Ramon Lowe 58 Pontiac

[Paul Ceasrine]

Mr. Chief,

The 'Hot Cars' for 1968 NHRA, when the NHRA re-set the Class Weights.

58' Chieftain 370/338 HP~ 'Fuel Injection' = 11.11 Wt/Hp = G/SA = {11.00 to 11.49 Wt/Hp}

58' Bonneville 370/330 HP ~ '3 x 2 Barrel' = 11.59 Wt/Hp = H/SA = {11.50 to 11.99 Wt/Hp}

But later in 1969, the NHRA deemed the 'Fuel Injection' 338 HP a bogus option
on the Chieftain and any other Pontiac, except for the Bonneville.

Also, there was some debate as to whether the 'Special Camshaft' was actually available
for the Pontiac's in 1958.

I think it was the McKellar #7, which was a 'Solid Lifter' bumpstick.
* 404"/.405' Lift ~ 300*/304* Duration ~ 75* Overlap

With 'factory specific' 1.65 to 1 Rocker Arms it put the Total Lift at .445"/.447".

Supposedly to get around some issues, it was stated that Pontiac put the Camshaft and
Components in the trunks of the cars, as the unit was an available 'option' to be installed
by the dealer if the customer desired the 'performance option'.

[Dan Fahey]

Not to beat to death my passion to push the Pure Stock theme.
This is a perfect class to restore cars like these and get back into competition.

New cars vs older models vs historical cars.

There is a marketing opportunity for IHRA to foster more interest.

Have been to a few vintage sprts car races.
These cars are all still race cars in their souls and beaten with a passion.

Loved this post on the Pontiac.



Dan

[Paul Ceasrine]

Dan

I like the 'Historical Stock Theme',

And, with the......... 'in-the-trunk-options'.

If I remember correctly, around 1963 - the 1958 Pontiac was pretty much a 'done car',
and could be found on the Dealership back lots............in the 'discounted or unwanted car area'.

Suddenly with the increase activity in Stock Class Drag Racing in early-1964, the 1958 Pontiac was
now a 'hot old car' that you get for 'cheap' and to put it on the Drag Strip.

Especially with the 370/330 HP ~ '3 x 2 Barrel',

With the 4-Speed 'Strato-Flight' Hydra-Matic, it was a desired combination for the Chieftain in the
'D/SA' NHRA Class in 1964 and 1965 at {11.30 - 11.88 Wt/Hp}

Or the 'heavier' 58' Pontiac 'Star Chief' 4-Door, which was a perfect fit for the E/SA Class {11.89 - 12.49 Wt/Hp).

{Photo, 1967 NHRA Springnationals}

[Paul Ceasrine]

Chief,

I 'think' these were the engine specifications........

* 370 / 255 HP
* Compression Ratio.......... 8.6 - 1
* Cylinder Heads................. 70.2 CC
* Carburetor......................... Carter AFB 4-barrel {610 CFM}
* Camshaft {Hydraulic} ..... 373"/.373" ~ 252*/252" ~ 38* Overlap

This engine was 'Standard' for the Manual Shift Transmission.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* 370 / 285 HP
* Compression Ratio.......... 10.0 - 1
* Cylinder Heads................. 70.2 CC
* Carburetor.......................... Carter AFB '4-Barrel' {610 CFM}
* Camshaft {Hydraulic}...... .407"/.411" ~ 273*/282" ~ 55* Overlap

This engine was 'Standard' for the Automatic Transmission.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* 370 / 300 HP
* Compression Ratio.......... 10.5 - 1
* Cylinder Heads................ 65.0 CC
* Carburetor......................... Rochester Fuel Injection
* Camshaft {Hydraulic}..... .407"/.411" ~ 273*/282" ~ 55* Overlap
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* 370 / 310 HP
* Compression Ratio......... 10.5 - 1
* Cylinder Heads................ 65.0 CC
* Carburetion....................... Rochester '3 x 2' Barrel {370 CFM per Carburetor}
* Camshaft {Hydraulic}.... .411"/.411" ~ 283*/293" ~ 60* Overlap
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* 370 / 315 HP
* Compression Ratio........ 10.5 - 1
* Cylinder Heads............... 65.0 CC
* Carburetor....................... Carter AFB '4-Barrel' {610 CFM}
* Camshaft {Solid}............ .404"/.405" ~ 300*/304" ~ 75* Overlap

Performance Option; 'Tempest 395-A'
Dealer Installed Option; Code 'PK'
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* 370 / 330 HP
* Compression Ratio........ 10.5 - 1
* Cylinder Heads............... 65.0 CC
* Carburetor....................... Rochester '3 x 2' Barrel {370 CFM per Carburetor}
* Camshaft {Solid}............ .404"/.405" ~ 300*/304* ~ 75* Overlap
* Special Exhaust Manifolds

* Performance Option; 'Tempest 395-A'
* Dealer Installed Option; Code 'PM'
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* 370 / 338 HP
* Compression Ratio........10.5 - 1
* Cylinder Heads.............. 65.0 CC
* Carburetion.................... Rochester Fuel Injection
* Camshaft {Solid}............404"/.405" ~ 300*/304* ~ 75* Overlap
* Special Exhaust Manifolds

[ss2323]

Love reading about the old racers and the passion they had for racing.. I have it one better though, I talk racing to Ramone Lowe every week. His stories about racing in the 60's are great !!!

[Lyn Smith]

A couple of years ago a old 1958 Pontiac Jr Stocker was found in a barn up in Michigan.It had been raced mostly at the Michigan tracks.A gentlemen partially restored it, and put up for sale on the HAMB.I heard later it was sold to someone overseas.

[ss2323]

Ramon said he sold it for about $1200 in 1970. Don't think the historical value ever occurred to him. I would love to restore one back to its racing form and park it in his driveway !!!! That would be a good day !!!