1963 Pontiac Catalina
Comments: Pontiac fullsize performance reached its peak in 1963. All fullsize models got new sheetmetal for 1963, including stacked headlights. Performance enthusiasts once again turned to the Catalina, the lightest of the Pontiac fullsize coupes. The standard engine was a 389 cid V8 with 283 bhp. Next up were two 421s with 10.75:1 compression ratios: a four barrel with 353 bhp and the Trophy 421 HO (High Output) which sported triple Rochester two-barrel carburetors operated by a progressive throttle linkage and was rated at 370 bhp. For serious drag strip use, buyers could specify the Super Duty 421 which came in three states of tune which all benefited from an increase in the compression ratio from 11.0:1 to 12.0:1 and an increase in the maximum shift point from 5900 rpm to a screaming 6400 rpm. The mildest Super Duty 421, designed for high speed use, used a single four barrel carb and was rated at 390 bhp. Next up was the drag strip version which used a dual four barrel and was again underrated at 405 bhp. This engine came with aluminum exhaust manifolds standard and steel manifolds optional. At the top was a second drag strip version with a dual four barrel carb version and a 13.0:1 compression ratio which Pontiac timidly rated at 410 bhp. Only 88 of these engines were built for all models, and those Catalinas so powered could turn sub 14 second quarter miles. But eager for more performance, Pontiac offered a limited number of Super Stock lightweight Catalinas with the famous "Swiss Cheese" frames (which had grapefruit sized holes drilled into the chassis rails), aluminum axle centers, aluminum front panels and front and rear bumpers, plus numerous other modifications. The net result was a 300 lb weight loss over regular Catalinas, allowing quarter mile times in the low 12s at more than 116 mph. Unfortunately, all of this performance was too much for General Motors and GM instituted a complete ban on competition activity, forcing Pontiac to stop installing all Super Duty components.
Production:
Engines: 389 V8 289 bhp. 421 HO V8 370 bhp. SD 421 390 bhp. SD 421 405 bhp. SD 421 410 bhp.
Performance: SD 421/410: 0-60 in 5.2 seconds, 1/4 mile in 13.7 seconds @ 107 mph. Super Stock lightweight SD 421/410: 1/4 mile in low 12s at more than 116 mph.
