[Day2_69Z]

I thought the same thing.....
But I kept in mind that at the time of the crash it already had 63,000 miles on it and was about 7 years old. Pics show added Lakewood bars, aftermarket tires and wheels......etc.
A cross ram then was not an expensive add as it us today (relative) .
Mechanical linkage was common then on a GM or Aftermarket unit such as WIEAND or Edelbrock.....

The secret lays In when the engine and trans was pulled..... and I think it was Soon after it crashed.
Its hard to believe that a blown up original 302 was replaced by a Dealer with a Older Incorrect CE.
A little embellished Info by the seller may be underlying.
I feel the engine was added by the past owner as that's what he could afford in a "used engine"
Who's to say for sure......but the fella here with a connection may shed some light on it.......
After all its really a moot point other than the entertainment value for us to digest.

I'd still leave it alone and preserve it as is.
Its worth much more this way than as a parts car.