Horsepower options

[61Bonni]

Question: How can I tell what the horsepower is on this vehicle? 303 or 333HP!

1961 Bonneville, 389, Four barrel, auto, block code BB.

VIN: 86S5038, Style: E61-2837.

 

[92 Sunbird LE]

Vin 86S5038 should be 861S5038

8 = Bonneville
61 = 1961
S = Southgate , CA plant
5038 = 5038th car assembled at that plant

Doug in P.R

 

[92 Sunbird LE]

1961 BB code 389:

287 HP 417 TQ Automatic 4 BBL carb


Here's an example of one with the BB motor.............

http://www.schmitt.com/viewimage.asp?ID=4092

Doug in P.R.

 

[61Bonni]

Thanks, my bad about the VIN #!

Maybe the old Motor manual isn't particularly accurate, but it does not show a four barrel engine with 287HP, only 303, 0r 333!

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[melsg5]

they dont have the 61 Bonneville on this link but the BB code engine is 287HP

http://www.oldride.com/library/1961_pontiac_catalina.html

and to contradict what I just said this site shows BB as 303 HP

http://www.wallaceracing.com/engine1.htm

then you have Hagerty that doesnt show either 287 or 303

http://www.hagerty.com/price-guide/1961-Pontiac-Bonneville

this site goes back to 303

http://www.pontiacpower.net/engcode01.html

 

[92 Sunbird LE]

The Wallace site shows a cam change from 60 to 61 so it may account for the HP upgrade.

Doug in P.R.

 

[61Bonni]

Thanks all for the info!! Very much appreciated!

 

[melsg5]

we probably confused more than helped! I know I'm confused about this but am leaning towards the 303 HP number based on the sources I found.

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[61Bonni]

Thanks, me also, but only because it sounds better than 287! LOL....