ID your Tripower

Pontiac came out with tripower in 1957 and produced them until 1966. In 1957 and 1958, the 3 Rochester carbs were all the small based version. Starting in 1959, the end carbs used were the larger based units, while the center carb remained small. The final year, 1966, Pontiac used 3 large units.

The intakes from '57 and '58 do not have casting numbers. The only real difference is the size of the heater hose outlet. There's not much demand for these intakes. Many people refer to the tripower intakes from 57-63 as "boat anchors".

The '59 and '60 intakes are similar, but unique. The '60 has water bypass built into the waterneck. If you have a good pic of either you are willing to share, I will add it to the page. Part #1959 is 532422. Part number #1960 is 536194.

The '61-'63 intakes are virtually the same and interchangeable. Pictures is a '61 intake. Part #1961 is 538202. #1962 is 541690. #1963 is 9770275.

Note how the choke tubes enter a special "plate" bolted to the intake. The '64 intake is very much like the '61-'63 and will bolt onto the '61-'64 heads. However, the carbs sit higher and are sometimes referred to as "high rise tripower". If you have a '64 GTO, get the '64 intake. They are not that pricey. Part # 9775088.

None of the intakes from '57 to '64 will fit the '65 up heads. As a result, demand for them is much less. The '65 and '66 intake are different in several ways, but either will fit the newer heads.

Also, while on the subject, no after-market company has ever made an aluminum tripower intake to fit 65 up heads. Don't buy one for your '65 GTO. Aluminum tripower intakes were made to fit '64 and earlier heads. Some even have 3 bolt carb flanges for the old Stromberg carbs. They would be interesting on a nostalgia street rod, but not on your muscle car.

The '65 intake has 2 choke tubes on the crossover that go directly into the manifold. It still has the smaller center carb. Casting # 9778818. See the picture of a finised unit in the services section.

The '66 intake has a completely different choke mechanism. A box with a coiled spring is bolted to the passenger side of intake with one bolt. It is a special Phillips head bolt (sold under Parts for Sale). A rod from the stove attaches to the end of the choke shaft. The '66 intake has 3 large based Rochester carbs. Part #9782898. See pic.

For pictures of a finished unit, look under the Services section.