[Schurkey]

Sorry to bother you for such a basic question.

I'm wondering what you can tell me about the Pontiac (Not Chevy) 265 engine. I guess it was produced in '80/'81. Is it a low-deck like the 301? I have heard that it has only four main bearings. Is this true, and if so, is the crank 'n' block machined for the fifth bearing, or is it rough cast? Which bearing did they "forget"?

I don't recall ever seeing one of these, and if the 301 isn't popular, the 265 isn't even on the radar.

Thanks, all.

[Trips4me]

Never heard of a Pontiac 265... They made a 287. The 301 is a one-off engine. Not too many folks put time or effort into the 301's although there are some who have.

[Blue '66]

I have heard of the 265,not sure how related they are.They are definatly not related to the traditional pontiac motor. I just know what I have heard are @#%#&@! words!

[Stuart]

Yes, the 265 is a low deck block like the 301, from about the same era. I don't know about how many main bearings it has. It definitely is a LOW performance engine.

[Trips4me]

OK.... you guys got my curiosity up now. When did Pontiac build these 265's and what did they put them in??? I guess I learned something new today.

[MalteseFalcon]

If I recall correctly, the 265 was the base engine in the Formula in 1980 or 1981.

[Blue '66]

Very early 80s.I believe they were optional in the mid size B-O-P cars.Put out a whopping 120hp
That's not bad considering the Olds 260 had about 105hp
My parent had a '79 cutlass salon w/a 231,after alot of engine trouble I found a olds 260 from a '78 cutlass to put in.The front end sat at least 1 inch lower but the car would bark the tires(slightly)This was my first V8 to drive and then I graduated to a 389 in '82

[tom s]

I think the 265 was a 56 engine.It was a short deck motor,had 2 1/2 mains and 3in stroke.Maybe Steve can verify.Tom

[MalteseFalcon]

CUBIC INCHES: 265; BORE(inches):3.75000; Stroke(inches):3.0000; Main Dia.(inches):3.000; Rod Dia.(inches): 2.250

It's usually mentioned in the same breath as the 301 and it seems a lot of parts interchanged.

[PunchT37]

Yes they did make a 265[4.3L]. They came in GP`s also. The only
engine that is more pathetic than the 301.

[mechanickeith]

265-- 80 & 81 only!! Base V-8 engine in the Firebird/ Formula, Optional in the LeMans, GrandPrix, Catalina & Bonneville. 3.75 bore X 3.00 stroke 8.3 to 1 compression, 120 hp @ 4000 rpm, 205 lb ft torque, 5 main bearings.

[bmpmdf]

Want to make a 068 cam sound big? Put it in a 265 with 1.65 rockers! Still no power though. 80-81 only, thankfully.

[Blackcat]

They make the best Boat anchors!
Not worth the cast iron they were made of!
Drop in a 350-455 and have fun!

[Goatracer1]

Dont bad mouth the little engines. I worked for Pontiac when they were new. No they were not performance engines but they ran well and gave good mileage. Put one it my 1961 Chevy PU when the 389 gave out. It gave me years of dependable service even when pulling a small trailer. Because of the head design they are not worth trying to hop up.

[hojs69]

Resurrection time.........the Pontiac 265.

Just saw this on Ebay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/296340261591

[Half-Inch Stud]

Buddy's parents had tge 265 in a mid-80's car...buick wagon?? Anyways. No replacement for displacement. 301 for the win.

Disclaimer: well i'd never go below 455, maybe 400, okay maybe 350 these days.

[tom s]

As many on this board know,I have built some serious HP with a 301/383 stroker engine.Tom

[steve25]

I recall seeing one in a car back then and did not believe the owner that it was a 265 until I looked at the underhood emissions label and saw that the battery was in fact on the driver's side of the car.

[steve25]

Tom S here's A list of Pontiac production cid motors up to 59 when the 389 came to be.

287

317
347.

[tom s]

I know them well,I used a couple 347 cranks with cut down mains in a couple of my 303 SCCA stroker builds.Tom