Just bought another - '65 Star Chief. Need help ID'ing the heads
 

So......

I just bought another 65 fullsize today (I'm officially an addict....as if I needed any confirmation of that fact). It's a Star Chief 4 door auto with a "YD" code 290 horse econo-389 2 bbl. with A/C and an automatic. I am NOT a fan of 4 doors in general, but the drivetrain was pretty much worth what I paid for the whole car. Plus I have a soft spot for ANY 65-66 fullsize & sometimes I just can't resist. I've played around quite a bit with '60's & 70's Pontiacs and specifically these 65 & 66 fullsize 389's. I'm nowhere near the friggin' geniuses I've run across on this forum, but I like to think I know way around a Pontiac engine. Anyway, I've never had any problem identifying heads (usually 092's or 093's in the 65-66 big cars). This one, however, has NO CODE on the middle 2 exhaust ports. They do have the normal "GM" cast into the front exhaust port and a couple characters cast into the rear as well (see pics). I was told the engine had less than 1000 miles on a rebuild and that new guides & seats were done on the heads at that time. I believe that story given all the new exterior parts of the engine and how well it runs, but no receipts were included. So.....pardon my ignorance if this is something I should already know given my experience, but what the hell do I have here? Can anyone ID these heads & maybe help me out with some specs? Once again, I can't thank you enough (in advance) for your help. Here are the pics......

http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/...psf8a8cb9e.jpg

http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/...psc093e874.jpg

http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/...ps507e08a5.jpg

They're 1965 #76 heads, 10.5:1 compression that originally came on your 290-HP 2-barrel 389.

The bottom picture shows the last 2 digits of the casting number, '76'.

Some Pontiac heads were identified like this, with the last 2 digits on the end exhaust port.

Well, that was quick & easy! I sure do appreciate your help!

more pics of the car would be great!! Congrats on the purchase also!!

Hey, man!!!

I think I've talked to you on this forum before. I think you had a car I was interested in at some point or maybe I just saw a few of your posts regarding one for sale. I grew up in MN & still have family there (plus a property that I'm trying to sell & a '66 GP I need to haul down here). In fact, I have an uncle who lives in Rochester! I moved to New Mexico about 6 years ago & I'm coming up to Minnesota again in a couple weeks for a quick weekend visit. I'll be there again in August for a full week & I plan to drive up with the truck & trailer to pick up my '66 GP at that time. Do you have any cars or 65-66 fullsize parts for sale? If so, I should have a little room on the trailer in August! If not, that's ok too. It's just fun to connect with someone from my old stomping grounds! Anyway, here's a few pics of the 65 and a shot of a 66 Bonneville I picked up just a few weeks back as well.

http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/...ps903c5439.jpg

http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3adce685.jpg

http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/...pscfd097bd.jpg

http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/...psd1db9909.jpg

Those look great, must have moved away from MN to get away from the rusty cars and be able to pick up nice dry ones!!!

I think we may all be addicts on this site. I am going to look at a 65 tomorrow morning. I have purchased a few in the last year or so, mostly parts junk, but did sell a 66 wagon. That ended up in Japan I believe. I have access to a few parts cars and will be picking up some more. Are there things that you need? Send me an email at [email protected], we can meet up to chat if nothing else.

Yes, I think that's the one! Was it a 66 wagon white with ghost flames? Did you end up selling it on eBay to a buyer in Japan? If so, my father & brother-in-law came & looked at it while he was down there with my sister for an appointment at the Mayo. I do have a few specific items I'm looking for. I'll shoot you an email within the next day or two.

Thanks!

Yes, I think that's the one! Was it a 66 wagon white with ghost flames? Did you end up selling it on eBay to a buyer in Japan? If so, my father & brother-in-law came & looked at it while he was down there with my sister for an appointment at the Mayo. I do have a few specific items I'm looking for. I'll shoot you an email within the next day or two.

Thanks!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-PONTIAC-...b237d7&vxp=mtr

Lookes like a solid deal on emblems if you are in need.

I think I still have a pair but probably not as nice as those. I'll have to double check. Thanks for the lead either way!

Also, I picked up another one.....66 Bonneville Wagon. I don't guess you have a good connection for nice bumpers? I'm probably going to need 2 sets.

Thanks again!

Nice find! I piloted a non-A/C version of this car 20 years ago. Had over 225,000 miles on it by the time the frame eventually rusted away.

What is the VIN letter and numbers to the right of the letter? It will tell you if it is the early front suspension type or the later (as in, parts are available) design.

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...hlight=65+moog

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...&highlight=VIN

Guess I wasn't aware of the early 65 suspension thing. Come to think of it, this is my first 65. All my others are & have been 66's. I checked out your link and I'll look at my VIN later tonight. Thanks for the info.

Here's my latest acquisition:

http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/...psa85d22f4.jpg

Love the Long Tops.

Jim