The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 288 pontiac engine

I am having a hard time finding any information and specs. on my 288 engine. The only v-8 I ever see any info on is the 332. If anybody can give me some direction it would speed up my progress. I am looking for parts for the distributor right now.

I'm not so sure that the 288 is a Pontiac motor. I am sure it's a motor that GMC used.

The 288 V8 engine was used for a short period in the beginning of the "Y" series GMC trucks. "Y" series trucks are so called "1955 2nd series". In the latter of part of 1955 and all of 1956, GMC went to the 316 V8.

My VIN# is 1028PY7655 so I guess I have a 55 2nd series. I have always been told that the 288 was based on the Pontiac v8 platform. Sure it is not going to be exactly the same as the engines they would put in a pontiac car, but I don't really care, I just want some data specific to the engine I have.

My Pontiac history book list a 287.2 ci engine for 1955. It was the first V-8 for Pontiac's. The 7.4 compression ratio engine with 1 x 2 had 173 HP. The 8.0 compression with 1 x 2 had 180 HP, the 1 x 4 carb engine had 200 HP. Its a 3.75" bore and 3.25" stroke. In 1956 they went to a 316 CI engine. The book does not mention GMC. Joe

I need a parts book for this engine. What is the name of this Pontiac history book? I know the engine exists, but I have not been able to find any parts listings.

The 287 Pontiac used in the GMC is the same as the car motor, except when used in a large truck. Then they usually had sodium cooled valves. I don't remember seeing any in pickups, but there may have been some used. The ones I remember, were in trucks the size of 60 series Chevs. I don't know the GMC numbers.

What do you need for the distributor? I've got a spare. Vac advance is bad but I believe auto archives has additional nos advances. They sold me mine :http://www.automobilearchives.com. Terrill Machine, Rt 2, Box 61, DeLeon, TX 76444, PH: 254-893-2610, also has tons of Pontiac parts available. Their very reasonable especially compared to Kanter.

The book I have is just a coffee table book about the History of Pontiacs. All that is listed is what I posted. Try getting in touch with the POCI club or the Pontiac Historical Society. A 1955 Pontiac shop manual may be what you really need. Check some of the reproduction book companys. Joe

MJV: You might search around for a GMC Master Parts Book, Models 100-450, Published 1958 or 1959 and covers Y, X, T, and, S series trucks. I am not aware of reprints of this book, but they might be out there.

I see them on eBay from time to time but it will take a fair amount of diligence to find one. It will be invaluable to you.