230HP '69 OHC 6

[matt_lamb_160 252]

Not a Ford, but with a 4brl, OHC and making 230HP out of a 250 in '69, it's still cool:

 

http://ateupwithmotor.com/model-histories/pontiac-ohc-six-history/3/

[gerg 10,871]

Thoroughly excellent article mate thanks for posting.

 

This is a perfect snapshot of why the Japs took over the world. They invest in an idea that they know will work, and follow it through till it's not just successful, but bulletproof. In contrast, the Yanks are always Nickel-and Dime with every single aspect of their work.

That engine, as the article says, would have been a gem if they allowed the things that Pontiac wanted. Instead, GM knocked it all on the head because it was all too easy to keep knocking out big dumb lumps of iron (like the 301) and they paid dearly for it later. They made a dog's breakfast in marketing it too. Typical corporate short-sightedness that carried through till just a few years ago when GM went bust. Ford wasn't much better.

 

I reckon that OHC six could have been brilliant in a Pontiac version of the Corvette. The yanks were mad on British sports cars during the 60s and that would have been a worthy rival.

[matt_lamb_160 252]

Glad you liked it. I agree with what you have said.

[slydog 7,873]

Interesting read Matt...Stats to stats it wasn't fast but it seemed hindered and held back form day dot.You can sell ice to Eskimo's with the right sales people and the right product.Only just cottoned onto to that fact now though...

[wagoon 2,429]

I like the fact that they were running a four barrel as standard.

[rocklord 6]

In 1969, horsepower listed was gross, not net. 

 

230HP gross is about 165HP net.

[matt_lamb_160 252]

230HP out of a 302 in an XT GT is gross as well.

 

In any case the actual power figure is only a small part of the story.

[slydog 7,873]

Thats right Matt,the actual power figure isn't what makes the story interesting.The fact a US based car company was interested in making a sports pack car with a 6 banger as the basis of it all is what makes the story cool.

 

Something that was taken to the next level in Aus for our production car racing and to a degree still happens but not for long

[gerg 10,871]

Gross power was pure engine output in favourable conditions without water pump, smog pump, alternator, exhaust system, etc. Net was with all that shit installed. The US car industry was forced to quote only the SAE net power from 1972 onwards. Some big V8s back then dropped around 150 hp just by changing the method of measurement. It was also a good way of hiding the actual drop in power when the smog-era came along. A 350 Chev making 140-odd horse looks crap in anyone's language but if you tell the customer it's net HP, not gross, then it's not so bad.

 

Ford's 250 2v was advertised at 170 hp, yet over a decade later an alloy-head, EFI cross flow 250 somehow couldn't make that much. Sorry to all those 250 2V fans out there, but i call bullshit on that one.

 

So Pontiac's 230 hp is wildly exaggerated and I'd say it's closer to 150 in the real world. Still, throw on a set of triples, a cam and a decent exhaust and that thing would be cooking.