I'm going to look, possibly purchase a '70 GTO this weekend. I know that the car is atoll blue, black top, black inteior, automatic. I do not know however it if is a Ram Air car. I've had decent success finding a VIN and Cowl Tag decoder online, but I'm having a hard time finding number locations and ways to decode/identify a pontiac head. I'd like to be able to check the numbers on the block, as well as possibly determine if the car was originally (or still is) a RA car or not. Is there anyone out there that can offer some advice, or maybe point me in the right direction? Also, I'm very good with the 1970 GS stuff but this will be my first GTO, is there anything I should watch out for (option wise) or things specific to GTO's to be careful of? Thanks in advance.
Me again, you can always send your vin with $35 to the PHS link below. It can be done over the net and get a quick answer for $10 more. Here is the link. http://www.phs-online.com/ Got the info from a GTO board. Hope it helps you.
'70 GTO engine codes: Base 400 engine, std exhaust manifolds, "068" intake YS 400-350 hp auto #13 heads (78-80cc) WT 400-350 hp manual #12 heads (72cc chambers) 455 "GTO" engine #64 heads, "2012" distributor, "068" intake, (all had 12 bolt rear & specific 455 frame code) YA or YC late 455-360 hp auto WA 455-360 hp manual (note) 455 also avail with RamAir, but non Judges, so equipped, used std exhaust manifolds RAIII (RAIII cam, #12 heads, 4 Bolt main block, D-port RA exhaust manifolds, & RA pan & tub) YZ 400-366 hp auto (PX code T400 in a GTO) #12 heads, "068" intake WS 400-366 hp manual transmission #12 heads, "068" intake RAIV (RAIV cam, 4 bolt main block, "2011" distributor, "614" roundport heads, roundport ex manifolds, two piece intake, RAIV tub & upper RA pan...) WW 400-370hp M21 XP 400-370 hp auto (PX T-400 again) Vast majority of '70 GTO's built did not have RamAir. I can usually look at the hole in the cowl where the RA cable goes through, & spot if previous owner has added RamAir. Will ck back in, with more info. Have to get to ballgame. :3gears: Roger
A decent way to narrow it down is to check the rear end. This is assuming the car has the original rear. RAIV cars had 3.90 or 4.33 gears only. RAIII cars could get those gears but often have 3.23 or 3.55s. Other engines rarely had anything lower than 3.55s. Of course, if the car has AC, it should be 3.23 or higher.
You can also go to http://www.wallaceracing.com Also if it is original paint the hood scoops will be black and there should be a ram air knob on the bottom of the dash. As noted ram air could be RA-III, RA-IV or 455HO (not like '71-'72 HO but D port heads).
There will also be a small hole right next to and just below the wiper mototr. That hole is for the Ram Air cable. Pontiac Years forum is a gold mine of info- a forum similar to this one. But unless you are in a huge hurry or want to take a chance, get the PMH on the car. The PY forum guys will help you out.Just don't tell them where the car is.... :Brow:
