Without naming names, one of the "contributing editors" of PE lives within a mile from me and I know him personally (more of an acquaintance). Without being too judgmental or criticizing, I have some issues with his editorial participation with the mag. He does not own a car (Pontiac, classic etc. or appear to work on cars at all) and yet contributes for the mag. I'm not saying you have to own a classic Pontiac to be a good writer but I sure think it helps. I was especially offended when he wrote an article last year called, "The All American Pontiac". The following is my E-mail to him about the article:
"I just finished reading the "All American Pontiac", Dan Gurney story in the latest issue of Pontiac Enthusiast. As usual, nice job and very well written. As an avid Pontiac enthusiast, I thought I would mention a few things.
The mere suggestion that Brodix heads or 355 small block parts are "Pontiac" to true Pontiac aficionados, will send Pontiac people into a frenzy. While Pontiac may have assisted development of the Brodix SBC and BBC heads, they are entirely 100% Chevy. They will not bolt up to or cannot be used with traditional (meaning pre 1980) Pontiac engines. This has been a sore point with Pontiac aficionados for years. The old Pro Stock "Pontiac" heads are BBC heads designed with the assistance of Pontiac and Warren Johnson. The same applies for the BBC Olds or DRCE head.
Additionally, if you attend some of the national Pontiac events, the cars that run in the Q-16 (quick sixteen) are only allowed traditional Pontiac power. "Pontiac" head Chevy or corporate motors are not allowed.
Just an FYI. I thought I would point this out.
We Pontiac aficionados get pretty touchy when it comes to this subject.
Take care,
Eric D."
I wrote this E mail over a year ago and I was speaking from memory on some of the BBC stuff so don't hold me to specifics but you get the idea. This was the response and why I let my subscription lapse over a year ago.
"Yes, I know it's a stretch to call that engine a Pontiac, any more than an LT1 in a late-model T/A is a Pontiac, or the engine in Richard Petty's 1984 Grand Prix was a Pontiac. But Gurney did put the Pontiac name into the Indy 500 history books, which is more than any one else did (even Mickey Thompson). Also, if I remember right, the "Pontiac" Brodex heads were superior to anything that said "Chevrolet" at the time (to the point of being banned from NASCAR). By the way, last time I went to see the Midgets run at Angell Park in Sun Prairie, many of the cars ran Iron Dukes with the Brodex heads. It may be a Chevy, but like the F-Body cars, Pontiac made it better."
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Tempest455
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