The Important Facts of Pontiac's Superior Performance

Year Published: 1956

Creator: Jam Handy on behalf of General Motors

Description: Dating to 1956 and produced by Jam Handy on behalf of General Motors, "The Important Facts of Pontiac's Superior Performance" promotes the new Strato-Streak engine and StratoFlight Hydra-Matic transmission. The Strato-Streak was a V8 engine produced by Pontiac from 1955 to 1957. It was initially designed for a 1953 introduction, but its debut was delayed until 1955. The engine was part of a larger effort by Pontiac to modernize their lineup and compete with other manufacturers. 00:00 The presentation introduces the reasons for Pontiac's power in 1956, focusing on the Strato Streak engine and StratoFlight Hydra-Matic transmission. 0:32 The film highlights the Strato Streak engine and StratoFlight Hydra-Matic transmission as key components of Pontiac's performance. 0:51 The features of the 1956 Strato Streak engine are detailed, including its size, displacement (316.6 cubic inches), compression ratio (8.9:1), and horsepower (227 hp). 1:24 The engine's design for smooth and efficient combustion is explained, including the machined wedge-shaped combustion chamber. 1:33 Additional engine features like aluminum-treated intake and exhaust valves for protection and fuel efficiency are described. 1:51 The film discusses the new larger spark plugs, 12-volt electrical system, and a fully enclosed starter motor for improved durability and all-weather performance. 2:10 The new high-lift camshaft, designed for more efficient engine breathing, power, and longer engine life, is explained. 2:22 The inclusion of Pontiac-approved features like the harmonic balancer (now matched with another in the transmission) for smooth operation is mentioned. 2:36 The new dual exhaust system, which adds 12.6 horsepower, is highlighted. 2:46 A demonstration of the Strato Streak V8 engine's smooth operation is shown with a pencil standing upright on it. 3:00 The film transitions to Pontiac's StratoFlight Hydra-Matic transmission, emphasizing its role in delivering smooth and comfortable driving. 3:19 The basic principle of the Hydra-Matic transmission, involving a fluid coupling, is explained using a diagram. 3:39 The automatic selection of gears based on engine speed and driving conditions is described. 3:54 The film acknowledges the proven advantages of Hydra-Matic, including shock cushioning from fluid couplings and positive-acting gears. 4:11 The improvement in the 1956 StratoFlight transmission, the addition of a second fluid coupling to eliminate power surges during gear changes, is explained. 5:08 The film transitions to showing the Pontiac Strato Streak engine and StratoFlight transmission in action. 5:17 The smooth start and acceleration of the 1956 Pontiac are demonstrated. 5:25 The absence of jerks or surges during acceleration and deceleration with the StratoFlight transmission is highlighted. 5:47 The transmission's power and smoothness during hill climbing are praised. 5:57 A comparison is made between manual transmissions, standard Hydra-Matic, and Pontiac's new 1956 StratoFlight transmission to illustrate its superior smoothness. 6:39 The film concludes by encouraging viewers to test drive the 1956 Pontiac.

Online Copy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afHlhLjDtkU

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