What is the difference between a Chevy 400 and a Pontiac 400?
The Chevy 400 and Pontiac 400 are both V8 engines that were produced by General Motors, but they have some key differences in their design and performance characteristics. In this article, we'll explore the main distinctions between these two iconic engines.
Engine Displacement and Configuration
The primary difference between the Chevy 400 and Pontiac 400 is their engine displacement. The Chevy 400 has a displacement of 400 cubic inches (6.6 liters), while the Pontiac 400 has a displacement of 400 cubic inches (6.5 liters). Both engines are V8 configurations, but the Pontiac 400 has a slightly smaller displacement due to its different cylinder bore and stroke measurements.
Engine Block and Cylinder Heads
The Chevy 400 and Pontiac 400 also differ in their engine block and cylinder head designs. The Chevy 400 uses a cast-iron block and cylinder heads, while the Pontiac 400 has an aluminum block and cylinder heads. This difference in materials affects the overall weight and thermal properties of the engines, with the Pontiac 400 being lighter and better able to dissipate heat.
Performance Characteristics
Due to their different designs, the Chevy 400 and Pontiac 400 also have distinct performance characteristics. The Pontiac 400 is generally considered to be the more powerful and high-revving of the two engines, with higher horsepower and torque ratings. This is partly due to the Pontiac's aluminum construction, which allows for more aggressive tuning and higher engine speeds.
Applications and Popularity
The Chevy 400 and Pontiac 400 were both used in a variety of GM vehicles, including muscle cars, full-size sedans, and trucks. The Chevy 400 was more widely used across the GM lineup, while the Pontiac 400 was primarily found in Pontiac-branded vehicles. The Pontiac 400 has also become more sought-after by enthusiasts and collectors due to its rarity and performance potential.
In summary, while the Chevy 400 and Pontiac 400 share a similar displacement, they have distinct design differences that result in different performance characteristics and applications. Understanding these distinctions can be helpful for anyone interested in classic GM engines and vehicles.
How much horsepower can you get out of a Pontiac 400?
Back in the day, the most powerful 400 (Ram Air IV) made by Pontiac put out 370 hp (GTO), so 512 hp is certainly a ton more performance; all in, it's a package that looks deceptively stock.
Is Pontiac 455 and 400 the same block?
We took the question to David Butler of Butler Performance in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, for his professional opinion. He advises, "With the exception of the mid- to late-1970s PN 500557 casting, we consider all Pontiac 400 blocks functionally identical. The 455 blocks from 1970 to 1976 are also functionally identical.
What's the difference between a Chevy and a Pontiac?
No, Chevy and Pontiac are not the same. Pontiac is a division of General Motors that was established in 1926. It was primarily known for producing a variety of vehicles, including sports cars, sedans, and SUVs. Chevy, on the other hand, is a brand of General Motors and has been around since 1911.
Are the Pontiac 400 and 455 the same block?
We took the question to David Butler of Butler Performance in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, for his professional opinion. He advises, "With the exception of the mid- to late-1970s PN 500557 casting, we consider all Pontiac 400 blocks functionally identical. The 455 blocks from 1970 to 1976 are also functionally identical.
Is 400 a lot of horsepower?
Large cars carry significantly more weight and average around 300 horsepower for the comfort of the driver. Performance cars can be found anywhere from 400-500 horsepower, and supercars average 500 plus.
Did Pontiac use Chevy engines?
Street Pontiacs would normally use Chevy engines anyways and shared platforms with Chevy cars. As you can see here, the Pontiac Grand Prix literally shared a platform with the Monte Carlo and Impala, so it's no surprise that that's how GM chose to advertise their brand in NASCAR.
Is a Pontiac 400 the same as a Chevy 400?
Both companies would come to release a V8 with a 400 cubic inch displacement. First was Pontiac in 1967, with Chevrolet following in 1970. You may think that two engines essentially made by the same company, which are both called a 400, would be the same engine. That is not the case.
Are all Pontiac 400 blocks the same?
We took the question to David Butler of Butler Performance in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, for his professional opinion. He advises, "With the exception of the mid- to late-1970s PN 500557 casting, we consider all Pontiac 400 blocks functionally identical. The 455 blocks from 1970 to 1976 are also functionally identical.
Is a 400 a Pontiac engine?
The four-barrel 400 was a popular performance option for many of Pontiac's cars.
How much HP does a Chevy 400 have?
In case you missed the story, the best power numbers were gained with a set of GM Performance Parts Vortec heads supplied by Scoggin-Dickey, and even then the 400 small block Chevy managed only 401 hp and 458 lb-ft of torque.
