1971 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Fact Sheet

1971 Pontiac Mid-Size Car Facts, Figures, and Specifications

1971 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts Specifications Information Data

1971 – Low Compression Engines Change the Brand

Redesigned grilles and a reworked GTO nose and hood were key styling features. Engine choices were narrowed. The other revisions to Pontiac mid-size cars included new model names, and new series designations. The 455 CID V-8 became the primary performance engine due to GM mandated lower compression ratios.

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1971 Pontiac Mid-Size Car Resources

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1971 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Body Paint Color Codes

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

1971 Pontiac GTO

	11 Cameo White
	13 Nordic Silver
	19 Starlight Black
	24 Adriatic Blue
	26 Lucerne Blue
	42 Limekist Green
	43 Tropical Lime
	49 Laurentian Green
	53 Quezal Gold
	59 Aztec Gold
	61 Sandalwood
	62 Canyon Copper
	67 Castilian Bronze
	75 Cardinal Red

1971 Pontiac

	11 Cameo White
	13 Nordic Silver
	16 Bluestone Gray
	19 Starlight Black
	24 Adriatic Blue
	26 Lucerne Blue
	29 Regency Blue
	39 Aquarius Green
	42 Limekist Green
	43 Tropical Lime
	49 Laurentian Green
	53 Quezal Gold
	55 Baja Gold
	59 Aztec Gold
	61 Sandalwood
	62 Canyon Copper
	66 Bronzini Gold
	67 Castilian Bronze
	75 Cardinal Red
	78 Rosewood

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1971 Pontiac Mid-Size Car Facts and Specifications

General Year Information – 1971 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars

For the 1971 model year, Pontiac dropped the Tempest name altogether and changed its mid-size lineup nameplates as: T-37, LeMans GT-37, LeMans, and LeMans Sport, the GTO and GTO Judge were separate lines. Two-door coupes and four-door sedans were available with T-37, LeMans, and LeMans Sport. The 2-door Hardtop was available across the series, while the convertible model was limited to LeMans Sport and the GTO line.

The GT-37 sport model returned as an option package for T-37 models. It was marketed as “The GTO for Kids under 30”. The GT-37 received the same features as the previous year with the exception of new eyebrow-type side striping similar to that of the GTO Judge model. In mid-March 1971, a second design change for the GT-37 switched the striping to a reflective sword-style stripe sometimes referred to as the 1971.5 GT-37.

In 1971, regardless of body style or model, one could choose to choose any of Pontiac’s optional V-8s, from the 350, to the 400, or 455 CID sizes, including the 455 HO engine. Prior to this, the 455 had only been available on the GTO. All 1971 engines were delivered with with lower compression ratios to run on lower-octane gasoline.

1971 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Factoids

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Due to the drop in compression ratios for 1971, the 455 HO became the major performance engine at Pontiac. This was the large journal version of the block introduced in late 1961 at 421 CID. Bore and stroke was 4.125″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 8.4:1. Horsepower: 335 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 480 @ 3600 RPM.

1971 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts Specifications Information Data The Pontiac Tempe t nameplate, introduced in 1960 for the 1961 mid-sized car and famous for branding the intermediate offerings from GM’s popular brand, was retired. It would resurface in 1987.

1971 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Models Offered

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T-37 – Series 233 – Identification of the Pontiac T-37 was in “T-37” behind the front wheel wells of the lowest priced models. Standard equipment included cloth and Morrokide bench seats, vinyl floor covering, Deluxe steering wheel, upper level ventilation in hardtops, black grained instrument panel, door operated dome lamp switches, conventional roof drip moldings, windshield and rear window reveal moldings, dual-action parallel sweep wipers, front disc brakes and E78-14 black wall tires. Pillared coupes and sedans did not have “flow thru” ventilation and instead had chrome edged Ventipanes.

The GT-37 sport model was available. It was advertised as “The GTO For Kids Under 30”. Other models available were: 4-door sedan, Coupe and Hardtop Coupe.

LeMans – Series 235 – LeMans models had the word ‘Pontiac’ on the left-hand grille and carried vertical slash louvers behind the wheel wells and “LeMans” under the rear fender crease lines. Unlike the T-37 models, front disc brakes were not standard equipment. Extra features on LeMans included richer upholstery, loop-pile carpets, safety rear arm rests with integral ash trays, wood-grained dash, concealed wipers, rocker panel moldings, hood rear edge moldings, side window reveals on coupes and vent windows on four-door styles. Station wagons had two-way tailgates and power front disc brakes.

Models available were: 4-door sedan, 4-door hardtop, Coupe, and hardtop coupe. Station wagons were considered part of the LeMans line.

LeMans Sport – Series 237 – Standard equipment in LeMans Sport models included all items found in LeMans models plus dual horns, pedal trim plates, ash tray and glove box lamps, courtesy lamps on convertibles, carpeted lower door panels, custom cushion steering wheel and wheel well moldings. Two-door hardtops and convertible buyers could choose knit vinyl bucket seats or notch bench seats The four-door hardtop was fitted with knit vinyl bench seats. “LeMans Sport” name plates were placed on the sides of rear fenders. The GTO type Endura rubber front fascia was a $74 option for all LeMans Sport models.

Models available were 4-door hardtop, hardtop coupe, and convertible.

GTO – Series 242 – A new Endura front fascia was installed on the 1971 GTO. It had larger twin grilles, round parking lamps and integral body colored bumpers. Other characteristics included twin air intakes at the front of the hood and “GTO” on left-hand grille, as well as on the front fenders and right-hand edge of the rear deck lid.

Standard equipment included all items found on LeMans models plus engine turned aluminum dash inserts, dual exhausts with extensions through valance panel, power-flex cooling fan, heavy-duty stabilizer bars, shock absorbers and springs and G70-14 blackwall tires.

Models available were: 2-door hardtop coupe and convertible. The “Judge” option was still available.

1971 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Engines

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250 CID I-6 – All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Seven main bearings.
Displacement: 250 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.525 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 145 @ 4200 RPM.
Torque: 230 @ 1600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 244°, Exhaust 244°, Overlap 33.5°, Lift 0.388″.
Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel model (manual transmission) 7041017 (automatic transmission) 7041014.

350 CID 2-Barrel V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Cast Iron Block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.750″ x 3.75″
Compression ratio: 8.0:1.
Horsepower: 250 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 350 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift (intake) 0.410″; (exhaust) 0.414″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2-barrel (automatic transmission) 7041062.

350 CID 2-Barrel V-8 – Manual Transmission Only. Cast Iron Block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.750″ x 3.75″
Compression ratio: 8.0:1.
Horsepower: 250 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 350 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 51°, Lift (intake) 0.377″; (exhaust) 0.413″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2-barrel (manual transmission) 7041171.

400 CID 2-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 400 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.120″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 8.2:1.
Horsepower: 265 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 400 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 51°, Lift (intake) 0.377″; (exhaust) 0.413″.
Carburetor: Rochester two-barrel Model 7041060.

NOTE: Not available on GTO models.

400 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 400 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.120″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 8.2:1.
Horsepower: 300 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 400 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift (intake) 0.410″; (exhaust) 0.413″.
Carburetor: Rochester four-barrel (manual transmission) 7041263; (automatic transmission) 7041264.

NOTE: Not available on GTO models.

455 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – Automatic transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 455 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.1251″ x 4.210″.
Compression ratio: 8.2:1.
Horsepower: 325 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 455 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
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) 0.414″; (exhaust) 0.413″.
Carburetor: Rochester four-barrel (automatic transmission) 7041262.

455 CID 4-Barrel HO V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 455 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.1251″ x 4.210″.
Horsepower: 360 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 500 @ 3100 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 288°, Exhaust 302°, Overlap 63°, Lift (intake) 0.414″; (exhaust) 0.413″.
Carburetor: Standard: Rochester four-barrel (manual transmission) 7041267; (automatic transmission) 7041268; Ram Air: Rochester four-barrel (manual transmission) 7041273; (automatic transmission) 7041270.

NOTE 1: Available as Ram Air – same rating.
NOTE 2: Available in 2-door models only.

More detailed information on the 1970 Pontiac engines may be found in the Library’s 1971 Pontiac Mid-Size AMA Specifications Sheets. You may access the sheets HERE, or use the navigation on this page.

1971 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Chassis Features

- Wheelbase: All 2-door – 112.0 inches; All 4-door & wagons – 116.0 inches.
- Overall length: Station Wagons – 210.9 inches; T-37 & LeMans 4-doors – 206.8 inches; T-37 & LeMans 2-doors – 202.8 inches. GTO – 203.3 inches.
- Overall width: 76.7 inches.
- Overall height: Station Wagons – 54.5 inches; T-37 & LeMans 4-doors – 52.6 inches; T-37 & LeMans 2-doors – 52.0 inches; T-37 & LeMans Convertibles – 52.3 inches; GTO 2-doors – 52.3 inches; GTO Convertibles – 52.6 inches.
- Front track: All: 61 inches.
- Rear track: All Tempests: 60 inches.
- Standard tires: I-6: E78 x 14 mounted on 14 x 6JJ rim wheels V-8: F78 x 14 mounted on 14 x 6JJ Wagons: G78 x 14 x 6 JJ; 3-seat Wagons H78 x 14; GTO: G70 x 14 x 6 JJ.
- Optional tires: G78 x 14.

1971 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.
- 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
- 2-Speed Automatic – I-6 & 350 CID 2-bbl: Low – 1.76:1, High – 1:1, Reverse – 1.76:1.
- 3-Speed T-350 Automatic – I-6 & 350 CID 2-bbl: 1st – 2.52:1, 2nd – 1.52:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 192:1.
- 3-Speed T-400 Automatic – GTO and optional 400 & 350 CID V-8: 1st – 2.48:1, 2nd – 1.48:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.08:1.
Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- See Page 4 in the 1971 Pontiac Mid-Size AMA Specifications Sheet for all potential ratios HERE.
- See Page 18 in the 1971 Pontiac Mid-Size AMA Specifications Sheet for all standard/optional ratios HERE.

NOTE: For more powertrain information, access the 1971 Pontiac Mid-Size AMA Specifications Sheets HERE.

1971 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Powertrain Options

- 350 CID L30 2-barrel V-8: T-37 and LeMans ($121).
- 400 CID L65 2-barrel V-8: T-37 and LeMans ($174).
- 400 CID L78 4-barrel V-8: T-37 and LeMans; standard in GTO ($221).
- 455 CID L75 4-barrel V-8 in GTO ($58).
- 455 CID LS5 H.O. V-8 standard “The Judge”, in other GTOs ($137), in T-37 and LeMans coupes and convertibles ($358).
- Delco X maintenance free batteries ($26).
- Dual exhausts, where not standard ($41).
- Heavy-duty batteries ($11).
- Heavy-duty Safe-T-Track differential where available ($67).
- Performance and Economy rear axles where available ($11).
- Safe-T-Track differential, where not standard ($46).

1971 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Options & Accessories

- Air-conditioning ($408).
- Arctic wiper blades ($6).
- Automatic level control ($79.
- Auxiliary panel gauges ($21-79).
- Body-colored mirrors with left-hand remote controlled ($26).
- Bumper guards ($16).
- Cordova top ($100-142).
- Cruise control ($63).
- Custom Sport steering wheel ($34-50).
- Dual horns ($4).
- Formula steering wheel ($42).
- Front disc brakes ($63).
- Full floor carpeting ($53).
- Gage cluster ($32).
- Gage cluster, Rally with tachometer ($84).
- GTO air inlet hood ($84).
- GTO and LeMans Sport front seat console ($61).
- GTO Judge package ($337).
- Honeycomb wheels on T-37 ($63)- on LeMans ($126).
- Hood mounted tachometer on LeMans ($63).
- Instant air heater ($16).
- Left-hand remote control outside mirror ($11).
- LeMans Cordova top ($100).
- LeMans front disc brakes ($70).
- LeMans Sport Endura front fascia styling ($74).
- LeMans wire wheel discs ($84).
- Power brakes ($42-64).
- Power door locks ($45· 68).
- Power antenna ($32).
- Power seat, four-way, driver side ($70).
- Power steering ($69).
- Radio, AM/FM ($134).
- Radio, AM/FM Stereo ($239)
- Rally I wheels ($40-61).
- Rally II wheels ($90).
- Rear window defroster ($53).
- 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).
- T-37 custom carpets ($21).
- T-37 hardtop coupe “GT-37” option ($237).
- Tape player and stereo cassette ($134).
- Tilt steering wheel – power steering required ($45).
- Tinted windows ($35).
- Tinted windshield ($31).
- Vinyl side stripes for two-door LeMans ($31).
- Wheel-house moldings ($16).
- Wire wheel discs ($53-74).