1963 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1963 Pontiac LeMans Convertible
1. "326" CID Pontiac V-8 Arrives
2. Rear Transaxle Upgraded
3. Royal Bobcat Kit Increases Stock Horsepower
4. Front & Rear Fascia Changes Prominent
5. 326 CID V-8 Really 336 CID
1963 Pontiac Tempest – Last Year of the Unit Body
1963 models were slightly larger and heavier than the 1961 and 1962 models. They featured a redesigned trans-axle that improved handling, as well as three Pontiac 326 CID V-8 engines that were more powerful than the Buick-sourced aluminum 215 CID V8 used previously.
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1963 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1963 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars
The 1963 mid-size Pontiac models were slightly larger and heavier than the 1961 and 1962 models. The term “senior compact” was often used to describe the new model though it had the same wheelbase and many of the features of the 1961-62 model but was two inches wider and five inches longer. Design changes included a slight ‘coke bottle’ shape. more angular roof lines, creases in the side panels, longer trunks, and senior car split grille styling. There were wider wheel openings and dual vertically-stacked taillamps. 6.50 x 15 tires were used on V-8 equipped Tempests and Safari wagons.
These new car featured a redesigned transaxle suspension that improved handling. New for 1963 was Pontiac’s 326 CID V-8, the same “small journal” block as the 389 CID “Trophy V-8” found in the full size car, with a different cylinder bore. Significant was a new version of the automatic transmission designed to handle the new V-8’s additional torque. The four-speed manual transmission was not been redesigned, and few V-8-equipped Tempests were delivered with this transmission. The three-speed manual transmission remained available for all engines.
In 1963, the LeMans became a separate series, where before it was a trim option on the standard Tempest line. It was a great hit, with sales nearly 50 percent of combined Tempest and LeMans production.
The high-compression 326 CID V-8 engine’s output was 260 and 352 lb⋅ft. of torque using a Rochester 2-barrel carburetor and high compression pistons. later, an 8.6:1 compression 250 HP V-8 was released along with a 280 HP 4-barrel carbureted version. The cast-iron V-8 engine increased the Tempest’s weight over the weight of a Tempest equipped with a Trophy 4 engine and front/rear weight distribution changed to 54/46.
The “326” CID V-8
The displacement of the “326 CID V-8 was actually 336 cubic inches due to its bore of 3.78 inches. However, a General Motors edict declared that no GM mid-size compact could have an engine that could exceed the CID Chevrolet 327 CID V-8, so Pontiac advertised the displacement for the Tempest engine was 326 cubic inches. For 1964, the engine’s displacement was adjusted by a minor de-bore to 3.72 inches so that it actually displaced 326 CID, making the 1963 Tempest 336 CID V-8 a single-year engine.
1963 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Factoids
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- 1963 Body Restyled and Enlarged
- 336 CID V-8 Replaces Buick Aluminum Unit
- Transaxle Beefed Up to Handle the New V-8
- LeMans Gets Unique Rear Fascia
- All Pontiac Tempests Used a Transaxle
While riding on the same wheelbase, the car became known as a “senior compact” due to the increase in size. It was two inches wider and five inches longer, with the bulk of the length behind the rear wheels to add to trunk space and to assist in better weight distribution.
The 1963 engine received a 3.78″ bore, making it 336 CID, but was advertised as 326 CID due to a GM mandated CID limitation for mid-sized cars. Initially only a 2-barrel high compression engine was offered, but mid-year a low compression 2-barrel and a high compression 4-barrel (“326 H. O. V-8”) were added.
The two-speed automatic transmission (essentially a Corvair unit) was strengthened using components from the full size Chevrolet’s Powerglide so as to be able to handle the Pontiac V-8’s 350 ft. lbs. of torque.
The LeMans Sport Coupe and Convertible received this unique rear treatment with horizontal tail lights and the bright metal “LeMans” plate that ran across the entire rear. The front grille was also partially blacked out but otherwise unchanged.
1961-63 Pontiac Intermediates used a unique running gear, with the transmission and clutch or torque converter at the rear driving a modified Corvair rear suspension. The driveshaft was a special reinforced fiberglass unit that bowed under the seats to give more passenger foot room.
1963 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Models Offered
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Tempest Series 21 – Standard equipment included heater and defroster, electric wipers, turn signals. left-hand sun visors and five black tubeless tires. Oversize 6.50 x 15 tires were used on V-8 equipped Tempest models and Safari wagons.
Tempest models included: 4-door Sedan, 2-door Sedan (Coupe) 2-door Sedan (Sports Coupe w/bucket seats), 4-door Station Wagon, and Convertible.
LeMans Series 22 – The LeMans was now a separate series. Standard equipment included dual sun visors, deluxe steering wheel, custom interior, bucket seats, console and on convertible, power convertible top. Identification featured “LeMans” badges on front fenders, partially blacked-out grilles, horizontal taillights and a horizontal decor panel on the deck latch panel.
LeMans models included: 2-door Coupe (Sports Coupe w/bucket seats) and Convertible.
1963 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Engines
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- 115 HP 194 CID I-4
- 120 HP 194 CID I-4 SMT
- 140 HP 194 CID I-4 AMT
- 166 HP 194 CID I-4
- 250 HP 336 CID V-8
- 336 CID V-8 260 HP
- 280 HP 336 CID V-8 AMT
- 336 CID V-8 280 HP SMT
194 CID Economy I-4. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 194.5 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.06 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.6:1.
Horsepower: 115 @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 195 @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap 38°, Lift 0.330″ (intake), 0.330″ (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel model (manual transmission) 7023067 (automatic) 7023068 .
194 CID High Compression I-4 – Manual Transmission. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 194.5 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.06 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 120 @ 3800 RPM.
Torque: 204 @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap 38°, Lift 0.330″ (intake), 0.330″ (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel model 7023067.
194 CID High Compression I-4 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 194.5 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.06 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 140 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 209 @ 2200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap 38°, Lift 0.330″ (intake), 0.330″ (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel model 7023068.
194 CID 4-Barrel I-4 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 194.5 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.06 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 166 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 217 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.400″ (intake), 0.400″ (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester 4-barrel model (manual transmission 7023069, (automatic transmission) 7023070.
336 CID 2-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 336 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.78″ x 3.75″.
Compression ratio: 8.6:1.
Horsepower: 250 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 333 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 47°, Lift 0.370″ (intake), 0.370 ” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester 2-barrel (manual transmission) 7023071 (automatic) 7023062.
Tempest High Compression Base V-8 – All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 336 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.78″ x 3.75″.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 260 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 352 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 47°, Lift 0.370″ (intake), 0.370 ” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester 2-barrel (manual transmission) 7023071 (automatic) 7023062.
NOTE: Engine labeled “326 V-8”.
336 CID 4-Barrel HO V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Cast Iron Block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 336 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.78″ x 3.75″
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 280 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 355 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 54°, Lift 0.400″ (intake), 0.400 ” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Carter AFB 4-barrel 3502S.
NOTE: Engine labeled “326 V-8”.
336 CID 4-Barrel HO V-8 – Manual Transmission Only. Cast Iron Block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 336 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.78″ x 3.75″
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 280 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 355 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift 0.400″ (intake), 0.400 ” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Carter AFB 4-barrel 3477S.
NOTE: Engine labeled “326 V-8”.
1963 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: All Tempests: 112.0 inches.
- Overall length: All Tempests: 194.3 inches.
- Overall width: 74.2 inches.
- Overall height: 54.0 inches.
- Front track: All Tempests: 57.3 inches.
- Rear track: All Tempests: 58.0 inches.
- Standard tires: Standard Tempest: 6.00 x 15.
- Optional tires: Tempest LeMans and all V-8: 6.50 x 15.
1963 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Powertrain Information
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-4 1st – 2.94:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1.00:1, Reverse – 3.33:1 – Floor Shift.
- V-8: 1st – 2.47:1, 2nd – 1.53:1, 3rd – 1.00:1, Reverse – 2.58 – Floor Shift.
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- All: 1st – 3.65:1, 2nd – 2.35:1, 3rd – 1.44:1, 4th 1.00:1, Reverse – 3.66:1 – Floor Shift.
- Automatic Transmission Ratios
- All: Low – 1.76:1, High – 1:1, Reverse – 2.49:1 – Floor Shift.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
1963 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Powertrain Options
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- 2-speed automatic ($173).
- 3-speed manual transmission standard.
- 4-speed manual transmission ($189).
- 194 CID I-4 Four-barrel carburetor ($39).
- 336 CID V-8 ($167).
- Heavy-duty clutch 1-barrel I-4 ($27).
- Heavy-duty clutch 4-barrel I-4 ($66)..
1963 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Significant Options
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- Air-conditioner ($319).
- Bucket seats ($134).
- Console with shifter ($48).
- Cordova vinyl top ($75).
- Custom steering wheel ($9).
- Deluxe steering wheel with horn ring ($4).
- Padded dash ($16).
- Power convertible top ($54).
- Power steering ($75).
- Power tailgate window (Wagons) ($54).
- Power tilt bucket seat Driver’s Side ($67).
- Radio, push button ($62).
- Tachometer ($54).
- Two-speed wipers and washer ($17).
1963 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Downloads and Images
1963 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Related Document Downloads
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1963 Pontiac Mid-Size Car Deluxe Brochure
1963 Pontiac Mid-Size Standard Brochure
1963 Pontiac Tempest Print Ads
1963 Pontiac Mid-Size AMA Specifications Sheets – Revised with All V-8s
1963 Pontiac 326 V-8 Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1963 Pontiac 326 V-8 Royal Bobcat Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1963 Pontiac Mid-Size Car Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the Pontiac Mid-Size Line will appear below
1963 Pontiac LeMans Convertible
The 1963 Pontiac LeMans Convertible was one of two possible configurations: Standard Tempest Convertible (bench seat, no HD suspension) 5,012 sold; and LeMans Convertible (bucket seats HD suspension) 15,957 delivered.
1963 Pontiac LeMans Sport Coupe
The 1963 Pontiac LeMans Sport Coupe was one of three different configurations: Tempest Coupe – 12,808 produced; Tempest Sports Coupe (bucket seats) – 15,413 made; LeMans Sport Coupe – 45,701 delivered.
1963 Pontiac Tempest 4-door Sedan
The 1963 Pontiac Tempest 4-door Sedan was not available as a LeMans. 13,307 were sold in standard trim and 13,157 in upscale Custom trim.
1963 Pontiac Tempest Wagon
The 1963 Pontiac Tempest Wagon was only available as a Tempest. 4,203 were produced with standard trim and 5,932 with upscale Custom trim.