What engines were available for First Generation (1967-1970) Firebirds?
The standard engine was a 230 ci six-cylinder rated at 165 HP. Unlike other GM six-cylinders, the Pontiac featured an overhead camshaft. Firebirds that were equipped with the engine got 3.8L OHC lettering on both sides of the hood bulge. An optional version of this engine, the W53 rated at 215 HP, was offered on the Firebird Sprint models. It came with a hotter camshaft and a 4-barrel Rochester Quadrajet carburetor. In addition to the hood bulge badging, Sprint models got OHC-six emblems on the front part of the rocker panels. Bodyside tape stripes were optional. In 1968 and 1969, the engine was stroked to 250 ci with power climbing to 175 HP. But no change in power of the W53 was noted. The engine used the crankshaft and connecting rods from the Chevrolet six-cylinder engine for the first year, but switched to Pontiac parts in 1968. The Firebird 326 ci models got a two-barrel version of Pontiac’s 326 ci V8, the L30, rated 250 HP. The ‘326’ on the hood and trunk lid identified the Fire
