I thought I'd share a little knowledge that I picked up while working in the parts department of a dealer that handled Chevrolet, Pontiac, and Buick About "thirtysomething" years ago.The following generalizations about interchangability of parts between Pontiac and Chevrolet apply to most "A body"(Tempest,Chevelle,GTO) and "F body"(Camaro and Firebird)cars built between 1964 and 1972 (maybe later). As well as some "G" and"B"bodys {Impala, Catalina,Monte Carlo,69+ Grand Prix)
The following concern seven digit part numbers that may be cast or stamped on various parts as well as the seven digit Part numbers that are found in the master parts catalog (6 and 8 digit numbers follow different rules)
Numbers that start with 37,38,39,or 40 are Chevrolet design numbers. If found in a Pontiac catalog they will most likely interchange with similar models of Chevrolet.(IE:3736097)
Numbers that start with 97 (IE: 9786339) are Pontiac designed numbers and will most likely fit only a Pontiac.
Of note also is the fact that the casting numbers on many cast parts will differ slightly (by one or two digits) from the actual part numbers in the master parts catalog and the number on the box or tag. (IE: a cam with a casting #3736096 will carry a part number of 3736097)
The preceding were only generalizations and of course there will be exceptions to every rule. To be sure please carefully compare parts physically before buying or attempting to install them.
If, however, you have access to both the Pontiac and the Chevrolet master parts catalogs you can look up the part numbers of both similar models . If they carry the same part number you can be sure that the parts are same. The master parts catalog may also list other models or series that may use this same part.
Hope this helps some of you in search of parts.
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