TorqueList Original Technical Art
Pontiac 287 Strato-Streak V8
V8 · N/A
Pontiac · Traditional Pontiac V8
Pontiac 287 Strato-Streak V8
The 1955 engine that launched Pontiac's modern OHV V8 family.
287
Cubic inches
The 287 was the first production version of Pontiac's postwar Strato-Streak V8 architecture. Pontiac would keep expanding the same basic external package through engines as large as 455 cubic inches.
Displacement
287 ci
Bore
3.75"
Stroke
3.25"
Years
1955
Key Takeaway
The 287 introduced Pontiac's postwar Strato-Streak V8 architecture with a 3.75-inch bore, 3.25-inch stroke, cast-iron construction, and conventional pushrod OHV layout. Pontiac deliberately designed the basic external package with room for substantial displacement growth.
Technical Specifications
- Horsepower
- Varies by year/application; see documented variants
- Torque
- 264 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm in representative 1955 Hydramatic 180 hp specification
- Architecture
- 90-degree OHV V8
- Block
- Cast iron
- Cylinder heads
- Cast iron
- Valvetrain
- Pushrod OHV, 2 valves per cylinder
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Fuel delivery
- Carbureted
- Main bearings
- 5
The 287 introduced Pontiac's postwar Strato-Streak V8 architecture with a 3.75-inch bore, 3.25-inch stroke, cast-iron construction, and conventional pushrod OHV layout. Pontiac deliberately designed the basic external package with room for substantial displacement growth.
Internal Specifications
Variant-specific values are labeled. Engine families that span multiple years or RPOs can have different heads, cams, induction and rotating parts, so the exact code/year always takes priority.
Notable Applications
Strengths
- Historically foundational Pontiac V8 architecture
- Strong cast-iron construction
- Architecture allowed major later displacement growth
Weaknesses / Watch-outs
- One-year displacement limits interchange knowledge for period-correct restoration
- Original early-engine parts are far less common than 389/400-era pieces
Common Upgrades
- Period-correct four-barrel induction
- Dual exhaust
- Careful restoration with improved modern bearings and sealing
Racing History & Legacy
The 287 created the basic Pontiac V8 architecture that ultimately grew through 389, 421, 428 and 455 cubic inches.
References & Image Credit
Engineering Notes Worth Knowing
287 cu in / 4.7 L with 3.75 x 3.25-inch bore and stroke.
90-degree OHV V8 with cast-iron block and heads.
Naturally aspirated and carbureted.
First production version of the traditional Pontiac V8 architecture.
History · context · related reading
The Story Behind Pontiac 287 Strato-Streak V8
Pontiac entered 1955 with an entirely new V8. What began at 287 cubic inches became the foundation for nearly every famous traditional Pontiac V8 that followed.
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