[2manyT/A'S]

Just to clear the air here:

The purpose of the 455 HO thread/forum is to provide a focal point/gathering place for ALL 455 HO enthusiasts to exchange information,knowledge, and personal experiences,etc. that pertain to Pontiacs most POWERFUL round port large journal engine of the "smog" era.

It was placed in the 70-73 Firebird section because that is where the majority of these engines seem to be,but ALL Pontiac enthusiasts are welcome here,ESPECIALLY GTO & "A" body owners/enthusiats. (even the SD guys with the slower,LESS powerfull 455's are invited to read/contribute)

[1971455HO]

[QUOTE(even the SD guys with the slower,LESS powerfull 455's )[/QUOTE]

They're gonna want to spank you for that one man!

[300 H&H]

Well put 2many....
The only spanking that they could do is on the race track, but I don't think they can!! the SD engine is a fine one, but just not enough so in a car that is "fat" with federal regulations...(bumpers, ect.) To bad for that, but thats the way it is. I suppose in a frontal or rear collision they may be safer though. Best regards Kirk

[1971WARBIRD]

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=592887

71 ho found in barn.rough but complete.

[Super Duty D]

HEY, go easy on us SD owners, we have a disease. It is not currently covered under my
heath insurance I have. Apparently, Pontiac Health Insurance (PHI) is not available at work yet. I will be working on that.

kidding around aside, I have a question on 72 455 HO RA Formulas.

How many Formulas were built this way? My guess is about 276 total including the auto cars.
I can't seem to find a break down that shows autos vs. stick in the Formula 445HORA cars????

Sorry if this has been covered, I read pages 1- 12 or so then back read the last 7 pages and got tired.

When are you guy's gonna get your own HO Forum to search?

SDD

[RicksGTO]

Originally Posted by Super Duty D

When are you guy's gonna get your own HO Forum to search?
SDD

I think Chris said our new searchable forums would come just after the pigs took to the air or something encouraging like that I've been watching but nothing yet....
The 276 figure is right and all 455HO Formulas for '72 had ram air mandatory. On the transmissions, it's not known specifically for the 455HO Formulas, but if you go by the T/A numbers for '71-'73 I'd bet it's pretty close to the same percentages:

'71 T/A Auto 58.2% Manual 41.8%
'72 T/A Auto 64.4% Manual 35.6%
'73 455 T/A Auto 68.8% Manual 31.2%
'73 SD T/A Auto 71.4% Manual 28.6%

[Super Duty D]

Originally Posted by RicksGTO

The 276 figure is right and all 455HO Formulas for '72 had ram air mandatory. On the transmissions, it's not known specifically for the 455HO Formulas, but if you go by the T/A numbers for '71-'73 I'd bet it's pretty close to the same percentages:

'71 T/A Auto 58.2% Manual 41.8%
'72 T/A Auto 64.4% Manual 35.6%
'73 455 T/A Auto 68.8% Manual 31.2%
'73 SD T/A Auto 71.4% Manual 28.6%

Thanks RicksGTO,

I did not know the RA was mandatory with the HO. The PHS shows it, so I guess it was a package deal then. I am just starting to learn these 72 monsters

Ok, to add (or subtract) to the stick percentage, what would be a good guess at this car with the M22?
Oh, these were 12 bolt like the 72 GTO's as well right?
SDD

[2manyT/A'S]

I'd say that the 72 W66 LS5 transmission split (M40 vs M22) should be pretty close to what the the 71 W66 LS5 split would be,roughly 50%.

The ONLY 2nd gen birds to come from the factory with 12 bolt rear axles were 1970's with 400 engines (which included ALL T/A's & Formulas as well as the lowly 400 2bbl. that was optional in the Esprit.

On 1971 455 HO Formulas,Ram Air was optional & became mandatory for 1972.

Unitized ignition was mandatory on 72 455 HO Formulas,but strangely enough,it was optional on T/A's.

FYI: The 455 HO was the ONLY engine available in 71 & 72 T/A's.

[Super Duty D]

2manyT/A's,

Thanks for jogging my memory. I think I have a case of brain gas here.
Maybe more ........
So, no M20 or M21 option in 72? Just auto or the Rock Crusher with the HO?

SDD

[2manyT/A'S]

Originally Posted by Super Duty D

2manyT/A's,

Thanks for jogging my memory. I think I have a case of brain gas here.
Maybe more ........
So, no M20 or M21 option in 72? Just auto or the Rock Crusher with the HO?

SDD

Thats right!

ALL 71 & 72 T/A's with mandatory 455 HO came with M22 or M40.

[Super Duty D]

Originally Posted by 2manyT/A'S

Thats right!

ALL 71 & 72 T/A's with mandatory 455 HO came with M22 or M40.

But in the 72 Formula 455HO, is that the same trans option?

[2manyT/A'S]

My 1972 Pontiac Accessorizer and Selling Facts (dated Jan 13/72) states:

Sales code 34X UPC code LS5 455 ho 4bbl.300 hp . Std. Trans am. requires THM or HD 4 speed manual,hood air inlet & unitized ignition at extra cost.
Formula only $231.00

M22 Manual 4 speed HD std. Trans am avail Formula with 400 4bbl. & 455 HO. $231.00

[superdutybob]

SDD:

You're killing me! Just buy the damn thing.

[Super Duty D]

Originally Posted by superdutybob

SDD:

You're killing me! Just buy the damn thing.

Thanks for the excellent technical advise Bob.
I have committed to the car, unless of course, YOU wish to purchase it.

SDD

[superdutybob]

SDD

I would love to own that car. I think it is the coolest in his fleet. Great color combo and an HO/M22 combo to boot.

Glad to see that it's going to somebody who will use it and not let it wither away.

Congrats!

[Uncle Judge]

Originally Posted by Super Duty D

Thanks for the excellent technical advise Bob.
I have committed to the car, unless of course, YOU wish to purchase it.

SDD

Hey SDD. Do you now see the light? Were my tireless efforts fruitful? I still say with very little question, All is the same for 1972 H.O.'s in "A" and (T/A or Firebird) "F" bodies with the exception of the 12 bolt rear. The only 12 bolt in an "F" body was installed on the 1970 1/2 Firebirds and T/A's. In the "F" body, they went from RAIII/RAIV M-20's, M-21's with a 12 bolt in 1970 to a 455 H.O., M-22 or TH400, and a 10 bolt in 1971 and 1972. I cannot tell you why the A and F were different but they were.
Nevertheless, she is still a sweety! Go get that car buddy! It will make a great addition to a stellar collection! I too would be happy to own that one!

[Brewster]

Cats out of the bag and our buddy has a new birdy.

Congrats Pard, cant wait to see the new ride and note Jeff. I already ask for first right or refusal on this one!
Yeah, thats right!
Ting, Ting,
Brew

[RicksGTO]

would love to hear the details on it, colors, options, etc. if it's not too soon to post them? Pics would be nice too when you can!

[Brewster]

Hope its OK with the NEW owner that I place a picture here from a show years ago.
Whos ugly beefy legs are those in the grass ????????????????

[RicksGTO]

wow, very nice, thats my cars twin with a 4 speed, same paint color, interior, engine and wheels. Congrats SDD on a great purchase, will look forward to seeing more about it. I saw a pic of that one at the Nationals a couple of years back if it's the same car.