Interesting Article

But if one needs more, a '58-'60 370 or 389 bolts-in and can deliver another easy 100 H.P.  Want to corner level?  A 3rd generation ('82-'87) Trans-Am sway bar bolts-in (minor welding).  Want to stop?  Add Kevlar (space shuttle) brake shoes (Muscle-car Brakes (972) 623-1589), 235x75 R-15 Radials run at 35 PSI and to maintain easy steering a padded steering wheel cover.  To help build your Poncho right the first time an effort bringing 50+ years of stock Pontiac experience into one place is in the works.

Bone stock 3.08 geared '55 sedans delivered 24 MPG regularly.  Stock-parts built '56 chieftain wagons have been towing my cars since 1970, gross loads totaling 12,000 lb not unusual.  These cars could do it all.  Respect Pontiac's accomplishment of building a truly great old car.

P.E.

So how much faster than a Duesie race car does one really need to drive?  What's interesting is that all '55 and '56 Pontiacs were totally capable of equaling Ab's and Marvin's feat if only slightly slower.  All had fuel efficient V/8's better than 95% came with one of two 4-speed automatic transmissions.  All are 12 volts, have leaf springs, full gauges, dual heaters, huge rearends, X frames, machined combustion chambers, forged rods & cranks, 15" wheels (last year), & Friction-free king pin steering not requiring P/S.  In other words they're all about great strength & efficiency and are true bargains worthy of saving!

P.E.

How about a stock '56 Pontiac 316 V/8. 1 3/4" Exhaust and all, running 24 hours at 500 RPM over redline in 123℉ temperatures, at high elevation on wet salt (June) and laying down 2841 miles?  Ocean to ocean in one day.  Almost.  Read on.

Why stock?  Just another "old" car?

P.E.

Only '55-'56 Pontiac Spoken Here

     Cutting into your un-modified jewel thinking or believing what you've heard or been told or read, that heavy mods are necessary to achieve "reliability", "adequate performance", Blah, Blah, Blah is a tragedy and completely un-necessary.  Using 99% common, standard, stock '55-'60 Pontiac drive train parts (except where noted) and less than $1000 additional cash over the cost of a "Bone Stock" restoration, all poor stopping, steering, performance, reliability, gear control, comfort, & drivability issues can be addressed and remarkably, using totally reversible tactics, fixed.

     So for now, guys, stop, get a handle on your egos, hold off getting started, throwing money or committing to anything.  The truth is on it's way.  In the meantime just in case you want more than strictly stock...

1.     BLUEPRINT THE HOOD LATCH (Hoods fly open at approx. 54 M.P.H.) or wire it down (better yet don't drive an unfinished car).
2.     Not a tip but a list of mostly used stuff to watch out for:
        a.     '57 rearend housing + '57 drive shaft. ('56 is 1/2" long)
        b.     '59-'64 Pont-Olds  31 spline 3rd member (nothing lower than 3.65/1 ratio
        c.     '59-'62 Olds rear axles (cut off 1/2" to fit above)
        d.     Front Sway Bar - 3rd Gen. - G.M.F. Body '82-'88 Trans Am or Camaro.  Fits beautifully,                     minor welding.
        e.     Buildable '59-'60 389, already 060 over is OK
        f.     Forged 400 Pistons - Flattops (Std. size or .030'2 - 060's will work) Ton's of cylinder wall
                thickness on these earlies.
        g.     Olds 11" x 2" Rear Drums (Fusick (860) 623-1589, if used .020 Max wear.  Same thing
                 55-57 stock front.
        h.     Edlebrock 4BBL with spacer (to fit narrow bolt pattern)
        i.     1957 up distributor (with pertronix Electronic Kit)
        j.     Tri-Five Chevy electric wiper motor
        k.     Large 5-6 Blade steel fan with '55-'57 shroud (or pusher fan)
        k-2   '56 Hydro - '58-'60 Jetway Cores with fine spline drive shaft yoke.
        l.     (A Tip) For Rear Wheel clearance when changing a tire.  Buy d" longer shocks or flip over
                and switch sides with the spring pads. (minor trimming necessary) ('57's no good)
        m.     From the company that supplied brake shoes for the space shuttle program, Kevlar Brake
                 Shoes (Muscle Car Brakes (972) 623-1589)
        n.     Another tip, beware counterfeit "pin wheel" impeller water pumps.
        o.     '57-'58 4BBL intake (has generator mount) '59-'60 4 BBL intake (no mount, must make
                 easy alternator bracket)
        p.     Same thing, tri-power '57-'60
        q.     New ( no more piss-poor sleeves!) Manual Master Cynlinders, Kanteur (800) 526-1096
        r.     Double groove Pulleys - Lower '55-'62, Upper '55-'58. (run 2 belts on charge system)
        s.     Ultimate H.D. Rear Spring - '55 i pass Wagon - 8 leafs. (short wheel base only).
                                                                                                            P.E.
                                                                                                            11-8-16
     

Statement of Intent

"Original Pontiac Heaven" is a one horse, shade tree operation dedicated to the understanding & preservation of all '55 & '56 Pontiac vehicles, in stock form, eventually to be restored by myself or others and enjoyed for the fantastic & historic cars they were, are and will be far into a "small block" free future, if there's any justice.  Many fine  restorable Craig's listed '55-'56 Pontiacs for sale.  Bank your treasure now for the coming chaos free future.  Thank you.


                                                                                                    P.E.