[Simple Man]

Interesting read on history and development.

https://www.macsmotorcitygarage.com/...55-pontiac-v8/

[mgarblik]

That article is a pretty good overview of the introduction of the Pontiac V-8. I didn't find anything blatantly wrong in the article, which is rare. Some nice pictures and even a little credit given for some of the unique Pontiac innovations.

[sdbob]

Thanks, nice article.

[Half-Inch Stud]

The. article confused me (and i hope others), regarding overheav Valves. PMD was first to get U.S.A. out of Automotive Flatheads.

Aircraft had Overhead valves. But PMD got Cars into Overhead Valves.

[PontiacJim1959]

Originally Posted by Half-Inch Stud

The. article confused me (and i hope others), regarding overheav Valves. PMD was first to get U.S.A. out of Automotive Flatheads.

Aircraft had Overhead valves. But PMD got Cars into Overhead Valves.

Well, what did you expect, researched accuracy? This is the internet you know.

"In 1904, the world's first production OHV engine was released in the Buick Model B. The engine was a flat-twin design with two valves per cylinder. The engine was very successful for Buick, with the company selling 750 such cars in 1905."

[Jack Gifford]

Originally Posted by Half-Inch Stud

,,, PMD was first to get U.S.A. out of Automotive Flatheads...

Wrong. Buick was the most persistent with OHV engines. Almost every Buick has had overhead valves.

[Charlie Brengun]

The article mentions they used the Pontiac V8 up until 1981, is that right? And then.. why did they use Olds engines in the late 70's firebirds & trans ams?

[Half-Inch Stud]

Originally Posted by Jack Gifford

Wrong. Buick was the most persistent with OHV engines. Almost every Buick has had overhead valves.

Seems i was mistaken. Perhaps the subtlty is Stud-Post Ball Rocker versus Shaft Rocker.

Otherwise, I have to reread the Clayton B Leach, Edmund Windeler SAE Paper on their Ball-Rocker Valvetrain Invention.

[Ben M.]

Originally Posted by Charlie Brengun

The article mentions they used the Pontiac V8 up until 1981, is that right? And then.. why did they use Olds engines in the late 70's firebirds & trans ams?

Similar basic design for the 265 & 301 in 1977-1981. Olds engines were used due to emissions. Starting in 1977 GM went to "engine by General Motors" instead of guaranteeing you got the division of car you ordered's engine (unless you ordered the high end performance like the W72). Lots of unhappy customers over that.

[Charlie Brengun]

Originally Posted by Ben M.

Starting in 1977 GM went to "engine by General Motors" instead of guaranteeing you got the division of car you ordered's engine

So you ordered a car with a 400 cui engine and didn't know whether you'd get a Pontiac or an Olds?

Wow that's a sure way to annoy customers.

[Ben M.]

Yes. Or you order a 350 and it could be a Buick, Chevy, Olds, or Pontiac 350 in any of the car lines! People got mad enough that there was a class action lawsuit I believe. GM started putting the disclaimer much bolder and in your face after that.