Then vs Now - What Happened?

bill dedman · 01-14-2009, 06:09 PM

Ed,

The '55 Pontiacs were slugs because they only had 287 cubic inches and no multiple carburetion, for 180hp (2bbl) and 200hp (4 bbl). In '56 it got better with 317 cubic inches, and they added a two four-barrel option (205hp.one 2bbl; 227hp, one 4bbl; 285hp 2-4bbls). But, the '57's would RUN.... with 347 cubes, bigger valves, and three two barrels (the ORIGINAL "Tri-Power", which Pontiac copyrighted.) 270hp for one 4bbl, 290hp with the "mild" 3 X 2 setup, and up to 317hp with the 3-2bbl setup with a good (factory) cam. I think that John Zink's car had an optional solid lifter setup, too.

They had 2 four barrels one year only (1956), 'til the 421 "Super Duty" motor came out in '62.

Hope this helps..

01-14-2009, 06:09 PM	#10
bill dedman VIP Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Conway, AR Posts: 1,739 Likes: 0 Liked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Then vs Now - What Happened? Ed, The '55 Pontiacs were slugs because they only had 287 cubic inches and no multiple carburetion, for 180hp (2bbl) and 200hp (4 bbl). In '56 it got better with 317 cubic inches, and they added a two four-barrel option (205hp.one 2bbl; 227hp, one 4bbl; 285hp 2-4bbls). But, the '57's would RUN.... with 347 cubes, bigger valves, and three two barrels (the ORIGINAL "Tri-Power", which Pontiac copyrighted.) 270hp for one 4bbl, 290hp with the "mild" 3 X 2 setup, and up to 317hp with the 3-2bbl setup with a good (factory) cam. I think that John Zink's car had an optional solid lifter setup, too. They had 2 four barrels one year only (1956), 'til the 421 "Super Duty" motor came out in '62. Hope this helps.. __________________ Bill Last edited by bill dedman; 01-14-2009 at 06:24 PM.