Very interesting thread, love hearing everybody's input. Not really interested in stirring the pot but I've owned couple 71/72 4 speed TA's w/o ac(3.42) and both run very well, especially up to 4500-5000 rpm. I've also ridden in a couple 74 SD cars (one Formula/one TA)that were bone stock survivor automatics w/o ac(3.42) that ran identical. Both had the torque of the HO on the lower end but pulled HARD well past 5500 rpm and left a lasting impression on me that still brings a smile to my face. That being said I'll still take a 71/72 HO just because of the styling, but any of us that own a roundport car are fortunate in my opinion.
Never ridden in a RA IV so I don't have any input on those but like Jim, I'd love to see what a high compression SD 455 with a RA IV cam could have done in any Pontiac. Long live the roundport!
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