SD Tri-Power engine offered during these years produced the highest horsepower of any motor in the Pontiac V8 lineup at 376 bhp. A higher-output version was offered, called the 326 HO (High Output). That's the factory rating of the legendary 421 H.O. This test would tend to lend credence to the CAR AND DRIVER and HOT ROD tests of 1973 Super Duty cars with 3.42 gears, no air, and 160lb (73kg) less weight as being representative of production specimens capable of mid to high 13-second passes at 104mph (167km/h). 1965 Pontiac LeMans GTO Mecum. The main upgrade for the engine was the ESC, (Electronic Spark Control)[15] which provided slightly more power at 170hp (127kW) with 4.9L (299cuin) for the 19801981 model years. All Rights Reserved. On the invoicing for the 1979 model year Firebirds, they had the option listed as L78, however, every 1979 400 equipped car received a W72 engine. Like previous generations of Ram Airs, it used Pontiac's special cast-iron "headers". The external dimensions of all their V8s, from 326455cuin (5.37.5L) were the same. What was most interesting about the 421 engine in the beginning was that it was a dealer installed option only known as the SD (Super Duty) 421. It remained on the same platform, but for the 1966 models, it became a different Pontiac series. Bearings: Sealed-Power mains and rods, cam Dura-Bond Free-flowing exhaust manifolds from the 400 Ram Air were used late in the model year. The engine was available in all full-size Pontiacs. Power ratings increased accordingly: Several dealer-installed camshafts were optional to increase power further to 317hp (236kW). Unfortunately, that's what happened with the 1963 Pontiac Super Duty 421. Unusual for a major automaker, Pontiac did not have the customary "small-block" and "big-block" engine families common to other GM divisions, Ford, and Chrysler. Model Number: Body/Style Number: Body Type & Seating: Factory Price: . V-8 (coded WG for stick or YH for auto) was the 2+2's base engine. With higher compression and dual exhaust it produced 280hp (209kW) for 19631964, and 285hp (213kW) for 1965 through 1967, its final year. ][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. Block description: '64 421ci #157 Ever wonder what it would take to increase that number by 100? The 421 used the same 4.120-inch bore but used the 4.0-inch crank from the 421 it replaced. From 1959 to 1966 Pontiac continues making improvements. Super Duty 421s were back, tougher than ever. In 1968, there was also a 350 "HO" which had increased power with the addition of higher compression #18 heads (#17 and #46 were the most common 2-barrel heads), a four-barrel carburettor and matching intake that was also used on the 400 and 428 engines. The piston weighs 630 grams with the pin versus the stock piston and pin weight of 790 grams. Oil pan: 8-quart with extended pick-up, fabricated retention clamp The shaker wore the decals "455 H.O." The camshaft was the HO cam with 288/301 duration. With a view to the latter, what we find lurking under the hood is the 421ci Tri-Power V8. This new material had stronger alloys in the iron. Beginning in 1961 the Pontiac V-8 (389 and 421) was dubbed the Trophy V-8, due to its many victories in racing. Learn how Classified Ads works . Pontiac listed the 290hp (216kW) rating at 4000 rpm for a motor that had a 5700rpm redline on the factory tachometer. 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. True Pontiac engines were designed and built in Detroitnot on a computer, but often by GI-bill-educated engineers who grew up working with their hands and now had a slide rule in their pocket instead of a greasy rag. Tri Power engine however was optional. The cylinder heads on the 400 CID version had an intake port volume of 290cc (17.70cuin), nearly twice the size of a typical standard D-port Pontiac head - and flowed in the area of 315cuft/min (8.9m3/min) @ 0.8in (20mm) valve lift; in the realm of the NASCAR-dominating Chrysler 426 Hemi. The 428 was increased to 456.12cuin (7,474cc) in 1970. Royal Pontiac's engine swap wasn't a new trick for Pontiac. The SD-389 was limited to a single 4-barrel while the SD-421 used dual 4-barrels. Standard only for the Pontiac Bonneville was Pontiac's first-ever fuel injection system. 1966 yk 421 376 a 3x2 1967 zg 230 165 a 1 1967 zm 230 165 a 1 1967 zk 230 165 3 m 1 1967 zs 230 165 3 m 1 . Information and specs for the Pontiac 421 V8 engine. Pontiac engine production records report that 190 XS-code 389 engines were built during the 1966 model year. During 19511952, Pontiac had 23 287cuin (4.7L) V8-equipped 1953 model production prototypes running tests on the GM proving grounds. It requires a compression ratio of at least 10.25:1. Jets, Primary: Center #64 adjust power valvespring for 12 Hg at 1,000 rpm The company says engines running this cam benefit from headers, cylinder-head port work, a large-cfm carb, and an ignition upgrade. 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. Duration at .050: 247/252-deg 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]. Besides a variety of displacements, the Pontiac V-8 block saw a number of other changes over the years, including starter locations, main-journal diameters, engine-mounting points, and . In basic 2-barrel form it produced 290 horsepower and 428ft. pounds of torque in 1968. A mere five were built, all with a four-speed transmission. The most valuable Pontiac GTO is the 1969 Judge convertible with the 370-hp Ram Air IV engine. It was rated at 250hp (186kW) with 8.6:1 compression and 260hp (194kW) at 10.25:1 compression. Year. Rings: LPC (Liberty Performance Components) premium moly, standard tension The 2+2 option package arrived for 1965, giving the Catalina a performance persona and credentials to match. In addition to the inline 6, Pontiac used the Oakland V8 for one year, 1932, debuting the Pontiac straight-8 engine in 1933. Price $14000.00. 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. This was underrated at 330hp (246kW). 18 watchers This same camshaft was also used in Pontiac's 19691970 RA IV production cars. Unique exterior features included "2+2" badges, twin lens taillamps, and chrome bodyside gills; Pontiac's famous eight-lug aluminum wheels were the ultimate optional touch. In addition to the more refined cylinder heads, block casting reinforcements in the lifter galley and main bearing oil pan rail area, it had forged connecting rods with larger 716-inch-diameter (11mm) bolts. Likewise, the top 428 carried the same 376-hp rating as the 1966 Pontiac 421 Tri-Power motor. It was renamed 428 HO for 1968. 421 CID V8 - 4BBL - Automatic - P.S. The other major difference between the "typical" Pontiac engine of the time was that this one used the large . More 400cuin (6.6L) engines were produced by Pontiac than the other versions - estimates range from 80 to 200 units. Sponsored Stories . Federal emissions standards and the drive towards "corporate" engines shared among all GM divisions led to the progressive demise of the Pontiac V8 through the late 1970s. These motors were built mainly for NASCAR or other racing purposes and were equipped with all the extra racing goodies that people were looking for. 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. 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. This was the only Poncho with standard 421-cid power. Forged rods and forged-aluminum pistons were specified, as were unique high-flow cylinder-heads. Pistons: Icon PN IC892 application 428 +0.030-in with 10cc dish Continue with Recommended Cookies. The 455 was used through 1976 when it, as with many other large displacement engines, was discontinued as manufacturers moved to smaller, more efficient models, even in their full size car lines. One version of the engine featured camshafts driven off the front of the engine, another design had the cams driven by gears off the back of the engine. . Price $30000.00. 1965-75 Pontiac & Tempest engine tune-upspecifications including timing, dwell angle, and Spark Plug Gap, and firing order. or choose Generic to see kits that might fit a . A limited-slip differential and gearing up to 4:11.1 were optional. When fitted with other high-airflow components, it produced a good balance of low-end torque and higher-RPM power. The premier SD 421 cylinder head was the late 1962-early 1963 casting #9771980 aka "980", featuring a larger 11.3cuin (185cc) intake port volume, flowing 230cuft/min (6.5m3/min) @ 28in (710mm). This engine was first offered in 1967 as the top engine option in full-size Pontiacs. A panel covers the dash opening where the radio would have been on a standard Catalina. 1968 - 400 Ram Air I and 428HO Code 37" Ram Air I and. After outselling Oakland, Pontiac became the sole survivor of the two by 1932. The V8 was phased out in 1981, replaced by GM "corporate engines" such as the Chevrolet 305 cu in small block V8. According to GM mandates horsepower was now rated in net figures as opposed to gross, so on paper the 1972 455 HO appeared to have a significant drop in power, but in fact it was very much the same engine, and performance figures reveal this to be true. The most famous S/D of them all. Valves: Competition Products stainless steel, 1.92 /1.66-in Both used a single two-barrel carburetor. The 455 HO package was only available to late model year Pontiac Firebird Trans Am's, and was mandatory with a 4-speed transmission. The overhead-cam six-cylinder engine was new for 1966 and the standard engine in the Tempest and Tempest Custom. Specifications listing with the performance factory . Pontiac V8 Engine Codes and Specifications. 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. This simply meant that Pontiac installed both the SD-389 and SD-421 into vehicles on its assembly line. They acquired the featured Montero Red 1966 Pontiac Catalina post car, which was equipped from the factory with the 421 H.O. Initial advance: 18-deg These muscle car profiles include photos and specifications for each model: For related car information, go to these articles: Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide One of the key modifications over the standard 301 4-barrel was the 301 Turbo block. Intake manifold: Original '64 PMD tri-power Retainers: Crower steel 1966: 421: 9782611 (late) 1967-1969. / 8.3 mpg (U.S.) / 3.5 km/l, more data: 1966 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible . Here are features on more than 100, Muscle cars created their own culture. 5 January 2007. Valvesprings: Crower, dual no damper With A/C On, Engine Hot: 421: 1966: With Tri-Carb, With Air Injection reactor: 45S: 0.035: This money bought a potent 389 V-8 with 267-283 bhp . 1962 Pontiac Catalina, Royal Bobcat Super Duty 421. Initially marketed as a 287cuin (4.7L), it went on to be manufactured in displacements between 265cuin (4.3L) and 455cuin (7.5L) in carburated, fuel injected, and turbocharged versions. These guys lived by mathematics since every function of an engine that converts chemical to mechanical energy can be assigned a number. This was based on results of over 1 million test miles, which was unheard of at the time. superior_queens (3,035) 100%. 744) and a new valve spring package with dampers to positively control valve action. After the 1974 SD455 was dropped the 1975 Firebird's top performance engine was an 'L78' Pontiac 400cuin (6.6L). Once corrected the SD-455 was recertified and was released for production in late April 1973. 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. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Ram Air induction was optionally available with the 455 HO in the Firebird Formula (standard on Trans Am), and the 2-door LeMans (including GTO). For the first time, Pontiac offered Tri-Power, three two-barrel carburetors with a sequential linkage (replacing the previous dual-quad set-up). Setting initial timing at idle with the vacuum advance disconnected will usually fall around 12 to 16 degrees, but that's not really important. Along with a cam swap it boosted horsepower from 325 hp with the four-barrel carb to 348 hp in '64. It was clear to most enthusiasts by 1966 that midsize models had seized the muscle car mantle. Car and Driver magazine, which had showcased the infamous Pontiac GTO vs. Ferrari's GTO comparison in 1964, organized another bout between the . They came up with a 269-cubic-inch (4.4L) L-head design. By 1965 and 1966 the same combinations would be rated at 338hp (252kW) for the 4bbl and the two Tri-Power versions would be rated at 356hp (265kW) and the H-O version at 376hp (280kW). Simply called "Ram Air" by Pontiac[17] it was the first in a series of engines available from Pontiac as regular production line options and officially called Ram Air. Manage Settings Displacement began at 287-cubic-inch (4.7L) and grew as large as 455-cubic-inch (7.5L) by 1970. Fuel line size: 38-inch, 516-inch to carburetor 068) to 301/313 (No. He thinks the stock exhaust flow of 180 cfm will suffice for this build. Final torque ratings may vary and need to be determined based on application and parts used. Example: A128 = January 12, 19*8. Under the leadership of chief engineers Pete Estes and John DeLorean, Pontiac engine guru Malcolm "Mac" McKellar (1920-2011) and crew developed the Super Duty 389 and 421 NASCAR engines that embarrassed the Fords and Chevrolets at Daytona. Still, it was the strongest American engine offered that year. Pontiac produced the 421 V8 engine from 1961 to 1968. The W72 Performance Package also included an upgrade to the rear differential ratio, setting the rear gear ratio to 3.23 for all 1977 and 1979 W72 Firebirds, with the exception being 3.42 for 4-speed equipped W72 Firebirds in 1978 only. The 1972 455 HO was rated at 300hp (224kW) @ 4,000rpm and 415lbft (563Nm) @ 3,200rpm. 1966 Pontiac Ventura Specifications. This camshaft sported a 308-/320-degree duration with 0.47-inch (12mm) lift. Preparation: File-fit for end gap if needed, wash The beginnings of Pontiac's iconic Ram Air dynasty began during the 1965 model year. (imp.) Method used to retain pins in pistons: . . Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Cam was a #541596 McKellar No. 301 2-barrel (135hp, 101kW), (5th character of the, 301 4-barrel (150hp, 112kW), (5th character of the. The Armasteel cast crankshaft was the standard hardened cast-iron crankshaft used throughout the entire Pontiac V-8 line until 1967. The Pontiac 301 EC (Electronic Controls) version offered in 1981 produced 155hp (116kW) and 245lbft (332Nm), although it's rumoured that the actual output was closer to 170hp (127kW). 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. Lift: 0.515/0.525 with 1.6:1 rockers Pontiac successfully competed against more-expensive inline four-cylinder models with their inline flathead six-cylinder engines. I don't know if it can be done, but I'm going to try." "1966 Pontiac 2+2" 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). Pontiac Engine Torque Specs Pontiac Engine Torque Specs. For 1970 the Trans Am was the only Firebird available with the Ram Air IV, and 88 were produced during the abbreviated 1970 F-body production run. Piston pins: Icon, SAE 1016 to 1022 The W72 offered many improvements over the standard L78 400 Pontiac. (V8) - Stamped on right front side of block or beneath production . 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. Rear Main Cap. 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 1971 455 HO was rated at 335hp (250kW) @ 4,800rpm and 480lbft (651Nm) of torque @ 3,200rpm (gross). 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. By early 1979, orders for the W72 package were being rejected by dealers as they supply had run dry. Though production cars only got the two hood air inlets the name was retained. VEHICLE TYPE . Engine options for the 1966 Pontiac Ventura were a 389 and 421 cubic inch V-8. Pontiac differed from other GM Divisions and most other manufacturers in producing only a single small block V8, rather than adding a larger big block to its line-up. In 1969, Pontiac unveiled its Trans Am model Firebird, and since racing rules required engines of less than 5L (305.1cuin), Pontiac unveiled the 303 for racing models only, never available to the public. 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. This is it! The V8 engine was introduced for the 1955 model year as the "Strato Streak". The 2-barrel version was last offered in 1979. Compression jumped from 11.0:1 to 12.0:1, while other tweaks increased maximum shift points by 500 rpm, to a screaming 6400 rpm. It was rated 180hp (134kW) @ 4600rpm and 264lbft (358Nm) @ 2400rpm with a two-barrel carburetor, 200hp (149kW) @ 4600rpm and 278lbft (377Nm) @ 2800rpm with the four-barrel carburetor. Not where most enthusiasts go first. To determine horsepower from airflow, invert the equation: It was rated at 360hp @4300 RPM in the GTO and 370 @ 4600 RPM in the Grand Prix and other full-size Pontiacs. Other dimensional factors such as the wheel base, curb weight and length were largely unchanged. Here is another number to ponder: 370 hp. of torque at 3,800 RPM in the GTO, and 340 HORSEPOWER at 5,300 RPM and 430-lb.ft. Also bowing in 1967 was the new Firebird, which had the . The four-barrel version with 10.5:1 compression upped horsepower to a healthy 285. . [citation needed] It was the first engine that incorporated Pontiac's round-port head design in a production vehicle, however the intake port was the same as other D-port heads, leaving a head which exhaust port could nearly match the intake at high valve lifts. The rod weighs 751 grams versus the stock rod at 958 grams. A total of 1,808 Ram Air IV production cars were built over its 2-year production. Pontiac planned to produce the 1953 models with the V8, but Buick and Oldsmobile appealed to GM management and earned a 2-year delay. Over the years he has amassed a library of data from investing in metallurgical testing with a well-respected laboratory. Length: 8.750-inCAM . But the "Ram Air" 400 also mandated steep 4.33:1 gears(or 3.90:1 in Firebird), making the Quadra-Power 400 (400 HO) the top practical street engine option for most drivers. This was the last run for the 455 (7.5 L) motor from Pontiac, and production ceased on the 455 this year as it could no longer meet the emissions requirements any longer. Rocker studs: ARP special 34-in bottom 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. The last was the 421 HO and included a high-output camshaft and valve train. Pushrods: LPC chrome moly Valve lift stayed at just over 0.400-inch with 1.5:1-ratio rocker arms. Standard ratio with the 400 was 3.55:1(except 3.36:1 in Firebird for 1969) regardless of transmission(3.23:1 for cars with air conditioning).