Solving (pulley) Alignment Problems 
by Ron Rocchi

Hi, my name is Ron Rocchi and I have been a P.O.C.I. member since the 80’s.  I am on the GTOAA tech staff as their engine interchange advisor and have been into Pontiacs since 1963.   I would like to think I am an expert (i.e. an old fart who knows it all) on engines and cylinder heads.  On many of my engine rebuilds I am asked to correct many items which are not correct for that particular year of GTO which can be the block, heads, or in most cases, it is the incorrect timing chain cover, water pump pulleys or balancer.

So, let me share my experience with you so that you can correctly finish your restoration or just solve a pulley alignment problem.  All of the timing chain covers from 1964 to 1979 will bolt up and interchange with any motor from those years.  However, you must use the matching water pump, pulley and crank pulley to avoid alignment problems with the alternator and/or power steering pump.  All of the water pumps from ‘64-‘68 will interchange.  These pumps have eight bolts and measure 3-5/8” long (from base to water pump pulley flange).  The casting number for ‘64-‘65 is 9772716 and for ‘66-‘68 it is 4782482.  The matching pulleys are 2” in height.   From ‘64-‘67 Pontiac used a small diameter (5.25”) six bolt two-piece harmonic damper and from 68-79 a large diameter (6.75”), one piece four bolt damper was used.   In ’69 Pontiac changed to an 11-bolt water pump but the early ’69 was different from late ’69-on.  Many early ’69 Firebirds and GTO's used a pump that measured 4” long (casting# 9796351) and the pulley was 2-1/4” in height.  From late ’69 to ’79 only one pump style was used, it measured 4-1/2” long and there are at least two different casting numbers used: 482138 and 488296.  The matching pulley should measure 2-5/8” in height.

Always use the correct diameter and style crank pulley to match the water pump pulley and also use the same series timing chain cover and balancer to properly line up your timing marks.  The same timing chain cover was used for both ‘64 & ‘65 and had just a simple pointer. These were cast with number 9773371.  The timing cover used on ’66 and ’67 employed a small timing scale marked -4, 0, and +6 and is otherwise identified as casting # 9783130.  The ’68, ’69 and ’70 timing covers look very similar with timing marks of 0-6-12 degrees BTDC and accommodated the large diameter damper.  The ’68 timing cover casting number is 9790347 and uses the 8-bolt water pump.  The ’69-‘70 timing cover casting number is 9796346 and uses the improved 11-bolt pump.   For ’71 and later the timing cover timing tab is marked from 4 degrees after to 12 degrees BTDC and is graduated all the way to 16 degrees BTDC.  As compression ratios were lowered to 8:1 and lower there became a need for increased initial advance.  Casting number for this cover is 482883 and can sill be ordered from GM for about $90.00.  If you need to order a water pump the Federal Mogul part numbers are: ‘64-’68 is FP1388N, early ’69 is FP1409N and late ’69-on is FP1423.  Hopefully, this will help you with your restoration or belt throwing problems.  If you can’t locate these water pumps or if you have any questions feel free to call me at 847-966-0998.  – Ron Rocchi