I have '73 Grand Am with a 2 barrel. I'd like a little more kick. If I put on a new carb and intake do I need to change the cam for full effect? Did Pontiac put a more aggressive cam in the 4 barrel motor?

I have '73 Grand Am with a 2 barrel. I'd like a little more kick. If I put on a new carb and intake do I need to change the cam for full effect? Did Pontiac put a more aggressive cam in the 4 barrel motor?

Yes, in addition to the cam being totally different, the heads have smaller intake valves of 1.96" compared to the 4 barrel 2.11", and the heads will have lo-po pressed in rocker studs. Also, Pontiac used different main and rod bearings in a 2-bbl engine, but that shouldn't make a big difference.

http://kurtspontiac.homestead.com/files/77canam.jpg

Thanks for the info Rick. I knew earlier Pontiacs Had all those differences between low compression 2 bbl motors and their higher compression 4 bbl counterparts but didn't know they kept the diffs when compression dropped across the board in the early '70s. BTW where is "Cornball" NY? In the spring I'm trying to get some 1st generation GAs together in western CT. I know I can get at least 4 '73s there.