Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions for First Generation Firebirds that have been asked and answered on FGF. Special thanks needs to be given to all the FGF members who took the time to respond to other member's questions.
Engine - Ram Air Specific
Q: AC and Ram Air
Was the AC option available on a 1969 Ram Air?
A: for what its worth, ac was avaialble on both auto and ac cars in 1969 (not true for 1968 see below).
However, NONE of the true ram air cars ever received factory AC. (ie 1967-1968 ram air I, 1968 ram air II or 1969 ram air IV equipped cars)
now the 1969 400HO cars (dubbed ‘ram air III’ in 1969 when you also added cold air induction option) could get AC no matter what tranny you ordered…
why? well im guesing because the RA III cars, aka 400HO in 1968, were esssentially standard 400 cars (especially the auto equipped “RA III/400ho” cars). Outside of the longbranch manifolds all 400ho/ra III all cars received, they were pretty much std 400 cars (ie no mandatory 3.90s, no special 400 heads, no upgraded cam, no beefier lower end (all 2 bolt mains), etc)
note: the manual 1969 RA III s DID get the upgraded 068 cam but not much beyond that. so since RA III cars were very close to std 400 cars mechanically/performance wise PMD must have figured that it was ok to get ac for these cars.
Please though, no RA III flames! the pontiac 400 is an awesome block in *whatever flavor* it originally came in! its just that i think the ‘RAM AIR III’ monaker is a bit misleading to many espeically since its ‘numerically higher’ than RAM AIR I and II.
1968 manual tranny and ac…
ama specs show that pontiac did NOT offer ac if you ordered a manual gearbox in 1968 note however that this was NOT true in 1967 and 1969 when ac and manual birds COULD be ordered. why this is so is one of pmds minor little mysteries….
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Content last modified: January 24, 2014 at 10:28 pm
Q: Ram Air Features for 1968
*Please review and advise on any discrepancies. If you have corrections, please provide references for verification (Pt.No’s., etc.) Thanks !
1968 Firebird Ram Air Features…
ENGINE BLOCK
Casting Number… 9792506
Codes… WI (RAI-MT), XN (RAI-AT), WU (RAII-MT), XT (RAII-AT) {4-Bolt Main}
CYLINDER HEADS
Casting Number… 31 (RAI ‘D’ Port) 96 (RAII Round Port)…’stamped’
* Not all “96” Cyl.Heads were stamped
EXHAUST MANIFOLDS
Ram Air I & H.O….. Cast Iron Long Branch (‘D’ Port) 9779424-R…9779495-L
Ram Air II….. Cast Iron Long Branch (round-port) 9794036-R…9794038-L
* w/Thermostatic Heat Control Valve in RH manifold
AXLE
3.90… “ZP” (4-Pinion)
*No Ram Air Firebirds came from the factory w/4.33axle although it was available. Safe-T-Track was mandatory.
TRANS
Manual Trans… M-21 Close-Ratio Muncie (“FX”)
Auto-Trans… T.H.M (“PQ”)
* ALL 1967-1968 Ram Air Firebirds came with two-piece speedo cables and gear reducers. ((( ? PART NUMBER ?)))
INTAKE MANIFOLD
Casting # 9790140 (1st Type…. all 4Bbl’s incl. the RA I… exc. RA II)
Casting # 9794234 (2nd Type….all 4Bbl’s incl. the RA II … after May’68)
CARBURETOR
RAI…. (MT) 7028277 (AT) 7028276
RAII… (MT) 7028273 (AT) 7028270
CARB. VAC. BREAK CONTROL
Pt. # 7038237 (Ram Air I) …Black plastic Cover
Pt. # 7038239 (Ram Air II) …Green Plastic Cover
THROTTLE CABLE BRACKET
Pt. # 9792242 was used on the 1st Type Intake Manifold (9790140)
Pt. # 9797415 was used on the 2nd Type Intake Manifold (9794234)
* 2nd Type stamped “F-4”
OIL FILTER ADAPTOR
(Alum.- filter to block) *Used on all RA & H.O. engines Pt.# 9794111
DISTRIBUTOR
Pt. # 1111449 (exc. RA II)
The Ram Air I cars used the same Distributor as found on 400 M.T. and H.O. cars
*Only the RAII had a unique Distributor, Pt. # 1111941. (MT or AT)
RADIATOR
All Ram Air cars used the H.D. Harrison Radiator.
Manual Trans: “UQ”
Auto Trans: “UP”
RAM AIR HOOD BAFFLE
(pentagon shaped stamped sheet-metal pan, screwed to hood)
Pt. # 9793161
RAM AIR HOOD BAFFLE SEAL
Pt. # 9789883
RAM AIR CARB. SHROUD (Air Inlet)
(round stamped sheet-metal ‘tub’, set on carb.)
Pt. # 9792987
RAM AIR CARB. SHROUD SEAL
Pt. # 9793163
RAM AIR AIR FILTER ELEMENT COVER (black)
Pt. # 6424398
RAM AIR AIR FILTER ELEMENT
Pt. # 6421746 (A212CW & A-274C- paper wetted)
RAM AIR HOOD SCOOPS
(Cast-Metal Scoops “open”)
Pt. #9794283/84
NOTES:
* All Ram Air cars were shipped to the dealer with the Ram Air Baffle, Shroud, Air-Filter, Seals and Open Hood Scoops shipped in the trunk. From ’67 until early 1968, the parts were removed from the trunks and returned to the parts-crib by guards/inspectors while preparing to ship as they suspected theft. This discrepancy was corrected and it is assumed that parts were forwarded to the dealership for installation.
* All Ram Air cars came with a standard 4-Blade Rad’t. Cooling Fan unless optioned with the ‘Flex-Fan’.
* Ram Air Firebird’s ordered with the Ram Air Option and Underhood Lamp were modified at the Dealership in order for the Lamp Assy to clear the Hood Baffle. The Lamp was moved slightly outboard to clear the Baffle.
* The Underhood Structure req’d. a modification to the RH side near the Scoop in order to allow proper fit/sealing of the Ram Air Baffle & Seal. This was performed at the dealership while the Ram Air parts were being installed. A small section of the Underhood Metal was snipped away. In most all case’s, this was a crude alteration and is usually quite noticeable.
* The Code used on the Broadcast Sheet for Ram Air Engines was “Y”.
* No identifying codes were noted on the Firewall Trim Tag and/or VIN to indicate the Ram Air option.
* Less than 50 Ram Air Firebird’s have been accounted for to date.
* The Ram Air I production was from Aug 1967 until May 1968.
* Ram Air II production started May 20th 1968. The option code was still “347” however, the package price was increased. (sometimes found noted on the Billing History).
* Earliest known RA I was built in Oct. 1967 (Verdoro Green)
* The last 1968 RA II ‘Bird produced was invoiced Aug. 6 1968 (4spd coupe)
*For more information…please contact John Schuh FRamair@aol.com
“GENERATION-1 Firebird Registry” http://members.aol.com/Framair/Gen1.html
A: If you were surprised about the “standard” block for the 1967 Ram Air cars, how about learning that most of the blocks for the 1968 Ram Air II engines were “standard” 400 cid blocks (9790071) that were fitted with four-bolt caps!!! Some had the last four digits ground off and were re-stamped with —“2506”, but most were left with the 9790071.
Also your 1967 and 1968 lists show that the cylinder heads had their numbers stamped on them. Not so! All of the ’67 Ram Air “997” heads and the 1968 Ram Air I and II (“31” and “96”) heads were cast!!! Any heads with the numbers stamped on them were done by racers to satisfy the folks at the NHRA, for drag racing.
Find that information on a build sheet or trim tag!!!
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Content last modified: January 24, 2014 at 9:32 pm
Q: Ram Air Info Sheets for 1968
I found a document in the glove compartment of the 1968 RA II ‘Bird I recently purchased. One shows upper pan installation and second the lower pan. The detective work done by Generation-1 Registry about mods to hood ARE RIGHT ON AND DOCUMENTED HERE!….amazing piece of pontiac hi-performance history thats for sure… this is fantastic!! ive NEVER seen anything like it, have you ??
A: Thanks for the information and what a find!! Lots of gems out there waiting to be found.
1968 Ram Air Information Sheet One
1968 Ram Air Information Sheet Two
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Content last modified: January 16, 2014 at 4:21 pm
Q: Ram Air Kit for 1967-1968
Where can I found a Ram Air kit to put in my 1968 Firebird 400.
A: There is no kit that I’m aware of for the 1967-1968 Firebird Ram Air System. A kit would consist of the Upper Hood Baffle, Lower Carb Shroud, Hood Seal, Shroud Seal, Air Cleaner Lid and open scoops.
A few years ago, Barry Martin (Sonic Motors) had the Hood Baffle reproduced. He only had around 5075 pieces stamped out (kirksite die) and vendors were selling these for $350-$425 ea. Not sure if any are still out there. The Carb Shroud is the same as 1968 GTO. Used ones go for $500 or so. I understand that someone has or is doing a Carb shroud. Figure this to be in the area of $300 or more. The foam seals are available thru most repro companies. The Carb lid is also available repro. Scoops would have to be cut out; repro’s are available. If you bought all the pieces used or repro, figure around $1500 for such a ‘kit’.
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Content last modified: January 16, 2014 at 4:24 pm
Q: Identifying a Ram Air
Hello Everyone! I am new to the list. I am trying to restore a 1968 Firebird just for run, and I was wondering how do I know if it is Ram Air I, II or neither? What exactly is Ram Air?
A: The engine block would have codes:
WI – Firebird 400 Ram Air I (Manual)
XN – Firebird 400 Ram Air I (Auto)
WU – Firebird 400 Ram Air II (Manual)
XT – Firebird 400 Ram Air II (Auto)
More information at: https://FirstGenFirebird.org/1968-info/1968-technical-information/68_id_numbers/
Also look for the Ram System: Upper Hood Baffle, Lower Carb Shroud, Hood Seal, Shroud Seal, Air Cleaner Lid and open scoops.
More information at: https://FirstGenFirebird.org/f-a-q/category/ram-air-specific/
A: Ram Air is an additional performance option on Sport Option 400 Firebirds. It has an induction system that has open scoops on a 400 hood, a big pan bolted to the underside of the hood, and an air cleaner that has a raised rubber ring to seal the housing to the pan. The engine has some internal differences, and RA I is different than RA II in such areas as heads, exhaust manifolds, cam, etc.
You need to check the numbers: 2 letter engine code (on block under right head), 9 digit partial VIN (right side of block next to timing cover, just above oil pan) and heads (large numbers on center exhaust port boss), plus date codes of block, heads, manifolds, firewall data plate. You may also want to look for codes on the transmission and rear axle. You can find a couple books that have these codes, and most are pretty accurate, but not perfect. Isn’t that info somewhere here on Geoff’s site? Report back to the list, we’ll help you decode. Date codes are cast onto the part, are a letter followed by 3 digits. Firewall data plate code is different, it’s 2 digits followed by a number.
You may also want to get the Pontiac Historical Services package on your car to see how the factory built and equipped it http://www.phs-online.com I believe the cost is $35.00. Chances are very good that your car is not exactly the same as it was 32 years ago, so this will tell you what your car was when new. Information is the key to knowledge!
Many Firebirds have 400 hoods and engines added, this does not make it a Firebird 400, it becomes a modified 6 cylinder or 350 car to most judges and prospective purchasers. The fact that we can document our cars is part of the fun of owning Pontiacs over all other brands of American 60’s and 70’s special interest automobiles.
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Content last modified: January 16, 2014 at 4:26 pm
Q: Ram Air Differneces Between the Years
I was thinking about reproducing the Ram Air equipment. What are the differences for the different years.
A: ….The Ram Air Hood Baffle will physically fit all 1967-1969 Firebird 400 Hoods.
The Ram Air Carburetor Shroud will physically work on all 1967-1969 Firebird 400s and 1968-1970 GTOs. There were apparently (2) types of Shrouds; (1) with the provision for the Heat Riser and (1) without. Those with are not very common. As for the Hood Baffle, some say that 1967 Firebirds had a ‘tab’ on the bottom of it (to hold the Seal ?)
Though, I’ve never seen this on any original 1968 Ram Air Firebirds. I’d say with such a large range of applications, both the Hood Baffle and Carb. Shroud would be excellent candidates for reproducing provided the retail price wasn’t too high. Many would ‘add’ Ram Air to a “400” Hood if they could get the Hood Baffle and Carb. Shroud for a reasonable amount. Of course, being able to sell them cheap depends on quantity. If you have connections into the Die-Making World, you could have tooling made for not too much. If you’re a full time, major restoration parts business, you’re likely going to mark these up quite a bit to make a nice profit.
A: As for the “tab” on the upper hood pan, the orginal 1968 I had that I sent you a pic of had one. Also the setup that was sold on e bay was a 1968 and had the same. I made an impression of the tab before I sold mine a few months ago.
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Content last modified: January 16, 2014 at 4:27 pm
Q: Ram Air Shroud from 1968 fit a 1967
Will a Ram Air Shroud (air cleaner) from a 1968 Firebird would fit a 1967?
A: All 1967-1968 Firebird and 1968 GTOs that came with Ram Air used the same Carb. Shroud (Air Cleaner Housing) and Lid. There were no Carter carbs. used on any 1967 400 Firebirds. The RA Hood Baffle was also the same 1967/1968 Firebird but different on the 1968 GTO (though, they initially look the same).
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Content last modified: January 16, 2014 at 4:28 pm
Q: Rain and the Ram Air Scoops
All this talk about ram air hoods got me thinking and since i’ve never had the pleasure of viewing a real ram air in the flesh I ask. What do you do when it rains? How do you keep the water out. I can’t imagine people in the sixties buying cars you drive in the rain.
A: To answer this we must rewind to 1965 and look at the GTO. It had an over the counter option of a Ram Air pan that bolted on to the 3x2s (triPower). It had a seal that moulded itself to the contour of the underside of the hood. It didnt have a seperate hood pan as in the later years. In 66 Pontiac continued this over the counter option and later that year had a factory option of RA GTO. This was the first time you could get a purpose built factory Ram Air Pontiac. There were previous cars built in the early 60s but werent avaliable to the general public. There were around 200 of the 66 GTO RA cars made. Rare indeed.
The tradition of RA carried into the 1967 GTO but tripower was replace by single 4 bbl(Q-Jet). When Firebird was intoduced the 400 option had a newly designed scooped hood that also offered the RA setup except it had a seperate under hood pan to help seal and direct the incoming “rammed” air. These were true Factory Hot Rods avaliable to the general public.
Tradition carried on to the 1968 GTO and Bird with basicly the same setup. This was the first year GTO used a seperate hood pan. Complaints of this fair weather only system promted enginners to design a 1969 driver controlled system that closed the RA inlets off to under hood inlets. This allowed the driver to choose if weather was not favorable. 70 Trans Ams improved the design and had a flapper that faced backwards on the shaker scoop. This was carried on thru the 72 model. After that it was basicly a design feature. It was big hoopla that GM introduced the Trans AM with factory RA in the last 3 yrs. History does repeat itself.
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Content last modified: January 16, 2014 at 4:29 pm
Q: Ram Air V
I have heard Pontiac made some Ram Air V in 1969 but were available in a crate only. If they were crate motors could you not have put it into a Firebird?
A: … the factory didnt put these race motors in any production cars. A little over 200 were sold in the crate and some more were pieced togeather. There was 2 versions. the low deck 303 cu in version made just for Trans Am racing ( 5 litre restriction),and the 400 version . The factory tried a few experimental versions,366 and 455 but the RAV program was aimed at the drags and T/A series. They also experimented with various carb(s) and manifolds. the closest production motor to this was the 73-4 455 SD.
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Content last modified: January 16, 2014 at 4:31 pm
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