I kind of worded the above incorrectly, but hey it was midnight my time. Here's some things you will find different about a Pontiac versus a Chevy:
1.All Pontiac performance heads used screw-in rocker studs from 67+
2. Pontiac performance heads have some of the largest valve sizes in the auto world 2.11/1.77 ,only the BBC performance heads 2.19/1.88 are bigger in a wedge head, except Ford cleveland intakes were 2.19
3. Pontiac engines all use a valley pan, which seperates the hot oil from hitting the bottom of the intake manifold. A definite BIG performance boost. You could also cut off the water neck and change the intake manfold and distributor within 15 minutes at the track and never drain any antifreeze!
4. No dirt, antifreeze or gasket parts can get inside the motor when changing the intake manifold.
5. You do not have to pull the distributor to change the intake manifold.
6. The (balancer) comes off without a pulley.
7. All engines are internally balanced already, no mis matched externally balanced nonsense.
6. The timing cover can be removed without loosening up the oil pan.
7. Changing a timing chain in a pontiac takes 1/3 of the time as a chevy.
8. Pontiac bottom ends are very strong and beefy, all main caps are centered and go in one place only. No snapping them into the block and hope they stay in one place.
9. Todays Rod technology puts the strength of all rods on an equal basis, Some older non-performance Pontiacs had somewhat weaker rods. It has been claimed, although they were probably over revved.
10. All Pontiacs use 4/5 to full lenght very good windage trays. Only the Highest performance chevys had them and they were of inferior design.
11. All Pontiac combustion chambers are machined not cast
12. No Pontiac head bolts go into water jackets like most Chevy's. Cylinder head distortion because of uneven heating is not a problem in a Pontiac.
13. Pontiac stock rods are already among the longest in the industry, a recently recognized slight performance advantage. (basically more leverage)
14.Pontiac holds in the camshaft with a separate retainer plate, not relying upon the timing cover & chain to do the job.
Thats all I can think of for now, I am sure I am missing quite a few things. Anyway Charlie, you will find your Pontiac 455 SD will give you very good performance, last forever without needing a valve job or any other annoying big problem and be very easy to work on.
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For you Chevy guys about to cry Foul!! I own 2 BBC Chevy's and do not have anything against them, I am just pointing out different building techniques which make the Pontiac engine much easier to work on and very well designed.
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A an example: When I run my RAIV 69' Judge at the track, I use the stock aluminum intake with the heat crossover removed, just as the factory had already designed it. I constantly get Chevy guys coming over to look at the motor and asking if that is the "new" Holley Air Gap intake manifold. I have to explain to them that Pontiac designed this 35 years ago. And it is not a aftermarket intake. Lots of shaking heads and grumbles as people walk away, seemingly insisting that I MUST have a non-stock part.
I like all muscle cars, they all are cool to me
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