#13 Heads correct for a 1970 RA III auto Firebird??
 

Hi, looking for some input. I have a set of #13 heads, dated coded November 1969. I know the #13 head was used in some base 400's, though wasn't the #13 head correct for a 1970 RA III Firebird- T/A???, in a lower HP rating than the 366hp GTO RA III?

As I understand it,#13's are a base 400/auto head.

Base 400/sticks got #12's as did ALL 1970 Ram air III's.

Over the years,I've heard several claims of #13's on 70 T/A's (Ram Air III's/auto) but I don't believe that it's actually been documented as an OEM offereing.

My original 70 RA III Formula, auto with A/C had 12's on it.

Thanks for the input! My main source of this is Pete McCarthys' book on building a Pontiac V8. In his book, it clearly states the #13 head as a RA III auto for a 1970 Bird. As we all know, Pete sure knows his Ponchos!!

I've looked at tons of them, and never seen a 70 RAIII auto bird with 13s. They're all 12s.

I think Pete got fed the wrong info on that one...

Agree, never seen a ra 3 motor with 13's on it.

Were you the original owner?

Back in the day,it was a pretty common deal to get "exchange" heads off the shelf as opposed to rebuilding existing ones. (less down time)

I agree, my 70 RAIII also is auto,air, and has 12s on it.

No

And for the record, for however good Pete's book is, it is littered with errors - mine has notes on almost every page in the Identifying Pontiac Pieces section.

I agree,there are some errors & gray areas in Pete's book,but in my mind,it's STILL the MOST comprehensive listing of Pontiac part #'s,casting #'s, etc. available & my hat is off to him for putting it together. (over 20 years ago).

My original (autographed) copy from 1990? is falling apart but i'm into almost on a daily basis. It's the first book I reach for to confirm #'s.

All 70 RAIII cars received the 12 heads, also manual cars with WT engines got the 12 heads.

All three of my 70 Formulas have the 12's

13's were for non-RA auto cars.

I would absolutely agree!

I'm on my second copy - the first one was falling apart. ;)

A little off topic, but do you guys have an idea of the value of a set of uncut #13's rebuilt to factory specs?

I have sold quite a few 13's over the years. last set i sold went for something like $400 or $500, can't recall. Being rebuilt, .,..if you can find a guy with a non RA GTO, you probably get $800.. Still less than you most likely spent on machine shop fees.. BUT, being from Mass....after what you state just did for our country 2 nights ago....if I needed them I think I would pay you double just for being a MAss. resident.. Thanks to you guys....

Here Here!

what would a set of 12's be worth in any rebuildable condition?

tia

steve

What's the name of Pete's book and where can I purchase it? I purchased "How to Build Max-Performance Pontiac V-8s" by Jim Hand. Anyone use this book? Is it useful?

Here you go...

http://www.petemccarthy.com/

Any input as to the statement that 13's are not RAIII heads though they are passed off as such sometimes and could be found stock on Catalinas and other non RA cars?


thanx guys.

Gotta love that!!! Blarney Frank, AGAIN, UGH.......

13's showed up on the high horsepower GP's, auto, and other 400 auto cars.
I know GM replaced 12's with 13's under warranty, They are so close in specs.
The 13's were in good supply. A friend ordered a pair of #12'S in 75, and got 13's
The reason they are often called RA heads is because they are, for the most part, identical to the #12 head.
I have only seen 13 heads on 4 BBL engines
my 2 cents

One of my cars is ram air III, auto, non A/C -- built with 12s