Pontiac straight-8 engine

Pontiac straight-8 engine
Overview
ManufacturerPontiac (General Motors)
Also calledSilver Streak
Production19331954
Layout
ConfigurationNaturally aspirated Straight-8 cylinder
Displacement
  • 223 cu in (3.7 L)
  • 233 cu in (3.8 L)
  • 249 cu in (4.1 L)
  • 268 cu in (4.4 L)
Cylinder block materialCast iron
Cylinder head materialCast iron
ValvetrainFlathead
Compression ratio5.7:1, 6.8:1, 7.7:1
Combustion
Fuel systemCarter Carburetor
Fuel typeGasoline
Oil systemFull pressure
Cooling systemWater-cooled
Output
Power output77–127 bhp (57–95 kW)
Torque output153–234 lb⋅ft (207–317 N⋅m)
Chronology
Predecessor251 cu in (4.1 L) flathead I8
Successor287 cu in (4.7 L) OHV V8

The Pontiac straight-8 engine is an inline eight-cylinder automobile engine produced by Pontiac from 1933 to 1954. Introduced in the fall of 1932 for the 1933 models, it was Pontiac's most powerful engine at the time and the least expensive eight-cylinder engine built by an American automotive manufacturer. During its 21-year run displacement of the "eight" increased twice as platforms grew. It was superseded by Pontiac's new V8, the 287, in 1955. Engine block and cylinder heads were cast at Saginaw Metal Casting Operations then assembled at Tonawanda Engine before delivery to Pontiac Assembly for installation.