[Keith Seymore]

I guess I don't understand the original question.

Are you saying (a) why didn't PHS record a #3 or a #4 for the engine code, or (b) why didn't Pontiac assign a #3 or #4 originally?

I can say this: sometimes codes are created, and then canceled before being fully used. The end result is that it looks like a gap to us, 40 years later.

A modern example: the product I am currently working on describes all domestic models as "book RC" (ie, product code "R", all domestic = C).

I asked the engineering specs guys why we didn't start with RA, then RC could be China, RE could be Europe, etc.

He said that we did start with RA, then RB, but both product lines were canceled in their infancy. Hence, when we started back up, RC was next in line.

There's always a rational explanation (I would hope); it's just you and I are not always privy to it.

K