unreal update
My friend got the GTO back in the shop and chased the "fuel starvation" symptom one more time w/a previously installed fuel sending unit (made in china) appearing to seal off p/u tube when installed. Corrected angle of tube, no help. Decided problem must be something internal in engine. What was found was: previous shop had replaced rear main seal w/engine removed. Offered to clean & paint while out of vehicle. For whatever reason, painted engine w/intake off, oil pan off, valley cover off, valve covers off. Proceeded to paint WITHOUT MASKING ANYTHING. Of course, paint didn't stick to oily internal surfaces, collected on oil pump p/u screen, kept pressure but lost volume to point, lifters were not completely pumped up, making cam work as a much smaller version (decreased lift & duration). Also starved rod bearings to point just short of failure. Good news is that previous shop agreed to pay for proper repairs.
Just posted in case anyone was curious what was found and the fact that the real problem was so weird.
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