Transmissions options for the Ram Air IV included a Muncie close-ratio four-speed or the Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic. This engine featured forged high compression pistons, round port heads, and a longer-duration cam. It was conservatively rated at 345 horsepower and 430 lb.-ft. Drivers wanting a bit more gusto under the hood could opt for the L67 Ram Air IV. The standard transmission was a three-speed manual, but the Muncie wide-ratio four-speed or a three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic were optional. It featured 10.75:1 compression, a four-barrel carburetor, and cast-iron exhaust manifolds. It was rated at 335 horsepower and 430 lb.-ft. The standard engine was the 400 cubic-inch L74 Ram Air III. Drivers wanting more frills could order options such as a rally gauge cluster, hood-mounted tachometer, and a power driver bucket seat.īuyers of the new Trans Am had a choice of two powerplants. Interior amenities include a sport-type steering wheel, bucket seats with Morrokide upholstery, and power steering. Functional hood scoops, 14-inch wheels, and free-flowing dual exhaust are more distinctive styling cues of the Trans Am. Other distinguishing features include a blacked-out grille, rear deck airfoil spoiler, and front fender air extractors. Out of the 697 Trans Ams produced, only eight were convertibles.Īll Trans Ams were sprayed Cameo White with dual, full-length Tyrol Blue striping. They were produced at the Van Nuys, California and Norwood, Ohio plants. A mere 697 Trans Ams rolled off the assembly line for the 1969 model year. Due to low production numbers, it became an instant collectible. It was UPC code WS4 and cost around $1,100 to $1,200, depending on the transmission ordered. The 326 CI V8 was simply a better deal, and faster.Pontiac’s pony car was officially known as the Trans Am Performance and Appearance Package. ThatĮngine was rated at 215 HP, but the Firebird Sprint didn't sell well. As with the Tempest Sprint, sort of a little brother to the GTO, you could buy the Firebird with a Sprint performance package. Still, the fact that it survived until 1969 means that it was the base, 165 horsepower engine when Pontiac introduced theįirebird in early 1967. Without him as an advocate, the additional cost and a low take rate byĬonsumers doomed the OHC. The Cammer was only produced for four years. That eliminated valve adjustments, satisfying Pontiac brass. On a hydraulic mechanism like those in hydraulic lifters. The cam follower pivoted on a ball mounted Instead, Pontiac engineers used short rocker arms between the cam lobes and the valves. Adjusting valves on an OHC engine was a tedious job involving removing the camshaft(s) and inserting the proper thickness shims. Also, Pontiac policy mandated hydraulic valve lifters for reduced The camshaft was mounted in the valve cover, not in the head as with other OHC motors. Since the engine was notĪn "interference" design, even if the belt broke the engine wasn't damaged. McKeller and Richard Case of Uniroyal developed a fiberglass reinforced cogged rubber belt that could last the life of the engine. Glas had introduced an OHC engine with a timing belt, but it had to be replaced every 25,000 miles. Overhead cams then were typically driven with timing chains that were noisy and hard to keep tensioned. The Pontiac Cammer had a number of novel features. OHC six did end up going into production in 1965 as the 230 CID base engine in the 1966 Tempest. The slinky coupe was never approved, but the Started with the Mercedes-Benz OHC as a benchmark, while DeLorean sassed GM brass with the Banshee sports car. When he headed Pontiac's advanced engineering team in the early 1960s.ĭeLorean wanted to build a sports car powered by an advanced inline six, and he tasked engine designer Malcom McKeller with creating the motor. Generation Firebird indeed came with a 250 cubic inch OHC inline six known today as the Pontiac "Cammer." The Cammer was the brainchild of John Z. No, the Lotus designed LT5 with those exotic dual overhead cams from the Corvette ZR-1 never nestled under the screaming chicken (although that would be an awesome swap), but the first Did you know that the Pontiac Firebird had an overhead cam engine?
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