1970 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Fact Sheet

This GTO image is available as a 17 x 11 inch poster from the Automotive History Preservation Society.
Click HERE to purchase this print.

Subtle Changes
Improve the Looks

Hidden headlights were deleted in favor of four exposed round headlamps outboard of narrower grille openings. The nose still had a protruding vertical prow theme, although it was less prominent. While the standard Tempest and LeMans had chrome grilles, the GTO retained the Endura urethane cover around the headlamps and grille.

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General Year Information

Tempests were given a look similar to the new Firebird, with bumpers, grilles, wraparound front parking and taillights, creased sculptured side styling and body color nose panels

LeMans, as a nameplate was now used on the mid-priced Tempests, formerly called “Custom S” models. The top level Tempest line was now called “LeMans Sport”. The GTO utilized Tempest sheetmetal combined once again, with the Endura front fascia.

Significant was the end of production of the OHC I-6 engine. It was replaced with the Chevrolet pushrod version of the engine in the same displacement and delivering 155 HP only.

Models Offered

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Series 233: Tempests were given new Firebird-like bumper grilles, wraparound front parking and taillights, crease sculptured side styling and body color nose panels. Standard equipment included front door arm rests, panel, ash tray and cigar lighter lamps, 37-amp Delcotron alternator, dome lamps, automatic interior lamp switches, in-the-windshield hidden antennas, wraparound side reflex markers, a choice of cloth and Morrokide combination interiors, fiberglass belted blackwall tires and side guard door beams. “Tempest” lettering was set behind front wheel openings. In February 1970 the lower-price Tempest T-37 hardtop coupe was introduced. The following fall, a pair of economy type high-performance cars were introduced, called the GT-37 coupe and GT-37 hardtop coupe.

Series 235:  LeMans was now used on the mid-priced Tempests – formerly called “Tempest Custom”. Added standard features included loop pile carpets, Morrokide seats and door sides, a day/night rear view mirror, and rear arm rests with ash trays.

Styling upgrades included body decor moldings, “LeMans” on the rear fenders, four short horizontal chrome slashes behind front wheel openings, and “LeMans” in block letters on the right-hand edge of the deck lid.

Series 237: The ‘high-end of the Tempest line was now called “LeMans Sport”. Identifiers a “Sport” in script below the rear fender “LeMans” model lettering. Standard equipment included all LeMans features plus glove compartment and ash tray lamps, front foam cushions, knit and expanded Morrokide trim and padded wood-grained dashboards. Four-door hardtops had notch back seats; hardtop coupes had bucket seats and convertibles came with the choice of either type of seat.

The LeMans Station wagons were available as a Safari with exterior wood trim or as a standard-sided model and were now directly part of the LeMans line without a separate series designation.

SERIES 242:  The GTO models used Tempest sheetmetal but had the Endura rubber nose. Twin oval cavities housed recessed grilles with GTO letters on the left-hand side. There was also “GTO” in lettering behind the front wheel openings and flared, crease-sculptured fenders.

Standard equipment included bucket seats, vinyl trimmed padded dashboard, twin air scoops with handles, heavy­ duty clutch, sports type springs and shock absorbers, carpeting, glove box, ash tray· and panel courtesy lamps, dual exhausts, Deluxe steering wheel, three-speed manual floor shift and G78 x 14 blackwall fiberglass tires.

The Code 332-WTl “The Judge” option was again available at $337 extra over base model price. It included the 400 CID RAM AIR V-8; Rally II wheels without trim rings; G70 x 14 fiberglass blackwall tires; rear deck air foil; side stripes; Judge stripes and decals; black textured grilles and T-handle shifters on cars with manual gear boxes.

Engines

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Tempest  I-6 – All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 250 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.525 inches. Compression ratio: 8.5:1. Horsepower: 155 @ 4200 RPM. Torque: 235 @ 1600 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 244°, Exhaust 244°, Overlap 33.5°, Lift 0.388″. Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel model (manual transmission) 7040017 (automatic transmission) 7040014.

Tempest Base V-8 – All Transmissions: Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 350 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.750″ x 3.75″ Compression ratio: 8.8:1. Horsepower: 255 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 355 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings.  Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 47°, Lift (intake) 0.376″; (exhaust) 0.412″. Carburetor: Rochester 2-barrel (manual transmission) 7040071 (automatic) 7040062.

Optional GTO 265 Horsepower  Economy V-8 – GTO , All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 400 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.125″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 8.8:1. Horsepower: 265 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 397 @ 2400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 47°, Lift (intake) 0.376″; (exhaust) 0.412″. Carburetor:  Rochester two-barrel  Model 7040060.

Optional 330 Horsepower  400 CID Tempest V-8 , All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 400 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.125″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.0:1. Horsepower: 330 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 445 @ 2900 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift (intake) 0.410″; (exhaust) 0.414″. Carburetor:  Rochester four-barrel  Model 7040264.

Optional GTO 350 Horsepower V-8 – GTO: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.125″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 350 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 445 @ 3000 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift (intake) 0.410″; (exhaust) 0.413″. Carburetor:  Rochester four-barrel (manual transmission) 7040263; (automatic transmission) 7040264.

Optional GTO 366 Horsepower Ram Air V-8 – GTO , All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 400 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.125″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 366 @ 5100 RPM. Torque: 445 @ 3600 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 288°, Exhaust 302°, Overlap 63°, Lift (intake) 0.414″; (exhaust) 0.413″. Carburetor:  Rochester four-barrel (manual transmission) 7040273; (automatic) 7040270.

Optional GTO 370 Horsepower Ram Air IV V-8 – GTO: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 400 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.125″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 370 @ 5500 RPM. Torque: 445 @ 3900 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration:Intake 308°, Exhaust 320°, Overlap 87°, Lift (intake) 0.520″; (exhaust) 0.50″. Carburetor:  Rochester four-barrel (manual transmission) 7029273; (automatic) 7029270.

Optional GTO 360 Horsepower 455 CID V-8 – GTO: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.125″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 360 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 500 @ 3100 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters.

Camshaft Duration:

  • Manual Transmission Intake 288°, Exhaust 302°, Overlap 63°, Lift (intake) 0.414″; (exhaust) 0.413″.
  • Automatic Transmission Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift (intake) 0.410″; (exhaust) 0.413″.

Carburetor:  Rochester four-barrel (manual transmission) 7040267; (automatic transmission) 7040268.

Optional GTO 360 Horsepower 455 CID V-8 Ram Air – GTO: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.125″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 360 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 500 @ 3100 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters.

Camshaft Duration:

  • Manual Transmission Intake 288°, Exhaust 302°, Overlap 63°, Lift (intake) 0.414″; (exhaust) 0.413″.
  • Automatic Transmission Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift (intake) 0.410″; (exhaust) 0.413″.

Carburetor:  Rochester four-barrel (manual transmission) 7040273; (automatic transmission) 7040270.

More detailed information on the 1970 I-6 and 350, 400 and 455 CID V-8 engines may be found in the Library’s 1970 Pontiac Mid-Size AMA Specifications Sheets. You may access the sheets HERE, or use the navigation on this page.

Chassis Features

    • Wheelbase: All Tem­pest/GTO 2-door: 112 inches; All Tempest 4-door & wagons: 116 inches..
    • Overall length:  (Tempest station wagons) 210.6 inches; (Tempest 4-door passenger cars) 206.5 inches; (Tempest 2-door) 202.5 inches. (GTO) 202.9 inches.
    • Front track: All: 61 inches.
    • Rear track: All Tempests: 60 inches.
    • Standard tires Tem­pest: I-6: F78 x 14 mounted on 14 x 6JJ rim wheels V-8: G78 x 14 mounted on 14 x 6JJ Wagons H78 x 14 mounted on 14 x 6JJ GTO: G70 x 14 x 6 JJ
    • Optional tires Tempest: G78 x 14

1970 Pontiac Mid-Size
Current Market Values

 

Accessories

    • Adjustable front and rear shocks ($42).
    • Air-conditioning ($376).
    • Arctic wiper blades ($6).
    • Automatic level control ($79.
    • Auxiliary panel gauges $21-79).
    • Base Tempest recessed wipers ($19).
    • Carpets ($19).
    • Console ($56).
    • Cordova top ($100-142).
    • Cruise control ($58).
    • Cruise control ($63).
    • Custom air-conditioner ($360).
    • Custom Sport steering wheel ($34-50).
    • Driver-controlled GT0 exhausts ($63).
    • Dual horns ($4).
    • Front disc brakes ($63).
    • Full floor carpeting ($53).
    • Gage cluster ($32).
    • Gage cluster, Rally with tachometer ($84).
    • Gage cluster, Rally($51).
    • GTO Judge package ($337).
    • GTO type exhaust extensions ($21).
    • Heavy-duty aluminum front brake drums ($72).
    • Instant air heater ($16).
    • Left-hand remote control outside mirror ($11).
    • Luggage carrier for station wagons ($63-84).
    • Passenger-side reclining bucket seat head restraint ($84).
    • Power brakes ($42-64).
    • Power disc front brakes ($64-74).
    • Power door locks ($45· 68).
    • Power rear antenna ($32).
    • Power seat, four-way, driver side ($70).
    • Power steering ($69).
    • Radio, AM/FM ($134).
    • Radio, AM/FM Stereo ($239)
    • Rally gauge cluster with tachometer ($84).
    • Rally I wheels ($40-61).
    • Rally II wheel rims for passenger cars and Tempest station wagons ($63-84).
    • Rally stripes on GTO ($11).
    • Rear window defroster ($53).
    • Recessed wipers on base Tempest ($19).
    • Remote control deck lid ($15).
    • Safeguard speedometer ($16).
    • Station wagon luggage carrier ($63).
    • Station wagon rear window deflector ($26).
    • Super lift shocks for Tempest/GTO ($42).
    • Tilt wheel with power steering ($45).
    • Tinted windows ($35).
    • Tinted windshield ($26).
    • Turnpike Cruise package ($177-208).
    • Wheel-house moldings ($16).
    • Wire wheel discs ($53-74).
    • Wonder Touch steering ($100-105).

Body Paint Color Codes

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

1970 Pontiac Mid Size

14 Palladium Silver
19 Starlight Black
25 Bermuda Blue
28 Atoll Blue
34 Mint Turquoise
45 Palisade Green
47 Verdoro Green
48 Pepper Green
50 Sierra Yellow
55 Baja Gold
58 Granada Gold
60 Orbit Orange
63 Palomino Copper
75 Cardinal Red
78 Burgundy

Power Train Options

Tempest Transmissions

    • Three-speed manual transmission standard.
    • 155 HP I-6 engine standard
    • Two-speed automatic on cars with six-cylinder ($164-174)
    • Turbo-Hydramatic 350 on V-8s ($227)
    • Turbo-Hydramatic 400 ($227 on Tempests with 400 CID V-8)
    • Three-speed manual transmission with heavy-duty floor shift ($84)
    • Four-speed wide ratio manual transmission ($185).

Tempest Engines

    • 255 horsepower regular fuel 350 cubic inch V-8 ($111).
    • 265 horsepower regular fuel two-barrel 400 cubic inch V-8 with 8.8:1 compression ($53-163) Price depending upon model and transmission.
    • 330 horsepower 400 cubic inch four-barrel V-8 with 10.0:1 compression ($210).
    • Dual exhausts ($31)
    • Sale-T-Track differential was ($42-63)

GTO Transmissions

    • Turbo-Hydramatic 400 ($227)
    • Wide or close ratio four-speed manual transmission ($185).

GTO Engines

    • 265 HP Regular Fuel Engine option, no charge
    • 366 horsepower H.0. V-8 standard on “The Judge”  (vehicles without “The Judge” option $169).
    • 370 horsepower RAM AIR IV engine ($390 with “The Judge” option) ($558) all other GTO models.
    • 360 horsepower 455 CID V-8 was added mid-year.
    • 350 HP 400 CID V-8 standard & exclusive to the GTO.
    • Dual exhausts were standard.
    • Heavy-duty Safe-T-Track ($63).

Powertrain Information

Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios

    • I-6 1st – 2.85:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.95:1
    • 350 CID V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.50:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.63:1
    • 400 CID V-8 (Optional on 350 CID 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 – 2.20:1, 2nd – 1.64:1, 3rd – 1.28:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.27:1

Automatic Transmission Ratios

    • Tempest I-6 & 350 CID 2-bbl: Low – 1.76:1, High – 1:1, Reverse – 1.76:1
    • Optional T-350 Tempest I-6 & 350 CID 2-bbl: 1st – 2.52:1, 2nd – 1.52:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 192:1
    • T-400 Standard GTO – Optional 350 CID: 1st – 2.48:1, 2nd – 1.48:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.08:1

Rear Gear Standard Ratios

    • See Page 4 in the 1970 Pontiac Mid-Size AMA Specifications Sheet for all potential ratios
    • See Page 17 in the 1970 Pontiac Mid-Size AMA Specifications Sheet for all standard/optional ratios

NOTE: For more powertrain information, access the 1970 Pontiac Mid-Size AMA Specifications Sheets HERE

Related Document
Downloads

Files directly related to the 1970 Pontiac Mid-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:

1970 Pontiac  Deluxe Brochure

1970 Pontiac  Regular Brochure

1970 Pontiac Performance Brochure

1970 Pontiac Tempest Print Ads

1970 Pontiac GTO Print Ads

1970 Pontiac Mid-Size AMA Specifications Sheets

1970 Pontiac GTO 455 CID Road Test – Mechanics Illustrated Magazine

1970 Pontiac GTO 455 Road Test – Car & Driver Magazine

1970 Pontiac GTO 455 Road Test – Canada Track and Traffic Magazine

1970 Pontiac GTO 455 vs Ram Air 400 Road Test – Car Life Magazine

1970 Pontiac GTO Intro & Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine

1970 Pontiac GTO Ram Air IV Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine

1970 Pontiac GTO Ram Air IV Road Test – Popular Hot Rodding Magazine

1970 Pontiac Production Figures

Related Images

Related Images to the 1970 Pontiac Mid-Size Line will appear below

1970 Pontiac GTO Convertible

The 1970 Pontiac GTO Convertible was still popular with 3,615 produced. By contrast, only 168 Judge convertibles were bought – making them extremely rare.

1970 Pontiac GTO Hardtop

The 1970 Pontiac GTO Hardtop was the stalwart of the GTO line, still popular, 32,737 were snapped up.

1970 Pontiac GTO Judge Hardtop

The 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge Hardtop was a bit more upscale than the standard GTO, with certain items like the Ram Air powerplant standard. Apparently this did not entice many as only 3,629 were sold.

1970 Pontiac LeMans Sport Convertible

The 1970 Pontiac LeMans Sport Convertible was priced just under its GTO brother, and was popular enough to have 4,670 delivered in the year.

1970 Pontiac LeMans Sport Hardtop

The 1970 Pontiac LeMans Sport Hardtop was a popular choice in 1970.58,356 were delivered.

1970 Pontiac LeMans Sport 4-door Hardtop

The 1970 Pontiac LeMans Sport 4-door Hardtop was the top of the line mid-size 4-door. 3,657 were made.

1970 Pontiac LeMans Sport Coupe

The 1970 Pontiac LeMans Sport Coupe should have been the poor man’s GTO when equipped with the 400 CID 330 HP V-8. Not too many thought to do that with a total of only 1,673 built.

1970 Pontiac LeMans Safari

The 1970 Pontiac LeMans Safari was the top line mid-size wagon in 1970. 3,872 were sold. Mid-size wagons were priced too close the their Catalina brethren, with most choosing the larger size version.

1970 Pontiac LeMans Wagon

The 1970 Pontiac LeMans Wagon was the least expensive wagon offering in Pontiac in 1970. 7,165 were produced.

1970 Pontiac LeMans Hardtop

The 1970 Pontiac LeMans 2-door Hardtop was quite popular with 52,304 produced.

1970 Pontiac LeMans 4-door Hardtop

The1970 Pontiac LeMans 4-door Hardtop was a bit more upscale than the sedan, but buyers weren’t enticed. Only 3,872 were delivered.

1970 Pontiac LeMans 4-door Sedan

The 1970 Pontiac LeMans 4-door Sedan sold well. 15,255 were sold.

1970 Pontiac LeMans Coupe

The 1970 Pontiac LeMans Coupe did not sell well with only 5,656 built.

1970 Pontiac Tempest Hardtop

The 1970 Pontiac Tempest Hardtop was the least expensive hardtop offering in the Tempest line. It would later be joined by an even less pricey T-37, then later by a GT-37 hardtop. Total Tempest hardtop production for 1970 was 20,883.

1970 Pontiac Tempest Coupe

The 1970 Pontiac Tempest Coupe was the least expensive Pontiac one could buy in 1970. It was later joined by a low priced sport version called the GT-37 Coupe. Total Tempest Coup production was 17,181.

1970 Pontiac Tempest 4-door Sedan

The 1970 Pontiac Tempest 4-door Sedan was the low price leader for mid-size Pontiac sedans. 9,741 were built.

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