70 HO Restoration

I am in the process of restoring a Dec 70 455HO that I originally bought in 75' -- sold in 83'(stupid) -- and recently bought back six months ago. I know what your thinking -- why did I ever sell it. I need some help in finding a Turbo 400 trans with the PR code which was only put in the 455 cars. The trans in this car is not numbers correct but everything else is still there. The trans is a PT code dated 73' and I am trying to put this car back like it should be. This was a customer order car with a very long list of options and I'm looking for any ideas & suggestions. I'm familiar with most of the parts suppliers but let me know your thoughts. THANKS

Do you mean the "build date" is Dec, '70? If so, it has "round port" heads and is truly a '71 model. Are the head castings "64" or "197"? (on the exhaust ports where they protrude from the head)

Jim

This is a YC code engine & 64 casting number on the heads. Yes the build date is 12/70. I bought this car the first time from the original owners in Houston in 1975. I have the build sheet & lots of info on this option loaded car. I'm pleased to have it back in my shop & wish I had never sold it in the first place. Just trying to get the things I need to get it back the way it should be. Thanks for asking

That build date seems rather odd. It SHOULD be a '71 model. July 11 was the usual "cut off" date for next year's model. Interesting... You're right about the YC and "64s" for a '70 automatic car. I found it a bit strange, too, the rating is only 360 HP. The manual trans version for the same year is 370 HP. I couldn't find any difference in internal parts. Maybe it's the carb or exhaust runners. Any ideas?

FYI, "wallaceracing.com" has a TON of Pontiac code data.

Jim

Yes Jim I'm very familar with all the codes and this is a very rare car. It was a customer special order car. I bought from the original owners who in fact ordered this car in July or Aug of 70'. His wife wanted a 70' badly & this was a freemont built car & ordered from Frank Gillman Pontiac with a ton of options per her request. I don't know how many of these there were but it is definitely one of the last of the 70's and a special one at that. That's why I NEED a numbers correct trans as I complete my frame off. I'm not new to this I run a shop & have been a master tech for 23+ yrs. Any help you might provide locating a trans would be appreciated -- thanks

I would put an ad in the classified section of "classicalpontiac.com" , "pontiacstreetperformance.com" and "performanceyears.com". Those are the three most active Pontiac sites. You'll find a bunch of folks with similar projects, and where they get their stuff. Somebody MIGHT have an M-40 with the code you're looking for.

You could also submit a request to Pontiac Historic Services, and they'll send you a copy of the build sheet.

Jim

Thanks Jim I'll keep looking for the trans. I have the original build sheet in my file. i have been in touch with PHS & trying to figure this car out & why it's what it is. I appreciate your input

For a '70 the original engine from the factory would have the VIN stamped on the front of the block down by the oil pan on the passenger side of the block. If the VIN of the car and the block match with that Dec 70 engine then you have a rare car indeed! What a find ...