1966 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Fact Sheet

Changes for
1966

Tempests 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. The stacked headlamps were retained.

 

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General Year Information

Tempests were completely restyled with smoother bodies, rounder contours, wider wheel openings, recessed split grilles and stacked headlamps. A new “shadow box” roof line set the two­ door hardtop coupe apart. Each of four series now had completely distinctive ornamentation.

A sporty-looking “Sprint” option package was available which mated the new Overhead Cam (OHC) I-6 engine with a ride and handling package making for an economical alternative to the GTO.

The really big news for Tempests was under the hood, where the unique overhead camshaft six-cylinder engine was now employed as the base power­ plant for all except the GTO line.

The GTO line was now a separate series.

Models Offered

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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”.

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 wheels 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.

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.

The GTO option was no longer a part of the LeMans Series.

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.

 

Engines

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Tempest  I-6 – Optional All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block; overhead camshaft. 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. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 228°, Exhaust 228°, Overlap 14°, Lift 0.400″. Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel model (manual transmission) 7026167 (Automatic) 7028168.

Tempest  I-6 – All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block; overhead camshaft. 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. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 244°, Exhaust 244°, Overlap 26°, Lift 0.438″. Carburetor: Rochester four-barrel model (manual transmission) 7026167 (Automatic) 7026168.

Tempest Base V-8 – All Transmissions: Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 326 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.72″ x 3.75″ Compression ratio: 9.2:1. Horsepower: 250 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 333 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings.  Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 47°, Lift 0.370″. Carburetor: Rochester 2-barrel (manual transmission) 7026071 (automatic) 7026062.

Tempest Optional V-8 – All Transmissions: Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 326 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.72″ x 3.75″ Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 285 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 359 @ 2900 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 47°, Lift 0.370″. Carburetor: Carter AFB 4-barrel (manual transmission) 4035S, (automatic) 4036S.

Optional GTO 335 Horsepower V-8 – GTO , All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 335 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 431 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift 0.406″. Carburetor:  Carter AFB Model 4033S (manual transmission) 4034S (Automatic).

Optional GTO 360 Horsepower V-8 – All Models , All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 360 @ 5200 RPM. Torque: 424 @ 3600 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: 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.

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, or use the navigation on this page.

Chassis Features

    • Wheelbase: All Tem­pests: 115 inches.
    • Overall length:  (Tempest Safaris) 204.6 inches, (Tempest passenger cars) 206.4 inches
    • Front track: All Tempests: 58 inches.
    • Rear track: All Tempests: 59 inches.
    • Standard tires: Standard Tem­pest: 6.95 x 14; optional 7.35 x 14 mounted on 14 x 5JK rim wheels standard
    • 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

Power Train Options

    • Three-speed manual transmission was standard.
    • 165 HP OHC I-6 engine was standard
    • Automatic transmission was optional. 
    • Four-speed manual transmission was optional.
    • 207 HP OHC I-6 engine was optional
    • 250 HP 326 CID V-8 optional In Tempest, Tempest Custom and Tempest  LeMans lines for  cars without the GTO option.
    • 280 HP 326 CID V-8 optional In Tempest, Tempest Custom and Tempest  LeMans lines for  cars without the GTO option.
    • 335 HP 389 CID V-8 standard & exclusive to the GTO.
    • 360 HP 389 CID V-8 Tri-Power was optional on the GTO.
    • Heavy-duty 3-speed manual gear box was optional on the GTO
    • Close-ratio 4-speed manual box was optional on the GTO.

Significant Options

    • 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).
    • GTO option
    • 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).
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Body Paint Color Codes

Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:

1966 Pontiac Mid Size

    A Starlight Black
    B Blue Charcoal
    C Cameo Ivory
    D Fontaine Blue
    E Nightwatch Blue
    H Palmetto Green
    K Reef Turquoise
    L Marina Turquoise
    N Burgundy
    O Coronado Gold
    P Barrier Blue
    R Montero Red
    T Martinique Bronze
    V Mission Beige
    W Platinum
    Y Candlelight Cream

1966 Pontiac Mid-Size
Current Market Values

 

GTO – The GTO option package included:

    • 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 List – Click HERE

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
    • 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

Automatic Transmission Ratios

    • All: Low – 1.76:1, High – 1:1, Reverse – 1.76:1

Rear Gear Standard Ratios

    • See Page 4 in the 1966 Pontiac Mid-Size AMA Specifications Sheet for all potential ratios
    • See Page 17 in the 1966 Pontiac Mid-Size AMA Specifications Sheet for all standard/optional ratios

NOTE: For more powertrain information, access the 1966 Pontiac AMA Specifications Sheets HERE

Related Document
Downloads

Files directly related to the 1966 Pontiac Mid-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:

1966 Pontiac  Deluxe Brochure

1966 Pontiac  Regular Brochure

1966 Pontiac Performance Brochure

1966 Pontiac Tempest Print Ads

1966 Pontiac GTO 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 GTO Road Test – Speed and Supercar Magazine

1966 Pontiac Production Figures

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.

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