Thru the years, I suppose I've seen more Pontiac Stockers using this combo than any other. Up until recently, the NHRA hp factor was 330. Then NHRA upped it to 338hp. Not a deal breaker, just required the car to carry more weight for whatever class it runs.
One reason it was a popular combo for many years was that it fit E/SA perfectly. 330hp, 3300lbs = 10 lbs/hp = E/SA
http://www.classracerinfo.com/Engine...9&MAKE=Pontiac
But, since it is now rated at 338hp, and the same engine is rated only 325hp in the '68-'69 GTO, I would say that either GTO is now more competitive than a '68 Bird. But, I don't know of anybody running a '68 or '69 GTO Stocker right now. If anybody knows of any, please post that info.
Adam Strang, who posts here, has his old '68 Stocker for sale, in case anybody is interested. Adam now runs a '68 Bird 4-speed. The 4-speed Birds have a 325hp factor. No, it don't make sense that the same engine would have a higher hp factor if used with an auto. But NHRA adjusts factors based on ET's run at some of the national & divisional races. I think any run which is 1.2 sec or more under the class index, at some races, will get an automatic hp factor increase. That's why many of the quick Stockers sand bag in both qualifying & eliminations.
http://classracer.com/classforum/showthread.php?t=69513
Other drivers of some of the quick '68 Bird Stockers now racing are: Julie Biermann, Chris Stephenson, Bob Aceves, Leo Glasbrenner, Ronald Prince. Todd Hoven also has a '68. He has been driving another brand lately. But Duane Hoven drove the Bird for at least one race. And I think Brent Flynn is gonna try to run his '68 this year. Most '68 Birds run either C/SA, D/SA, or E/SA. They can also run the RA2 round port engine, if they can afford the RA2 heads. Should run a bit quicker, with the heads and bigger cam. And only a 340hp factor.
http://www.classracerinfo.com/Engine...3&MAKE=Pontiac
If these numbers are correct, the same engine has a 365hp factor, in a GTO. This shows why you need to check out all the NHRA specs before choosing an engine/body combo.
http://www.classracerinfo.com/Engine...8&MAKE=Pontiac
If ya'll know of other '68 Bird Stockers, please post that info.