The 1981 301 turbo had the highest horsepower and torque ratings for any V8 used in GM passenger cars, even better than the L81 350 in the Corvette.
I've told the story before, but my automotive engineering professor at GMI, Jim Lyons, left the university to head up Pontiac's turbo development. The crankshaft strength limited maximum design output to 280 HP. But the fully dressed engine was 110 pounds lighter than the 350 which helped offset the power drop. And it still produce 340 LbFt of torque. There was interest in offering the engine in the Grand AM as well.
Given what was available at the time, the Turbo T/A was one of the best performers GM had, especially in the handling department with the lighter engine. Jim went on to being lead chassis engineer on the 3rd gen Firebird.
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