The beginnings of Pontiac's iconic Ram Air dynasty began during the 1965 model year. Pontiac first offered the 2+2 as a Catalina engine, suspension, and trim group in 1964. 1966 Pontiac Catalina Specifications and Production. Open pressure: 282 pounds at 1.100-in It was rated at 376bhp in 1967 and 390bhp in 1968 and 1969. Vacuum advance: Not usedEXHAUST This was underrated at 330hp (246kW). 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]. 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. . This included the ESC (Electronic Spark Control) distributor and controller borrowed from the 301 Turbo, which allowed for higher timing without the penalty of engine damaging pinging or preignition. Distributor: '61 Delco cast-iron with direct oiling 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]. Pontiac began as a "companion make" to the Oakland division of the General Motors line of automobiles in 1926. VEHICLE TYPE . 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 1963 Catalina two-door sports sedan pictured here showcases the 421 H.O. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. It was the top-of-the-line engine unless one opted for the "Ram Air" V-8 derived from it. 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. This was a project started with the end goal of building a 427 Hemi. Angles used in valve job: 30-deg intake, 45-deg exhaust seat, width 0.040-in intake, 0.060-in exhaust #9770716 aka "716" heads featured a 170cc intake port volume, and were considered a milder "street" version of the vaunted SD421 Super Duty heads. Since the story of this 421 is better told in pictures, follow along as we take you on this exciting journey! The W72 301 was a tuned L37 301 Pontiac V8 with some minor upgrades. More 400cuin (6.6L) engines were produced by Pontiac than the other versions - estimates range from 80 to 200 units. For those who may not be familiar with the equation, here it is again: The standard head seen on an L78 400 Pontiac was the low compression 6x8 head, while the 6x4 head seen on the W72 had hardened valve seats for a higher RPM operating range, improved air flow, and higher compression. All 1980 Trans Ams received this engine as standard with the option to delete this engine choice as a credit option for the standard L37 301. Also added was the #48 casting number heads with a 68cc (4.15cuin) chamber for higher compression, along with larger 2.11 and 1.77in (54 and 45mm) valves. Apparently at least one of these engines survives under the hood of an engineer's personal Pontiac. 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. in. Pontiac Heads; Pontiac Engine Torque Specs; Pontiac Cars (Body Types) Pontiac Engine Information; Instruction Sheets; Compression Calculator; Ask a Tech Question; Customer Service. Preparation: Install in rod, torque, measure ID This resulted in a lightweight design weighing less than the Chevrolet small-block V-8. For the 1978 model year, Pontiac re-incorporated the earlier thicker cast cast engine block denoted by the cast number 418988 and a "XX" cast into the side of the block. The Pontiac V8 engine is a family of overhead valve 90 V8 engines manufactured by the Pontiac Division of General Motors Corporation between 1955 and 1981. Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security. These heads can be distinguished from 6x8 heads through a small stamped "4" on the top of the front boss. intake duration and later 1964 L with 288deg intake essentially the same as the 068 cam. HPP decided to follow this exciting exercise; we show you the highlights in this two-part primer. Collector size: 3.00-inGASKETS 1967 - 400 Ram Air or 428 Code 670. In 1967 the 421 was enlarged to 426.61cuin (7.0L) by increasing its bore to 4.12in (104.6mm). Here is another number to ponder: 370 hp. 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. Length: 8.750-inCAM Preparation: Cook, bead blast, magnaflux, bore, true decks, align bore Simply put, what good is the power if the engine does not last? Example: A128 = January 12, 19*8. The four-barrel version with 10.5:1 compression upped horsepower to a healthy 285. . 421 CID V8 - 4BBL - Automatic - P.S. Engine Displacement: 432 ci In 1967, the Pontiac 2+2 became an option on the . The last was the 421 HO and included a high-output camshaft and valve train. Known as GM's performance-oriented division, Pontiac lived up to the hype by creating the first Muscle Car and kicking off the Muscle Car era. He wanted to confirm his parts are up to the task of holding the cylinder pressure that creates horsepower. That's the factory rating of the legendary 421 H.O. "1966 Pontiac 2+2" However, compression ratios were cut dramatically, marking the beginning of the end of the muscle car era. 744) and a new valve spring package with dampers to positively control valve action. 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). From 1955 through 1959, the Pontiac V8 was also used in some GMC pick-up trucks. Lifters: Crower solid with EDM oil hole (0.024 inch) The 421 Super Duty had been the first of these, and their large bore and stoke made them popular in NHRA and NASCAR competition throughout the '60s. The four-barrel 400 was a popular performance option for many of Pontiac's cars. These guys lived by mathematics since every function of an engine that converts chemical to mechanical energy can be assigned a number. designs, the SD-455 was a much improved engine. Are you thinking of buying a 2007 muscle car, or any other car? Contemporary road tests suggest that it was actually somewhat inferior to the Tri-Power engines, although it did have better fuel economy. Most Pontiac engines like total timing (rev engine past 3000 or so until the mechanical advance stops moving/advancing, vacuum advance disconnected to check total timing) somewhere between 32 and 36 degrees. In 1963 Pontiac dropped the Buick division built 215 cu. Every torque specification should be in this table, however if there is one missing, please Contact Me and I will get you the spec and add it to the table. Rings: LPC (Liberty Performance Components) premium moly, standard tension This same camshaft was also used in Pontiac's 19691970 RA IV production cars. said the "Pontiac 421 cu. Additionally, the 301 W72 never received the option to come equipped with a manual transmission like the standard 301 received in 1979, and disappointingly, production for all Pontiac V8's ended soon after as GM sought to "corporatize" engine production. Boost was wastegate limited to 91psi (0.6210.069bar). It also sports the four-speed manual, limited . The goal of making a Pontiac Hemi succeeded but the engine was never produced. By comparison, the factory 421 H.O. After outselling Oakland, Pontiac became the sole survivor of the two by 1932. It was rated at 250hp (186kW) with 8.6:1 compression and 260hp (194kW) at 10.25:1 compression. It used a declutching fan, special exhaust manifolds, and chrome low-restriction air cleaners; rocker covers and oil-filler cap also were chrome. Muscle Cars. First offered as an option in 1963, the 421 HO came in a 4-barrel engine of 320hp (239kW) and one Tri-Power H-O version with a hotter cam and efficient iron exhaust manifolds and rated at 370hp (276kW). Optional was the obligatory four-speed manual or new-for-1965 Turbo-Hyramatic three-speed automatic. They came up with a 269-cubic-inch (4.4L) L-head design. RamAir 4 Motor Price $15500.00. For 1974 another 1,001 (943 Trans Am, 58 Formula) were built, after which the SD-455 was discontinued. Stating in 1962 the "421" and the "421 SD" engine became available as a factory option until 1966. Intake: 218 cfm at 0.500-in The 455 was fundamentally the same for the 1976 model year, albeit the shaker decal now just read "455". The 301 Turbo package mandated air conditioning, the THM350 (sometimes referred to as the CBC350 in various literature) non-lockup automatic transmission (THM350C lockup in 1981 Trans Ams), and 3.08 rear axle gearing. Royal Pontiac developed the prototype of the package on their 1965 GTO drag car and Pontiac picked up the idea and in August 1965 Pontiac offered the new Fresh Air package to dealers consisting of the parts and instructions needed to make the hood scoop functional, including the metal tub to mount to the carburetors and rubber gasket to seal it to the underside of the hood. The Ram Air IV used the Ram Air II's camshaft but lift in the Ram Air IV was increased to 0.52in (13mm) thanks to the use of 1.65 ratio rocker arms (vs 1.50). Offered on select models from 1957 through 1966, Pontiac's Tri-Power induction system added a new dimension of performance to the General Motors brandand a colorful new term to the hot rodder's vocabulary. The first of the "big journal" Pontiac V8s, it had a bore and stroke of 4+332in 4in (104.0mm 101.6mm) and came with dual four-barrel carburetors. Well, gaze upon these numbersa 421ci Pontiac with Tri-Power carburetion. Officially named the Quadra-Power 400 for 1967 and renamed 400 HO for 1968, the 400 HO was first offered for 1967 as the third engine in the GTO line after the automatic-only 400 2-barrel and the standard 400 4-barrel (the 400 HO would not be offered in the Firebird until the 1968 model year). It tips the scales at 3,950lbs. Preparation: Magnaflux, check for equal stroke and index, grind, polish 0.010-in The initial press cars that were given to the various enthusiast magazines (e.g. The company says engines running this cam benefit from headers, cylinder-head port work, a large-cfm carb, and an ignition upgrade. One of the key modifications over the standard 301 4-barrel was the 301 Turbo block. Beginning in 1961 the Pontiac V-8 (389 and 421) was dubbed the Trophy V-8, due to its many victories in racing. The piston weighs 630 grams with the pin versus the stock piston and pin weight of 790 grams. Keepers: Comp Cams race locks Pontiac's V8s share the same 6.625in (168.3mm) connecting rod length, with the exceptions of the later short deck 301, 265, and 303 Ram Air V. Most Pontiac V8s had an overall length (to the edge of the water pump pulley) of 28.25in (718mm), an overall width of 27in (690mm), and a height (not including air cleaner) of 31in (790mm). A total of 1,808 Ram Air IV production cars were built over its 2-year production. The valve size increased as well, to 2.11in (53.6mm) intake and 1.77in (45.0mm) exhaust valves on high-performance heads. 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). 093: 66 389 GTO: 65 . The 421 was first availabe in a SD (Super Duty) model that was built for racing. Maximum RPM (high-RPM engine): over 8000 rpm, Engine weight: estimated 550lb (249kg) complete, Power: estimated 640hp (477kW) at 7500rpm, This page was last edited on 30 January 2023, at 13:15. 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). Not where most enthusiasts go first. The 1979 Firebird model line was the last year for the Pontiac 400, and by this point not only was it required with the 4-speed manual transmission, it also required the WS6 Special Handling Package as mandatory equipment. 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. Regarding Crower's upgrade suggestions for its . [19] The cylinder head design is similar to the Ford FE tunnel-port head used in the GT40 and Can-Am series racing. A mere five were built, all with a four-speed transmission. 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. It shared the 4.121in (104.7mm) bore of the 400, but with a 2.84in (72.1mm) stroke for a displacement of 303cuin (5.0L). Headers: Hooker Super Comp (for dyno test) The W72 was only available for a very short time, with the majority of 1979 model year W72 Firebirds ordered in late 1978. 287. The 1980 301 Turbo was rated at 210hp (157kW) at 4400rpm and 345lbft (468Nm) @ 2800rpm. 1966 Pontiac Engine Data Location Of Engine Code: (Six-Cyl) - On cylinder head-to-block contact surface behind oil filter pipe. 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. Ever wonder what it would take to increase that number by 100? Email Email. From 1959 to 1966 Pontiac continues making improvements. It was clear to most enthusiasts by 1966 that midsize models had seized the muscle car mantle. Pistons: Icon PN IC892 application 428 +0.030-in with 10cc dish The 2+2 package was first offered as a $291 option on Catalina hardtops and convertibles in 1964. 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. Most Pontiac engines were painted light blue. 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. SELLER Glendale, Arizona 85305. Year: CU IN: Casting # 1967: 326. 544127 with larger 2.02/1.76-inch (51/45mm) valves entered production. 068) to 301/313 (No. 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. For 1956 the V8 was bored out to 3.9375in (100.01mm), increasing displacement to 316.6cuin (5.2L). . 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. / 8.3 mpg (U.S.) / 3.6 km/l, more data: 1966 Pontiac Catalina 2 . Casting number: 97770716, '64 date 1966 Pontiac 2+2 $64,995. The 389 was the standard engine on the GTO up to 1966. 1968 - 400 Ram Air I and 428HO Code 37" Ram Air I and. They acquired the featured Montero Red 1966 Pontiac Catalina post car, which was equipped from the factory with the 421 H.O. 1967 - 400 Ram Air Code 97. [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. or choose Generic to see kits that might fit a . Preparation: Wash after balance for assembly