Version: 13 January 2000

You are here: First Generation Firebird > 1969 Pontiac Firebird Page > Technical Information > AMA > Engine


Page Navigation


AMA Specifications-Passenger Car
--- Engine ---

MODEL Firebird Firebird
Sprint
Firebird
350
Firebird
H.O.
Firebird
400
Engine - General
Type, no. cyls., valve arr. Line, 6, Overhead Cam 90 degree V. 8, In-Head
Bore and stroke (nominal) 3.8750    3.525
x

3.8774    3.535
3.8750    3.746
x

3.8774    3.754
4.1200    3.746
x

4.1224    3.754
Piston displcement, cu. in. 250 350 400
Bore spacing 4.4 4.62
No. System
(front to rear)
L. Bank 1-2-3-4-5-6 (In-Line) 1-3-5-7
R. Bank ---- 2-4-6-8
Firing Order 1-5-3-6-2-4 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Compres. ratio (nominal) 9.0:1 10.5:1 9.2:1 10.5:1 10.75:1
Cylinder Head Material Alloy Cast Iron
Cylinder Block Material Alloy Cast Iron
Cyl. Sleeve-Wet, dry, none None
Number of
mfg. points
Front 2
Rear 1
Engine installation angle 3° 35´
Taxable horsepower
Dia x No. Cyl.
___________
2.5
36.0 48.0 54.3
Publishing max. bhp*
@eng. RPM
175@
4800
230@(f)
5400
265@
4600
325@
5100
330@
4800
Publishing max. torque*
lb. ft. @eng. RPM
240@
2600
260@(f)
3600
355@
2800
380@
3200
430@
3300
Recommended fuel
regular - premium
Regular Premium Regular Premium
Engine - Pistons
Material Aluminum Alloy
Description and finish Cam Ground Slipper Type - Tin Plated
Weight (piston only) oz. 19.740 - 19.920 21.010 - 21.190 22.070 - 22.250 (b)
Clearance
(limits)
Top land .024 - .029 .017 - .021 (d)
Skirt Top .0022 - .0028 (a) .0025 - .0031 (a)(c)
Skirt Bottom .0017 - .0033 .0020 - .0036 (e)
Ring groove
depth
No. 1 ring 3.427 - 3.437 3.667 - 3.677
No. 2 ring 3.427 - 3.437 3.667 - 3.677
No. 3 ring 3.446 - 3.456 3.670 -3.680
No. 4 ring None
(a) Pistons selected for clearance at 1.110 below top of piston.
(b) 18.00 - 18.20 on Ram Air IV Engine option.
(c) .0055 - .0061 on Ram Air IV Engine option.
(d) .033 - .042 on Ram Air IV Engine option.
(e) .004 - .0057 on Ram Air IV Engine option.
(f) Std. (man. trans. engine) - Turbo Hydra-matic trans. engine
is rated 215 BHP @ 5200 RPM, torque 255 lb. ft. @ 3800.
MODEL Firebird
250 cu. in. Engines
Firebird
350 cu. in. Engines
Firebird
400 cu. in. Engines
Engine - Rings
Function
(top to bottom)
No. 1, oil or comp. Compression
No. 2, oil or comp. Compression
No. 3, oil or comp. Oil
No. 4, oil or comp. None
Compression Description -
material, coating,
etc.
Cast Iron Reverse Twist With -
(a) or (b) (c) or Moly Channel - #1 Barrel Face, #2 Taper Face
Moly Channel
Moly Channel - #1 Barrel Face, #2 Taper Face
Moly Channel
Width 0.0778 No. 1 0.0778 No. 2 0.0775
Gap 0.015 0.019
Oil Description -
material, coating,
etc.
Multi-Piece (2 Rails and 1 Expander)
Rails: Steel with Chrome Plated O. D.
Expander: Stainless Steel
Width 0.186
Gap 0.035
Expanders In Oil Ring Assembly
Engine - Piston Pins
Material SAE 5015 SAE 1016
Length 3.00 3.25
Diameter 0.9272 0.9802
Type Locked in rod, in
piston, floating, etc.
Locked in Rod
Busing - In rod or piston None
Busing - Material None
Clearance In piston 0.0003 - 0.0005 0.0005 - 0.0007
In rod Press Fit
Direction and amount offset in piston To Right - 0.063
Engine - Connecting Rods
Material SAE 1037, 1038
or 1141
Arma Steel
Weight (oz.) 23.9 31.7
Length (center to center) 5.70 6.625
Bearing Material and Type Moraine 100-A (d)(e)(f) Moraine
400-A (d)
Overall Length 0.837 0.88
Clearance (limits) 0.0007 - 0.0027 (g) 0.0005 - 0.0025 0.0005 - 0.0026 (h)
End play 0.0085 - 0.0135 0.006 - 0.011 (Total for Two) (i)
(a) 250 1 bbl. Engine: #1 - Barrel Face Moly Channel, #2 - Barrel Face Tin Plated
(b) 250 4 bbl. Engine: #1 - Barrel Face Moly Channel, #2 - Taper Face Moly Channel
(c) 350 2 bbl. Engine: #1 - Taper Face Moly Channel, #2 - Taper Face Tin Plated
(d) Steel backed removable precision
(e) Moraine 400-A on 4 bbl. 250 cu. in. engines
(f) Moraine 400-A on 4 bbl. 350 cu. in. engines
(g) 0.0007 - 0.0028 on 4 bbl. 250 cu. in. engines
(h) 0.0015 - 0.0031 with Ram Air IV option.
(i) 0.016 - 0.021 with Ram Air IV option.
MODEL Firebird
250 cu. in. Engines
Firebird
350 cu. in. Engines
Firebird
400 cu. in. Engines
Engine - Crankshaft
Material Nodular Iron (d)
Vibration damper type Rubber Floated Weight
End thrust taken by bearing (No.) 7 4
Crankshaft end play 0.002 - 0.006 0.0035 - 0.0085
Main
bearing
Material and type Durex 100-A* Steel Backed, Removable, Precision (b)
Clearance 0.0003 - 0.0019 0.0002 - 0.0017 (c)
Journal
dia. and
bearing
overall
length
No. 1 2.30 x 0.80 3.00 x 0.94
No. 2 2.30 x 0.80 3.00 x 0.94
No. 3 2.30 x 0.80 3.00 x 0.94
No. 4 2.30 x 0.80 3.00 x 1.13
No. 5 2.30 x 0.80 3.00 x 1.59
No. 6 2.30 x 0.80 None
No. 7 2.30 x 1.01 None
Dir. and amt. cyl. offset None
Crankpin journal diameter 2.00 2.25
Engine - Camshaft
Location Overhead Between Cylinder Banks
Material Hardened Alloy Cast Iron
Bearings Material Aluminum Alloy Hight Lead Babbit on Steel
Number 7 5
Type of
Drive
Gear or chain Belt (a) Chain
Crankshaft gear or
sprocket material
Hardened Cast Iron Sintered and Hardened Steel
Camshaft gear or
sprocket material
Hardened Cast Iron Aluminum Alloy with Nylon Covered Teet
Timing Chain No. of links 98 Teeth 60
Width 1.031 - 0.954 0.88 (Morse) - 1.00 (Link belt)
Pitch 0.500 0.375
Engine - Valve System
Hydraulic lifters (Std., opt, NA Standard (e)
Valves rotator, type
(intake, exhaust)
None
Rocker ratio 1.5:1 (f)
Operating
tappet
clearance
(indicate hot or cold)
Intake 0
Exhaust 0
*M-400 in lower half of No. 1,2,3, and 4 locations of 4 bbl. 350 cu. in. and 400 cu. in. engines.
(a) Neoprene with fiberglass cord reinforcement
(b) M-400 in all locations of option 6 cylinder 4 bbl. engine and all but #5
location of 400 cu. in. Ram Air IV engine.
(c) 0.0012 - 0.0028 on Ram Air IV Engine option
(d) Arma Steel on Ram Air IV engine option
(e) Manual lash, limited travel hydraulic lifters standard on Ram Air IV
(f) 1.65:1 on Ram Air IV engine
MODEL Firebird

Firebird
Sprint
Auto
Firebird
Sprint
Manual
Firebird
350
Firebird
H.O.
Manual
Firebird
H.O.
Auto
Firebird
400
Firebird
400 H.O.
Manual
Firebird
400 H.O.
Auto
Firebird
Ram Air IV
Engine - Vavle System
Timing
(based on top of ramp points)
Intake Opens (°BTC) 14 14 22 22 31 23 23 31 23 42
Closes (°ABC) 46 50 58 67 77 70 70 77 70 86
Duration Deg 240 244 260 269 288 273 273 288 273 308
Exhaust Opens (°BBC) 46 52 60 72 90 78 78 90 78 95
Closes (°ATC) 14 12 20 25 32 31 31 32 31 45
Duration Deg 240 244 260 277 302 289 289 302 289 320
Valve opening overlap 28° 26° 42° 47° 63° 54° 54° 63° 54° 87°
Intake Material GM-8440 w/Alum. Treatment on Face & Flash Chrome Plated Stem
Overall length 4.810 4.902 5.026 5.093 5.198
Actual overall head dia. 1.923-1.917 1.963-1.957 2.113-2.107
Angle of seat & face Seat - 45°, Face - 44° Seat - 30°, Face - 29°
Seat insert material Not Used
Stem diameter .3419 - .3412
Stem to guide clearance .0016 - .0033
Lift (at zero lash) .400
+ .011
.438 + .011 .376
+ .011
.414
+ .011
.410 + .011 .414
+ .011
.410
+ .011
.520
+ .011
Outer spring press. & length Valve closed (lb.@in.) 94.6
100.6 @ 1.6298
62.4
68.4 @ 1.6298
59.6
65.6 @ 1.5823
78
88 @ 1.591
63.3
69.3 @ 1.5613
78
88 @ 1.591
63.3
69.3 @ 1.5613
70
80 @ 1.82
Valve open (lb.@in.) 165.6
175.6 @ 1.2298
116.2
128.2 @ 1.1918
128.7
138.7 @ 1.1703
192.44
206.44 @ 1.178
132.5
142.5 @ 1.1483
192.44
206.44 @ 1.178
132.5
142.5 @ 1.1483
214
228 @ 1.300
Inner spring press. & length Valve closed (lb.@in.) --- 30.5
36.5 @ 1.5898
31.7
37.7 @ 1.5423
42
48 @ 1.521
35
41 @ 1.5213
42
48 @ 1.521
35
41 @ 1.5213
37
43 @ 1.750
Valve open (lb.@in.) --- 59.4
65.4 @ 1.1518
88.8
98.8 @ 1.1663
95.86
105.86 @ 1.107
95.33
105.33 @ 1.111
97.4
107.4 @ 1.1113
95.86
105.86 @ 1.107
97.4
107.4 @ 1.1113
105
115 @ 1.230
Exhaust Material 21-2 Steel With Aluminum Treatment on Face & Flash Chrome Plated Stem
Overall length 4.799 4.891 5.015 5.082 5.212
Actual overall head dia. 1.603-1.597 1.663-1.657 1.773-1.767
Angle of seat & face Seat - 45°, Face - 44°
Seat insert material Not Used
Stem diameter .3414 - .3407
Stem to guide clearance .0021 - .0038
Lift (at zero lash) .400 + .011 .438 + .011 .412 + .011 .413 + .011 .520 + .011
Outer spring press. & length Valve closed (lb.@in) 94.6
100.6 @ 1.6298
62.4
68.4 @ 1.6298
59.6
65.6 @ 1.5823
78
88 @ 1.591
63.3
69.3 @ 1.5613
78
88 @ 1.591
63.3
69.3 @ 1.5613
70
80 @ 1.82
Valve open (lb.@in) 165.6
175.6 @ 1.2298
116.2
128.2 @ 1.1918
128.7
138.7 @ 1.1703
192.44
206.44 @ 1.178
132.5
142.5 @ 1.1483
192.44
206.44 @ 1.178
132.5
142.5 @ 1.1483
214
228 @ 1.300
Inner spring press. & length Valve closed (lb.@in) --- 30.5
36.5 @ 1.5898
31.7
37.7 @ 1.5423
42
48 @ 1.521
35
41 @ 1.5213
42
48 @ 1.521
35
41 @ 1.5213
37
43 @ 1.750
Valve open (lb.@in) --- 59.4
65.4 @ 1.1598
94.4
104.4 @ 1.1303
95.73
105.73 @ 1.108
97.9
107.9 @ 1.1083
95.73
105.73 @ 1.108
97.9
107.9 @ 1.1083
105
115 @ 1.230
Engine - Lubrication System
Type of
lubrication
(splash,
pressure,
nozzle
Main bearings Pressure
Connecting rods Pressure
Piston pins Splash
Camshaft bearings Pressure
Tappets Pressure
Timing gear or chain Belt - Not Lubricated Metered Jet
Cylinder walls Metered Jet
Oil pump type Spur Gear
Normal oil pressure (lb. engine rpm) 26 - 36 @ 2800 RPM
30 - 40 above 2600 RPM
26 - 36 @ 2800 RPM
55 - 60 above 2600 RPM
Oil press. sending unit (elect. or mech.) Electric
Type oil intake (floating, stationary) Stationary Screen
Oil filter system (full flow, part., other) Full Flow
Filter replacement (element, complete) Complete
Capacity of c case, less filter-refill (qt.) 4.5 5
Oil grade recommended (SAE viscosity
and temperature range)
Anticipated Lowest Temp. Single Viscosity
SAE Number
Acceptable
Alternate



Above Freezing (+32°F.) 20W (30W w/Ram Air IV) 10W - 30 (10W - 40 w/Ram Air IV)
Below Freezing (+0°F. to +32°F.) 10W 10W - 30 (10W - 40 w/Ram Air IV)
Below Zero 5 W 5W - 20
Engine Service Reqmt. (MM, MS, etc) MS
MODEL Firebird Firebird
Sprint
Firebird
350
Firebird
H.O.
Firebird
400
Engine - Exhaust System
TYPE (single, single with cross-over,
dual, other)
Single (a) Dual
Muffler No. and type (reverse flow,
straight thru, separate resonator
One - Reverse Flow (b) One - Reverse Crossflow with Dual Inlets and Outlets (f)
Exhaust pipe dia.
(O.D., wall thick.)
Branch None (c) 2.00 x 0.060 None Not Used
Main 2.00 x 0.060 2.25 x (d) 2.25 x 0.070 2.25 x 0.060 Front: 2.00 x 0.060 (g) Rear 2.25 x 0.070
Tail pipe dia. (O.D. and wall thickness) Muffler Outlet Spout (or Spouts) 2.00 x 0.060 2.00 x 0.060 Muffler Outlet Spouts
(a) Dual system standard on H.O., "Y" pipe joins dual outlet manifold to single exhaust pipe on Sprint, Crossover pipe used on 350.
(b) One crossflow muffler with dual inlets and outlets, reverse flow resonator ahead of muffler in each pipe on dual systems.
(c) Sprint Y pipe legs 2.00 x 0.060.
(d) 0.076 - front section, 0.070 - rear section.
(e) Front section, 2.25 x 0.070 rear section.
(f) Reverse flow resonator ahead of muffler in each pipe. (g) 2.25 x 0.076 with 400 H.O. and Ram Air IV options.
Engine - Crankcase Ventilation System
Type (ventilates to atmos., induction system, other) Standard Induction System
Optional None
Control Unit Make and model AC Type CV-735C AC Type CV-679C
Location Intake Manifold Push Rod Cover
Energy source (manifold vacuum, carburetor air stream, other) Manifold Vacuum
Control method (variable orifice, fixed orifice, other) Variable Orifice
Complete
system
Discharges (to intake manifold, carb. air intake, air cleaner intake, other) Intake Manifold
Air inlet (breather cap, carburetor air cleaner, other) Through Filter in the Carburetor Air Cleaner
Flame arrestor (screen, check valve, other) Check Valve
Engine - Fuel System
Induction type: Carburetor, fuel
injection, supercharger.
Carburetor
Fuel
Tank
Refill capacity (U.S. gals.) 18.5
Filler location Center Rear
Fuel
Pump
Type (elec. or mech.) Mechanical
Locations Right Front of Engine Left Front of Engine
Pressure range 4.0 - 5.5 5.0 - 6.5
Vacuum booster (std., optional, none) None
Fuel
Filter
Type Plastic Fabric in Fuel Tank and Sintered
Locations Carb. Inlet (a)
Carbure-
tor
Choke Type Automatic
Intake manifold heat control
(exhaust or water)
Exhaust
Air cleaner
type (d)
Standard Oil Wetted Paper
Optional Two Stage - Wetted Plastic Foam Over Paper Element
Idle speed (spec.
neutral or drive)
N.      D.
Manual   N. 500 600 850 1000 1000
Automatic D. 500 500 650 650 (750 Ram Air)
Idle A F mix. ---
(a) Pleated paper instead of sintered bronze in all 1 & 4 bbl. carburetors.
Engine - Cooling System
Type system (pressure, pressure vented, atmospheric, other) Pressure Vented
Radiator cap relief valve pressure 14-17 P.S.I.
Circula-
tion thermostat
Type (choke, bypass) Choke
Starts to open at (°F) 190°
Water
Pump
Type (centrifugal, other) Centrifugal
GPM 1000 pump rpm 16
Number of pumps One
Drive (V-belt, other) V-Belt
Bearing type Sealed Ball Bearing
Bypass recirculation type (inter., ext.) Internal
Radiator core type
(cellular, tube and fin, other)
Tube and Center
Cooling
system
capacity
With heater (qt.) 11.8 19.4(350) 18.6(400)
Without heater (qt.) Heater Standard Equipment
Opt. equipment-specify (qt.) 12.3 w/Air Cond. 20.3 (350), 18.7 (400) with Air Cond.
Water jackets full length of cyl.(yes,no) Yes
Water all around cylinder (yes,no) Yes
Radiator
hose
Lower Number and type (molded, straight) One, Molded
Inside diameter 1.50
Upper Number and type (molded, straight) One, Molded
Inside diameter 1.50
By-pass Number and type (molded, straight) Hose Not Used
Inside diameter -
Fan Number of blades and spacing 4, 76° & 104° (a) (b)
Diameter 17.62 19.0
Ratio-fan to crankshaft rev. .95:1 (1.08:1 with A/C) .91:1(1.25:1 with A/C & AT, 1.12:1 with ???
Fan cutout type Fluid Clutch-Thermostatically Controlled V-8 (A/C Only)
Bearing type See Water Pump
*Drive
belts
(indicate
belt used
by letter
Fan
A | A,B | A,C | B,C
A | A,B | A | B,D
A | A,B | A | B,C
  | B |   | B,D
  |   | C | C
E | F,G | E | F,I |
E | F,G | E | F |
E | F,G | E | F,I |
  | G |   | I |
  |   | H | H |
Generator-alternator
Water pump
Power Steering
Air Conditioning
NOTES:
(a) 7 blade 18 dia. Poer-Flex fan on 6 cyl. with A/C.
(b) 7 blade 19.5 dia. fan on all V-8 with A/C - 5 blade 19 dia. Power-Flex std. on 400 V-8.except std. 4 blade fan used with Ram Air Option.
??? Means it was off the page on my spec, if you can fill this in let me know.
Drive Belt Dimensions
* Drive Belt Dimensions A B C D E F G H I J K
Angle of V 36° 36° 36° 36° 36° 36° 36° 36° 36°      
Nominal Length(SAE) 39.0 51.5 58.0 27.6 54.0 50.0 52.0 59.0 53.5        
Width .38 .47 .47 .38 .38 .38 .47 .47 .47        



[Return to AMA Specifications ---Index---]








 
Home  |  Technical Information  |  Questions or Comments  |  Search  |  Road Map



Sponsored by:
Oak Media Creations


Copyright © 1996-2007 Geoff Martin. All rights reserved.
Pontiac and Firebird are Registered ® Trademarks with General Motors
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
All Rights Reserved.

Our Privacy Policy

Use for Entertainment Purposes only
http://FirstGenFirebird.org