Vintage Pontiac Performance Questions And Answers

Lucerne For You

I have unsuccessfully been trying to get the correct formula for code 26 Lucerne Blue to use on my car. Do you have the correct PPG formula?No name givenVia Internet

Melvin Benzaquen Responds:

Code 26 is the correct code used on '70, '71, and '72 Firebirds and other GM products such as Oldsmobile, under the Viking Blue name. Chevrolet called it Mulsanne Blue. Buick named it Stratomist Blue. Just a bit of trivia! Here's the formulation report straight from PPG.

Requires a G5 Grey undercoatCode DAS3025 SealerMain Layer: 15145Price Code: HMSDS: DBC1Revision date: 11/15/2000

Use the G5 undercoat for maximum hiding and correct coloring. Your local paint supplier will understand this mixing formula.

A Bit About R/A-Ii Heads

I am looking for some help with trying to figure out the markings on my cylinder heads. I know they are Pontiac R/A-II (R96A) heads for a GTO or Firebird. I believe I cracked the date code, which is F 15 8. My definition was June 15, 1968. The heads are stamped with a PD. They also have two other stamps that I have not been able to decipher-a 1929 LPS and a DN. I cannot find the seven-digit part number on them. Any information you could give me would be appreciated. I am thinking of selling the heads, but I would like to know what they are worth. Terry Via Internet

Rocky Rotella Responds:

The Ram Air II 400ci was designed as a maximum-performance replacement for the original Ram Air engine. Introduced in mid-May 1968, it featured many innovative components such as a cutting-edge valvetrain and cylinder heads with round exhaust ports. It was a very potent package with horsepower ratings of 340 and 366 in the Firebird and GTO, respectively. But because of its late-year introduction, just 356 R/A-II engines were installed in production vehicles.

R/A-II cylinder heads can be identified by the letters "R" and "A" on the end exhaust ports and oftentimes by a No. 96 on the center ports. The "R96A" you refer to was actually coined by noted Pontiac researcher Pete McCarthy years ago as a way to differentiate the '6811/42 No. 96 castings from the D-port No. 96 castings found on '71 400 four-barrel engines. He has found, however, that early R/A-II castings lacked "96" on the center ports. It also appears that few, if any, received the full 9793596 part number.

Combustion chamber volume was 72 cc. And the intake ports were similar to those found in a typical D-port head with measured airflow around 210 cfm at 28 inches of pressure at maximum lift. The exhaust ports, however, were completely redesigned with measured airflow numbers around 180-190 cfm in unmodified form. The result was one of the highest exhaust-to-intake airflow percentages of any Pontiac head, including the Ram Air V.

You have correctly deciphered the cast date, and if said "DN" appears on the same "ledge" as the date code, you have found the Day/Night shift indicator. From your description, it sounds as if the other numbers and letters are some type of machine shop stampings, which are commonly applied to components after being modified or rebuilt.

The value of your R/A II castings depends on several factors-the greatest being their condition. Aside from N.O.S. castings, virgin castings with the original tulip-shaped valves will command a premium. Professionally ported or rebuilt heads that had been installed on a running engine should still draw a considerable amount. But bare castings that have been home-ported, poorly rebuilt, or had several valve jobs are worth the least. My estimation would be around $1,500-$3,500, ultimately depending upon condition.

A point to consider about round-port castings is that since the introduction of the Edelbrock aluminum cylinder head, we have seen a sharp decrease of their use in performance applications. But this does not suggest that demand or value has lessened any. While Edelbrock's high-flow 72cc casting has become an affordable alternative for racers who once sought R/A-II and R/A-IV castings for their engines, today it is hobbyists who are finishing a high-dollar restoration that are paying premiums for correct-dated castings. It is in this market that you might find top dollar for your June '68-dated R/A-II castings.