Page O-1 — 1968 Power Train – All Series – First Generation Firebird (1967, 1968, 1969)

An enhanced reproduction of the original Pontiac Sales Manual used in 1968 showrooms which described all the equipment that was available on the Firebird. This album has become a rare and valuable resource.

1968 Pontiac Sales Manual

1968 POWER TRAIN – ALL SERIES

Pontiac continues its policy of providing a full range of power train combinations so that the new car buyer may readily tailor the model of his choice to suit his personal driving needs. All told, Pontiac

offers a choice of 94 power team combinations – 33 for Firebirds; 17 for Tempest, Tempest Custom, Le Mans and Tempest Safari, 11 for GTO, and 33 for Catalina, Executive, Bonneville and Grand Prix.

SPECIAL POWER TRAIN FEATURES

Rear Axle Shaft – All Firebirds. A Salisbury-type, solid rear axle and 56-inch, non-symmetrical, multi-leaf springs comprise the Hotchkiss drive system. These multi-leaf springs, combined with a straddle-type shock absorber installation (right shock is mounted forward of axle, left shock rearward of axle) result in a softer ride without affecting sports-car feel and handling. This installation eliminates the need for special radius rods. The axle itself has separate axle-shaft tubes pressed and welded into a central cast differential carrier housing.

Rear Axle Shaft – The extruded rear axle shaft is continued for 1968. This shaft permits more precise control of dimensions for added reliability and durability. Because the rear axle is light, yet rigid, it assists in reducing unsprung weight, a feature that contributes to ride smoothness.

Heavy-duty Rear Axle Shaft – available at extra-cost for Firebird, Tempest, Tempest Custom, Le Mans and Tempest Safari when the Safe-T-Track differential is ordered with an axle ratio of 3.36:1 and up. If these axle ratios are ordered with the standard differential, the standard rear axle will be used.

Propeller Shaft Assembly – All Series. Pontiac’s one-piece tubular steel propeller shaft effectively reduces noise and vibration through specially processed splines located at the transmission

output shaft. This basic propeller shaft design, standard on all series, requires only two universal joints, on at each end. Both joints contain permanently lubricated needle bearings. A composite rear U-joint design on Catalina, Executive, Bonneville and Grand Prix contributes to a smoother, quieter ride.

Clutch Assembly. A dependable, low-maintenance, single-plate, dry-disc-type clutch is standard on Firebird and Firebird 350; and on Tempest, Tempest Custom, Le Mans, Catalina and Executive (except Station Wagons) when equipped with standard engines.

Heavy-duty Clutch Assembly. A heavy-duty, 11-inch Belleville clutch is standard on Bonneville and Grand Prix and Catalina and Executive Station Wagons; and on Catalina and Executive models equipped with high-performance engines. This clutch is available at extra cost on Catalina and Executive models equipped with standard engine (except Station Wagons) when heavy-duty clutch performance is required.

High Performance Clutch Assembly. A specially balanced, 10.4-inch, heavy-duty clutch assembly is standard on Firebird Sprint, Firebird H.O., Firebird 400 and GTO; and on Tempest, Tempest Custom and Le Mans models equipped with the “Sprint” option or 350 H.O. engine. This clutch is specifically designed to complement the special-performance features buit into these models.

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Editor Note: The typing error, ‘buit’, is found in the original album.