[Brian Baker]

Open question about the search engines on Wallace's site. I did a search on all engines for the 1973 model year and some of them show an asterisk next to the code (such as the YG and YS for the 230-HP automatic 400).

Does anyone know what this asterisk means? Could it mean this engine was sometimes used with a manual transmission and not just an automatic?

http://www.wallaceracing.com/cgi-bin/engine3.cgi

[johnta1]

Those asterix show that the engine code wasn't used in station wagons. (A body)


I have some asterix in the comment section where the 'W' code are usually manual transmission but are actually automatics. (like WC, WA etc)


Not sure if these were caused by the egr fubar. They had many code 'changes' through the year.

[Brian Baker]

Thanks much for the info, John. I'm looking at what is purportedly an all original '73 4-speed A-body Pontiac coupe for sale but the code on the engine in it denotes an automatic application. You think this could be a factory "slip through"? I don't know the build date on it (yet).

[johnta1]

What's the engine code on it?
If you are looking at the car, see what the partial VIN on the block is. It should match the car's VIN digits.


I'd have to look but do know I was surprised when it would show normal manual engine codes as automatics. Possibly they had some 'Y' codes as manual? Or is it an 'X' code?

[Brian Baker]

It's Y6. Your search engine says automatic, which had me scratching my head. Maybe this one was caught up in the EGR debacle and ended up with a Y code block even though it's a manual.

[muscle_collector]

seen that before and actually have owned one. at first I was like what is this but the car had its buildsheet and original sales and shipping record that backed it up as being a true 4 speed. . it was very original car and nothing under the hood looked like it had ever been apart. this was back in the early 80's and people weren't restamping blocks back then, especially on a grand am.

[johnta1]

Brian, I found some charts that do have the Y6 as manual!

I have updated the search database. (not the other engine code pages in some of the other threads yet)

There were at least 3 I found that were manual and not automatic.
And were after the emissions fiasco.

[Brian Baker]

I got the PHS docs on the car today and it was shipped on 3/13/1973, which places it in the middle of the EGR fiasco. The documents I have show big changes on 3/15/1973 in regards to this, when they began building engines with the government mandated revised emissions system, with earlier engines in production being painted a lighter shade of the familiar "Robbin's Egg Blue" hue than ones manufactured after 3/15/1973.

Everything I've dug up on the car so far sounds promising that this Y code engine came with it from the factory. Thanks for all you help, John.

[thepontiacman]

Pete McCarthy's book Pontiac Musclecar Performance 1955-79 shows the Y6 1973 as manual trans.

[57Chieftain]

Originally Posted by Brian Baker

Thanks much for the info, John. I'm looking at what is purportedly an all original '73 4-speed A-body Pontiac coupe for sale but the code on the engine in it denotes an automatic application. You think this could be a factory "slip through"? I don't know the build date on it (yet).

We need the scoop on this one, Brian...

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

[Brian Baker]

I ain't saying nothin' yet LOL.

[Brian Baker]

John...I got the PHS documentation late yesterday and went over it. Part of it lists the engine codes and applications for the '73 model year. I can scan it and forward it to you if you'd like as to compare it to what you have in the search engine on your site. It listed my Y code as a manual too.

[johnta1]

Sure.

johnta1@wallaceracing.com

Thanks.

[Brian Baker]

I just looked at it again and came to a revelation.

It's the same info listed in Pete McCarthy's book, so you probably already have it.

[johnta1]

Could be.

I had the correct info in the Engine code page, (not the Search page).
Probably mistyped it when transferring the info to the database.

[einstein]

Still waiting with bated breath to learn what treasure you've unearthed.

[Brian Baker]

It's an 80K mile original and unrestored '73 Grand Am 2-door 4-speed with a matching numbers drivetrain. I just pulled the trigger on it. It runs well, but the owner pulled most of the interior (seats, door panels, carpet) and removed front fascia and rear bumper (along with lights and trim) in preparation for paint. He also stripped it to bare metal and then shortly thereafter lost his storage for it (it was in his parents garage and they just sold their house).

I jumped on it because the frame and body are so solid. No cancer, which is easy to see since it's in bare metal. Seats, headliner and door panels will need to be redone, but the dash is solid as is the console.

PHS docs show (surprisingly) it was originally sold at Wilson Pontiac in Silver Spring, MD (my home state) and is equipped with a few options like:

230-HP 400 4-brl
4-speed
Safe-T-Track rear
soft ray glass
air conditioning
Ralleye-II rims
AM/FM/Tape Stereo (which I assume is 8-track based on the pics I've seen)
...and a few other "lesser" options no longer with it like body side moulding and G70-15 RWL tires.

Comes with an In-Design 'glass nose and a bunch of extra parts (some NOS). The interior is 2-tone black/white (white seats and door panels, everything else black). Owner said it was originally Admiralty Blue but from the pics where there are still traces of paint showing it looks like it might be Regatta Blue. I'll find out when I get a peek at the cowl tag (although the PHS invoice says "EE" for color...I can find no reference for "E" as a paint code).

I'm at work now but when I get home in the morning I'll post a pic or two. This one (once cosmetically restored) is going to be a nice companion to my 67K mile Can Am.

[Held for Ransom]

Originally Posted by johnta1

Could be.

I had the correct info in the Engine code page, (not the Search page).
Probably mistyped it when transferring the info to the database.

I agree.

Originally Posted by Brian Baker

Comes with an In-Design 'glass nose and a bunch of extra parts (some NOS). The interior is 2-tone black/white (white seats and door panels, everything else black). Owner said it was originally Admiralty Blue but from the pics where there are still traces of paint showing it looks like it might be Regatta Blue. I'll find out when I get a peek at the cowl tag (although the PHS invoice says "EE" for color...I can find no reference for "E" as a paint code).

http://www.gt-37.org/gallery/picture...22/category/60

Admiralty Blue is code E or 29 on the trim tag.
Here are some more references for you.
Transmission will no longer have a metal tag indentifier, just ink stamped.

[Brian Baker]

That's it then. Original color = Admiralty Blue.

[einstein]

Quite a find.

You still living in GB MD?