1966 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1966 Pontiac GTO Convertible
1966 Pontiac GTO Hardtop
1. OHC I-6 Engine Arrives - Sprint Option Available
2. 1966 Restyle Adds Curves
3. "XS" Ram Air Engine Offers Stronger Performance
4. New Bucket Seats Fitted
5. Option Code 522 Red Plastic Fender Liners Bow
1966 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars – Changes for 1966
Mid-Sized Pontiacs were completely restyled for 1966 with smoother body contours, rounder edges, wider wheel openings., and more prominent recessed split grilles. The rear of the roof line in the 2-door hardtops had “buttresses” attached to the C pillar to give the roof line a more sweptback appearance. The stacked headlamps were retained. The new Overhead Cam I-6 engine debuted.
1966 Pontiac Mid-Size Car Resources
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1966 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
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1966 Pontiac Mid Size
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1966 Pontiac Mid-Size Car Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1966 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars
Tempest
A major facelift was made on the 1966 Tempest that included more rounded bodylines with a Coke-bottle effect similar to the full-sized Pontiacs. A new four-door pillarless hardtop sedan was added to the Tempest Custom line. Under the hood, the Chevrolet 215 CID I-6 was replaced by a new 230 CID Pontiac overhead cam six, the only such engine found in an American production car at that time. This was also the first American-built engine to use a belt to drive the camshaft to the crankshaft rather than a chain. The base OHC had a one-barrel carburetor and was rated at 165 HP and designed for economy buyers. For those wanting V-8 power, the 326 and 326 HO CID options continued with horsepower ratings of 250 and 285 HP.
LeMans
The pillared 4-door sedan was replaced by a four-door hardtop body style for the 1966 model year. For 1966, The LeMans also featured new styling with tunnel back roof lines on two-door hardtops and pillared coupes. The LeMans models got a new SOHC 230 CID I-6 as the base engine. Otherwise, the LeMans mimicked the Tempest lines.
Sprint Option
Optionally available as part of the Sprint option package on non-wagons was a four-barrel, high-compression 207 HP version of the same OHC I-6, that also included a hotter cam, along with a floor-mounted three-speed fully synchronized transmission with Hurst shifter, suspension kit, and body striping. A four-speed and the standard Tempest automatic transmissions were optional.
Total Tempest/LeMans production was 207.414 units.
GTO
The GTO became a separate Pontiac model – number 242 in 1966 – instead of being an “option package” on the Tempest LeMans. The entire GM “A” body intermediate line was restyled that year, gaining more curvaceous styling with kicked-up rear fender lines for a “Coke-bottle” look, and a slightly tunneled backlight. The tail light featured a louvered cover, only seen on the GTO. Overall length grew only fractionally, to 206.4 inches, still on a 115 inch wheelbase, while the width expanded to 74.4 inches. The rear track increased by one inch. Overall weight remained nearly the same. The GTO was available as a pillared coupe, a hardtop, and a convertible.
An automotive industry first was a plastic front grille that replaced the pot metal and aluminum versions used in earlier years. New Strato bucket seats were introduced with higher and thinner seat backs and contoured cushions for added comfort. Adjustable headrests were introduced as a new option. The instrument panel was redesigned and more integrated than in previous years with the ignition switch moved from the far left of the dash to the right of the steering wheel. The four pod instruments continued, and the GTO’s dash was highlighted by walnut veneer trim.
Engine and carburetor choices remained the same as the previous year. A new engine was offered that saw few takers: the XS option consisted of a factory Ram Air set up with a new 744 high lift cam. About 35 factory-installed Ram Air packages were believed to have been built, although 300 dealership-installed Ram Air packages were said to have been ordered.
Sales increased to 96,946, the highest production figure for all GTO years.
1966 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Factoids
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The single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design was the standard engine in the Tempest line. The 230 CID OHC 6 shared internal dimensions with the Chevrolet I-6 engine but used unique block and head castings. Only the large cam carrier/valve cover was aluminum. The cam was driven by a fiberglass reinforced timing belt. It was offered with a one-barrel carburetor, rated at 165 HP and a W53 4-barrel “Sprint” version that made 207 HP. See the Introductory Brochure HERE.
In January 1966 Pontiac began offering Ram Air as a factory option with the “XS” code engine. It included a new camshaft with increased duration going from 288/302 to 301/318 (No. 744) & new valve springs w/dampers. The Tri-Power equipped XS-code 389 was shipped with the Ram Air pan in the trunk, and the dealer had to fit it and cut out the underside of the hood scoop to make it functional. See a Test of a Ram Air GTO HERE.
1966 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Models Offered
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Tempest – Series 233 – Standard Tempest trim included wind split moldings behind front wheel openings, “Tempest” on the rear fenders in script and nylon-faced fabric upholstery with Jeweltone Morrokide accents. 33,143 of the 43,753 base Tempests were equipped with automatic transmissions. Cars with optional V-8 power were dressed with front fender badges behind the wheel opening displaying “326”.
Tempest models were 2-door Sport Coupe, 4-door Sedan, and 6-passenger Station Wagon.
Tempest Custom – Series 235 – Tempest Custom trim included thin moldings accenting the smooth “Coke bottle” shape. Additionally, there was “Tempest Custom” in script as identification on the rear fenders. Deluxe steering wheel, and carpet, were additional standard features over the base car’s features. Convertibles sported courtesy lamps and Morrokide trim. Cars with optional V-8 power were dressed with front fender badges behind the wheel opening displaying “326”. 83,093 of the 85,674 Tempest Custom vehicles were equipped with automatic transmission.
Tempest Custom models were 2-door Sport Coupe, 2-door Hardtop Coupe, 4-door Sedan, 4-door Hardtop Sedan, Convertible, and 6-passenger Station Wagon.
LeMans – Series 237 – LeMans models had special trim that included simulated louvers on the forward edge of front tenders, elongated V-shaped emblems behind front wheel openings and “LeMans” in lettering on the rear fender sides. Standard equipment included Morrokide and cloth trim combinations in four-door hardtops and all Morrokide in others. Convertibles, hardtops, and sport coupes came with the choice of bucket or notch-back front seats with a folding arm rest. All LeMans had carpeting, front foam seat cushions, lamps for the ash tray, the cigarette lighter and the glove box. Convertibles had a power top.
LeMans models were 2-door Sport Coupe, 2-door Hardtop Coupe, 4-door Hardtop Sedan, and Convertible.
NOTE: The GTO option was no longer a part of the LeMans Series.
GTO – Series 242 – The GTO line was now a separate series with distinctive trim on the new Tempest sheet metal. A wire mesh grille insert without horizontal divider bars was used. The grille incorporated rectangular parking lamps, and a “GTO” nameplate on the left-hand side of the opening. A single scoop appeared on the hood, elongated V-shaped badges were mounted behind the front wheel openings, GTO lettering appeared on the deck lid and rear fenders. The upper belt line contour was pin striped and horizontal twin-slot tail lamps were used.
Standard equipment included all LeMans items plus the 389 CID four-barrel V-8; walnut grain dash panel Inserts; dual exhausts; heavy-duty shock absorbers, springs, and stabilizer bar as well as 7.75 x 14 tires – either redline or whitewall.
GTO models were 2-door Sport Coupe, 2-door Hardtop Coupe, and Convertible.
1966 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Engines
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- 165 HP 230 CID I-6
- 207 HP 230 CID I-6
- 250 HP 326 CID V-8
- 285 HP 326 CID V-8
- 335 HP 389 CID V-8
- 360 HP 389 CID V-8
- 360 HP 389 CID RA V-8 XS
- NOTES
230 CID 1-Barrel OHC I-6 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves, Overhead camshaft. Cast iron block. Seven main bearings.
Displacement: 230 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.25 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.0:1.
Horsepower: 165 @ 4700 RPM.
Torque: 216 @ 2600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 228°, Exhaust 228°, Overlap 14°, Lift 0.400″.
Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel model (manual transmission) 7026167 (Automatic transmission) 7028168.
NOTE: Manual transmission standard engine for Tempest, Tempest Custom and LeMans. Automatic transmission optional. Not available in GTO.
230 CID 4-Barrel Sprint OHC I-6 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves, Overhead camshaft. Cast iron block. Seven main bearings.
Displacement: 230 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.25 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 207 @ 5200 RPM.
Torque: 228 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 244°, Exhaust 244°, Overlap 26°, Lift 0.438″.
Carburetor: Rochester four-barrel model (manual transmission) 7026167 (Automatic) 7026168.
NOTE: Optional on Tempest, Tempest Custom and LeMans. Not available on Station wagons. Not available in GTO.
326 CID 2-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast Iron Block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 326 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.72″ x 3.75″
Compression ratio: 9.2:1.
Horsepower: 250 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 333 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 47°, Lift 0.370″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2-barrel (manual transmission) 7026071 (automatic) 7026062.
NOTE: Optional on Tempest, Tempest Custom and LeMans. Not available in GTO.
326 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast Iron Block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 326 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.72″ x 3.75″
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 285 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 359 @ 2900 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 47°, Lift 0.370″.
Carburetor: Carter AFB 4-barrel (manual transmission) 4035S, (automatic) 4036S.
NOTE: Optional on Tempest, Tempest Custom and LeMans. Not available in GTO.
389 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 10.75:1.
Horsepower: 335 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 431 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift 0.406″.
Carburetor: Carter AFB Model (manual transmission) 4033S; (automatic transmission) 4034S.
NOTE: Standard on GTO. Not available others.
389 CID Three 2-Barrel V-8 –All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 10.75:1.
Horsepower: 360 @ 5200 RPM.
Torque: 424 @ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 288°, Exhaust 302°, Overlap 63°, Lift 0.409″ (intake) 0.409″ (exhaust).
Carburetors: Three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front) 7025178, (center manual trans) 7026075, (center auto trans) 7026074, (rear) 7024179.
NOTE: Optional on GTO. Not available others.
389 CID Three 2-Barrel “XS” Ram Air V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 10.75:1.
Horsepower: 360 @ 5200 RPM.
Torque: 424 @ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 301°, Exhaust 313°, Overlap 76°, Lift (intake) 0.413″; (exhaust) 0.413″.
Carburetors: Three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front) 7025178, (center manual trans) 7026075, (center auto trans) 7026074, (rear) 7024179.
NOTE 1: In January 1966 Pontiac began offering as a factory option the “XS” code Ram Air engine. It included a new camshaft with duration increased from 288/302 (No. 068) to 301/313 (No. 744) and a new valve spring package with dampers to positively control valve action. Valve lift stayed at just over 0.400-inch with 1.5:1-ratio rocker arms. The tri-power equipped XS-code 389 was shipped with the Ram Air pan in the trunk, and the dealer had to fit it and cut out the underside of the hood scoop to make it functional.
NOTE 2: Optional on GTO. Not available others.
More detailed information on the 1966 I-6 and 326 and 389 CID V-8 engines may be found in the Library’s 1966 AMA Pontiac mid-size Specifications Sheets. You may access the sheets HERE.
1966 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – The GTO included:
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- The 389 cubic inch high-performance V-8.
- Special GTO nameplates for the grille, fenders, deck lid and glove box door.
- Simulated engine-turned aluminum dash panel inserts.
- Single air scoops on the hood.
- Ride and handling package.
- See Brochure for complete list – Click HERE.
1966 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: All Tempests: 115.0 inches.
- Overall length: (Wagons) 204.6 inches, (Passenger cars) 206.4 inches.
- Overall width: 74.4 inches.
- Overall height: (Tempest & Tempest Custom) 54.4 inches, (LeMans) 54.8 inches, (GTO) 54.2 inches.
- Front track: 58 inches.
- Rear track: 59 inches.
- Standard tires: Standard Tempest: 6.95 x 14 mounted on 14 x 5JK rim wheels standard.
- Optional tires: 7.35 x 14.
- Standard tires GTO: 7.75 x 14 Nylon cord red stripe tires mounted on 14 x 6JK rim wheels standard.
- Optional tires GTO: 7.75 x 14 rayon cord white wall.
1966 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Powertrain Information
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6 1st – 2.85:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.95:1.
- V-8: 1st – 2.42:1, 2nd – 1.61:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.33:1.
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
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- V-8 Wide Ratio: 1st – 2.52:1, 2nd – 1.88:1, 3rd – 1.46:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.59:1.
- V-8 Close Ratio: 1st – 2.22:1, 2nd – 1.64:1, 3rd – 1.28:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.27:1.
- V-8 Wide Ratio: 1st – 2.52:1, 2nd – 1.88:1, 3rd – 1.46:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.59:1.
- Automatic Transmission Ratios
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- All: Low – 1.76:1, High – 1:1, Reverse – 1.76:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
NOTE: For more powertrain information, access the 1966 Pontiac AMA Specifications Sheets HERE.
1966 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Powertrain Options
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- Three-speed manual transmission was standard.
- Heavy-duty 3-speed manual gear box was optional on the GTO.
- Two-Speed automatic transmission was optional.
- Four-speed manual transmission was optional.
- Close-ratio 4-speed manual box was optional on the GTO.
- 165 HP OHC I-6 engine was standard.
- 207 HP OHC I-6 engine was optional.
- 250 HP 326 CID V-8 optional In Tempest, Tempest Custom and Tempest LeMans lines. Not available on GTO.
- 280 HP 326 CID V-8 optional In Tempest, Tempest Custom and Tempest LeMans lines. Not available on GTO..
- 335 HP 389 CID V-8 standard & exclusive to the GTO. Not available Tempest, Tempest Custom and Tempest LeMans.
- 360 HP 389 CID V-8 Tri-Power was optional on the GTO. Not available Tempest, Tempest Custom and Tempest LeMans.
- 360 HP 389 CID V-8 Tri-Power XS Ram Air was optional on the GTO. Not available Tempest, Tempest Custom and Tempest LeMans.
1966 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Significant Options & Accessories
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- Air-conditioner ($343).
- Bucket seats ($145).
- Carpets ($19).
- Cordova tops ($72-86).
- Custom sports steering wheel ($29).
- Deluxe steering wheel with ring ($15).
- Electric clock ($19).
- LeMans console shift ($48).
- Padded dash ($16).
- Panel cluster and tachometer Rally Gage ($86).
- Parking brake signal ($3).
- Power brakes ($43).
- Power convertible top ($54).
- Power steering ($95).
- Power tailgate window ($54).
- Power tilt bucket seat L.H. ($67).
- Push button radio ($62).
- Push button radio – AM/FM ($137).
- Rally wheels ($36-53).
- Remote control deck lid ($11).
- Ride & Handling package ($16).
- Safari luggage carrier ($65).
- Safeguard speedometer ($16).
- Safe-T-Track positive traction rear ($37).
- Sprint Option Package – 207 HP I-6 & Ride and Handling ($127).
- Super-Life shock absorbers ($40).
- Tachometer ($54).
- Tilt steering wheel with power assist only ($43).
- Two-speed wipers and washers ($17).
- Wheel discs ($20-37).
- White wall tires ($41).
- Wire wheel discs ($54-71).
1966 Pontiac Mid-Size Car Downloads and Images
1966 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the 1966 Pontiac Mid-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:
1966 Pontiac Performance Brochure
1966 Pontiac Tempest Print Ads
1966 Pontiac Mid-Size AMA Specifications Sheets
1966 Pontiac Sprint Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1966 Pontiac Sprint Road Test – Car and Driver Magazine
1966 Pontiac GTO Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine
1966 Pontiac GTO Road Test – Car Craft Magazine
1966 Pontiac GTO Comparison Road Test – Car and Driver Magazine
1966 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the 1966 Pontiac Mid-Size Line will appear below
1966 Pontiac GTO Convertible
There was no doubt about the flashy, in your face nature of the 1966 Pontiac GTO Convertible. But a hefty price tag allowed only 12,798 to leave the showrooms.
1966 Pontiac GTO Hardtop Coupe
The 1966 Pontiac GTO Hardtop Coupe was the most popular GTO by far, with 73,785 sold, making it the 2nd most popular mid-size.
1966 Pontiac GTO 2-door Sports Coupe
If you wanted maximum performance from your GTO, the 1966 Pontiac GTO 2-door Sports Coupe was your ticket. Surprisingly only 10,363 were produced.
1966 Pontiac LeMans Convertible
The 1966 Pontiac LeMans Convertible was the upscale drop top for those not wanting GTO power. 13,080 were sold.
1966 Pontiac Le Mans 4-door Hardtop
The 1966 Pontiac Le Mans 4-door Hardtop was the top of the line 4-door. It sold moderately at 13,897 produced.
1966 Pontiac LeMans 2-door Hardtop
Sitting just under the convertible as a sporty offering, the 1966 Pontiac LeMans 2-door Hardtop was the most popular mid-size Pontiac with 78,109 delivered.
1966 Pontiac LeMans 2-door Sports Coupe
The 1966 Pontiac LeMans 2-door Sports Coupe was the less expensive, but just as sporty version of the the hardtop. 16,654 were purchased.
1966 Pontiac Tempest Custom Convertible
The 1966 Pontiac Tempest Custom convertible was the entry level mid-size convertible in 1966. People wanted more flash in their drop top, so only 5,557 were sold.
1966 Pontiac Tempest Custom 4-door Hardtop
The 1966 Pontiac Tempest Custom 4-door Hardtop was moderately popular with 10,996 sold.
1966 Pontiac Tempest Custom 2-door Hardtop
The 1966 Pontiac Tempest Custom 2-door Hardtop was sporty and less expensive than the LeMans. As a result, 31,322 were delivered.
1966 Pontiac Tempest Custom 4-door Sedan
The 1966 Pontiac Tempest Custom 4-door Sedan was a popular upscale sedan offering. 23,988 were delivered.
1966 Pontiac Tempest Custom 2-door Sports Coupe
1966 Pontiac Tempest Custom 2-door Sports Coupe sold better than expected, but not as well as the lesser base model. However, 17,182 were purchased.
1966 Pontiac Tempest Custom Station Wagon
The 1966 Pontiac Tempest Custom Station Wagon was a bit upscale in interior trim and other options over the base wagon. 7,614 were produced.
1966 Pontiac Tempest 4-door Sedan
The 1966 Pontiac Tempest 4-door Sedan was an inexpensive alternative to great transportation and 17,392 were produced.
1966 Pontiac Tempest 2-door Sports Coupe
The 1966 Pontiac Tempest 2-door Sports Coupe was surprisingly popular with 22,266 delivered.
1966 Pontiac Tempest Station Wagon
The 1966 Pontiac Tempest Station Wagon was the base wagon offering. As a result, 4,095 were delivered.