How can I tell if my 1968 Firebird is a H.O or not?
My 1968 Firebird came (to me) with a 4 barrel carburetor that had been
removed and installed was a Edelbrock. I would like to find out if this makes it a
H.O or if someone possibly added the 4 barrel later. Are there any numbers on
the block or somewhere else that can tell me for sure if it is in fact an H.O?
Thanks in advance.
5 Answers
The Pontiac Historical Service can probably help you. http://www.phs- online.com/services.htm
The "HO" series of cars were 6 cylinder cars of the Tempest body style. I am not aware of the designation used on a Firebird. That said, there was a base level 6 and an overhead cam 6 that was designated the "HO". So, if it is an overhead Cam 6 it is likely an HO. If it is an 8 cylinder, they did not designate it as an "HO".
The 6 cylinder cars with the high performance engine were called Sprint. There was a 4 barrel version and a one barrel version of the OHC 6 engine. There were H.O. 326 and 350 V8 cars.
The HO engines had bigger valves, hotter cam, high compression and of course a 4 barrel. Having a 4 barrel carb is not proof that the engine is HO.
https://www.hemmings.com/blog/article/1969-pontiac-firebird-h-o/