[ak409ak]

Would like to verify the oil capacity of a 67 400. My Firebird Owner's Manual(glove box edition) states 7qt with filter, I have seen other 6qt with filter.

Art

[68400BIRD]

I have always used 6 quarts with a new filter. Oil level is right on with the dipstick.

[ak409ak]

68400Bird
Thanks for replying. My dipstick is not very accurate, I think it's because the AC makes the dipstick tube bend around more. It does not go into the pan very straight at all. So I have to always re-calibrate it. I don't drive this car very much at all. The AMA Spec's that I have from PHS, also state 6 quarts without filler, that means 7 with. That way I was asking. Just checking to see what others are doing.

Thanks again,
ak409ak

[1stgenbird]

I use 6 quarts with filter as well.

[Sirrotica]

1967 is the only Pontiac V8 that is listed as 7 quarts with filter. I know this because in 1970 I worked on the grease rack at the local Pontiac dealer, and 7 quarts with a short filter usually came out just a little above the full mark on 67s. The dipstick gauge is the only thing that is different, oil pans are identical. Also remember there were 2 possible oil filters in 67. The short one, and the longer one used on the earlier engines. We used either one when I was working on the grease rack, depending what the parts department bought that was cheaper. While working at that particular dealer I never remember installing a AC filter, always off brand cheap stuff. Running a Pontiac with 7 quarts with filter is fine, for any severe cornering usage running 1 quart over full is actually recommended, no drawbacks to running 7 quarts.

I never got any real indication why Pontiac changed oil capacity for one year and then went back in 68 to 6 quarts with filter. My thinking is 67 was the year they redesigned the engine with new heads, different valve angle, larger bore, so in the "engineers do stuff for reasons" there must be a reason they increased the oil capacity.

Many of the changes in 67, such as closed chamber heads, were redone in 68. Pontiac also had a valve spring breakage problem in early 67, and made a running change during the production year with new valve springs.

[ak409ak]

Brad,
Thanks for the reply. Haha, That's what I wanted to hear. I didn't want to over fill it or run it low either. I've had the car for 25+ years and have always questioned what was correct. I always went with my AMA Spec, but would question it almost every oil change. It would be interesting to find out more about this.

Thanks again,
ak409ak