Quote:
Originally Posted by rexs73gto
"...going to be a threat to the Corvette so Chevy had it killed..."
"...The HO engine was a low comp. RAIV engine so it could keep up with the HP that chevy was putting out to stay as the power house for Pontiac , without hurting chevy in the way.
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Maybe it is just me but it sounds like GM had to hold the other divisions, along with their cars to "protect" the Corvette from better engineering. What an asinine approach; competition is a healthy thing and besides, these are two different platforms altogether.
Also, didn't the RAIV have a stronger bottom end whereas the 455HO did not? IMO the SD455 is a substantially improved 455HO, with all of the goodies. Besides the low compression and emission controls, I've always felt the 455HO Achilles heel was with the STD bottom end; which limits the top end of the RPM range.
Too bad Pontiac got caught by the EPA with the SD455 emissions and had to re-work the engine to pass. Makes me wonder if some Chevrolet/Corvette spy didn’t send a little note to the GM brass; or the EPA itself.