Page O-2 — Power Train Charts – 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

POWER TRAIN CHARTS

The special Power Train Charts which follow are specifically designed to help you “personalize” the new car for your customer. In many cases, these charts my prove to be the most reliable source of information you have for determining the final price of the car and explaining the extra-cost items to the customer’s satisfaction.

It’s important that you understand the relationship between engine, transmission, carburetion and axle ratio, so that you can quickly point out the combinations that are available, those that aren’t, how ordering one feature can affect the availability of another, and how certain power train features must necessarily be grouped with others.

The following information explains how to use the Power Train Charts. Before proceeding, however, it may be to your advantage to remove one of the charts and use if for reverence as you read. Notice that the information is load out in columns. Notice also the explanatory notes and codes appearing at the bottom of the chart. These will help you quickly identify those features in question.

Transmission Type. This column shows the types of transmissions that are available for any given series.

Item Number. These figures separate the various items into specific groupings for further clarification.

Car Order Engine Code. The engine codes shown in this column are in the same sequence in which they appear on the Wholesale Car Order From. The codes are repeated for each type transmission.

Engine Size (cubic inches). The size of the engine in cubic inches appears in this column in ascending order – from the smallest to the largest.

Carburetor. The specific carburetor for each engine is listed by size (number of barrels).

Engine Identification Code. This code is used on the production manifest to designate the specific engine which is to be installed in the car. For example: Car Order Engine Code 347 will be shown on the production manifest as “WG” with 3-speed or 4-speed manual transmission, “YH” with Turbo Hydra-Matic. This same code is shown on the Car Shipping Order and it is also stamped on the right side of the engine block.

Transmission Identification Code. This code is used on the production manifest to designate the specific transmission which is to be installed in the car.

Horsepower. This column lists the advertised horsepower for each engine.

Compression Ratio. The compression ratio for each engine is listed in this column.

Standard Axle. The standard axle ratio for any given engine-transmission combination is shown in this column.

NOTE: There are certain cases where the standard axle ratio will very between body styles. As an example, a Model 5211 with standard engine and Hydra-Matic transmission has a standard axle ratio of 2.29 without air conditioning, and a 2.41 axle ratio with air conditioning. A Model 5235 with the same engine and transmission, on the other hand, has a standard axle ratio of 2.56. There are other cases where the standard axle ratio must be lowered because the addition of air conditioning requires cooler operation. All of these exceptions are clearly indicated on the charts.

Economy Axle. The choices shown here are for those customers who prefer a slightly more economical ratio than the standard axle provides.

Performance Axle. These axle ratios are for those customers who want a little more performance than the standard axle offers.

Special-order Axle Instructions. Here’s how to use the Power Train chart when ordering Special-order Axles for all series.

Determine transmission type.
Determine Car Order Engine Code.
After completing steps 1 & 2, check the availability and restrictions shown in the Special-order Axle columns for this transmission and engine code. This is very important, because many Special-order Axles require the addition of extra-cost options, and both you and your customer should be aware of this at time the order is written.

Availability and restrictions are indicated as follows:

A – Available

Unless this symbol is shown the ratio is not available.

C – Cooling

Additional radiator capacity is required.

For Tempest, Tempest Custom, Le Mans, Tempest Safari and GTO – order Heavy-duty Radiator, Code 681.

For Catalina, Executive, Bonneville and Grand Prix – order Super-cooling, Heavy-duty Radiator, Code 682.

N – Not Available with air conditioning.

S – Speedometer Adapter Required – Code 591

(It is not necessary to specify this item on the order, as it will be added automatically when required.)

T – Safe-T-Track Differential required – Code 361.
When steps 1 through 3 have been completed, the order can be written by using both the Wholesale Car Order and the Special Equipment Order.