Tech & Auto
8 Of The Best Engines To Ever Power A Pontiac Muscle Car
By MICHAEL BRUTON
Tempest 395-A 370
After developing the 287, Pontiac engineers developed the engine to 370 cubic inches, giving this new engine the name Tempest 395-A.
Equipped in the 1958 Chieftain, the Tempest 395-A could deliver up to 330 horsepower. Unfortunately, the Tempest engine never made it into muscle cars of the mid-to-late 1960s.
The 389
Pontiac further increased the size of the Tempest-A, achieving an additional 19 cubic inches of displacement and branding the new engine the 389.
The 389 featured in several of the brand's cars. However, the most famous was the iconic GTO. The 389's Pontiac Tri-Power could produce up to 345 horsepower.
The 326
A new V8 landed in 1963, but this one didn't increase the engine's size. The 326 looked much like the 389, only with smaller pistons and a light crankshaft.
The 326 was the inaugural base engine for the Pontiac Firebird's debut, supplying it with 250 horsepower, which was impressive at the time.
The 421
Arriving the same year as the 389, the Pontiac 421 cubic-inch V8 debuted as the larger version and became a factory option in 1962.
The 421 would become renowned after being used by Joe Weatherly, who took the Nascar Grand National Championship for Pontiac in 1962.
The 400
Pontiac's 400 cubic-inch engine was the workhouse motor during the height of the muscle car era. It was a well-rounded engine that was well-received by many mechanics.
While the Firebird came with a 326, those interested in the larger engine could opt for the 400 or the 400 Ram Air options, pushing its horsepower into the 360 range.