Question #1 Pontiac had the Gran Prix SJ, what did the "SJ" stand for? Question #2 Is there an aluminum water pump out there for the 350 motor? TIA Rick
I don't believe the "SJ" specifically stood for anything other than a trim level package. During those years there was also a "J" model (base) and I remember something about a "SSJ". I think the "SSJ" was a Hurst equipped model.
I'm no Grand Prix expert, but I can speak for the 1970 model. The SJ was option Y97 and was a package of options. Y97 consisted of the following: 455 engine (include 12-bolt rearend) Rally gauge cluster automatic level control rear suspension lamp group G78x14 white fiberglass tires SJ badges All of these options could be ordered individually on a model J so it is possible to have a J and SJ with all of the same options just without the badges. The '70 GP SJ that I have is on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Pontiac-Grand-Prix-SJ-1970-Pontiac-Grand-Prix-SJ-455-HO-70-GP_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6422QQitemZ270106146539QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
J stood for John and SJ stood for Super John, as in DeLoreon. It's in Jim Wangers book "Glory Days", it's good reading.
In the late 60's,Pontiac was on a classic car kick.When the new for '69 grand Prix debuted,DeLorean "borrowed" the classic Duesenberg model designation "J" and "SJ" for the classic inspired Grand Prix. And of course,for the top option Hurst, the "SSJ" moniker.
In 1972, I bought a 1969 Grand Prix SJ with what I thought was a 400 cu.in. motor. I was told by someone that the SJ meant it had the 428 and when I checked the engine ID number (and the sticker on the radiator support), that's what it had. My wife totaled the car in 74 so I sold the engine to my neighbor who dropped it in a 65 GTO. Lots of torque but the hydraulic lifters would float above 5500 rpm.
