[Texasoldgoat]

I wonder why they didn't put in a #3 for the 350 2-barrel V-8 or a #4 for the 350HO 4-barrel V-8?

This site has been great for learning.

[The Boss]

5 is for the standard equipment 350 HP 400 C.I. motor - YS if auto, WT if stick.

The reason 5 does not show up on your option sheet is due to the fact it was not an option - it was standard equipment.

Welcome to the board - you've come to the right place.

[Texasoldgoat]

Then I wonder why they didn't put #3 for 350 2-barrel V-8 or #4 for 350HO 4-barrel V-8?

This board has been great for learning. I try to search as much as I can before posting so as not to be too redundant. I'm kinda turning this old car into my daily driver. It's been a blast.

[Keith Seymore]

I guess I don't understand the original question.

Are you saying (a) why didn't PHS record a #3 or a #4 for the engine code, or (b) why didn't Pontiac assign a #3 or #4 originally?

I can say this: sometimes codes are created, and then canceled before being fully used. The end result is that it looks like a gap to us, 40 years later.

A modern example: the product I am currently working on describes all domestic models as "book RC" (ie, product code "R", all domestic = C).

I asked the engineering specs guys why we didn't start with RA, then RC could be China, RE could be Europe, etc.

He said that we did start with RA, then RB, but both product lines were canceled in their infancy. Hence, when we started back up, RC was next in line.

There's always a rational explanation (I would hope); it's just you and I are not always privy to it.

K

[Texasoldgoat]

why didn't PHS record a #3 or a #4 for the engine code

This.

If #3 and #4 were codes for the stock 350 and 350 HO, and #6 and #8 were the codes for the 400, my question is where does the #5 come in? It should be either 3, 4, 6 or 8. There is no #5 on the chart.

ETA-I edited the wrong post initially. I didn't realize the forum has the posts from last to first.

[The Boss]

Because 3 & 4 weren't options for the GTO. The low compresion 400/2bbl was as well as the HO & Ram Air motors.

5 was not optional equipment, it was standard equipment.

[68gtoMN]

Originally Posted by The Boss

Because 3 & 4 weren't options for the GTO. The low compresion 400/2bbl was as well as the HO & Ram Air motors.

5 was not optional equipment, it was standard equipment.

Said another way, by doing NOTHING when ordering a GTO, you received the "base" 350 HP 400 engine. There was not an option to choose it...you had to "unchoose" it; hence, the other option codes

[Keith Seymore]

Thanks Boss and 68gto (you answers are better).

Serves me right for trying to answer a question I didn't really understand.

K

[Texasoldgoat]

Thanks 68gtoMN. That makes sense to me now. It's nice to know what the stock motor was. It's a moot point anyway since someone along the way dropped a 428 in her.

Thanks for help fellas.