[SD73]

Originally Posted by Brewster

My automatic car has the metal type which I believe to be factory installed due to the cars low mileage and original motor.
I must say I have never seen the one circled but always thought the plastic ones where the later versions ? it probably came off another series car that had some luxury options.
Interesting to know,
Brew

Thanks Brew. Here's more clarification. He has that metal one too. It was on the Passenger side, where it should be. This oddball plastic one was on the Drivers Side. His restorer switched them presumably because he's never seen anything like that before and thought it was on the wrong side.

My car, which is a very early built SD has the plastic version of the EGR thermal valve, btw. It has an early date code on it that follows suit. I'll have to ask my friend to check the date code on his valve if he can and to see if it has any EGR marking on it too.

I've seen a lot of poncho engines, and have never come across anything like that one in the picture.

[SD455DJ]

SD73 - I have the exact same pieces you show in your photo's, with the EGR/CARB labeled one located on the passeger side of the water crossover. I believe they are original to the car, but I'm not 100% certain. My SD is a 4 spd and built the 3rd week of July. Hopefully that helps.

Ken - thanks for the cam information. I feel real fortunate to have a true early HO Racing designed cam for an SD. My brother and I have HO's entire newsletter collection from the mid 70's to teh last issue in 1979(?). They are fun to re-read, especially the classieds where 73/74 SD's were for sale for $4000 for low mileage cars.

Larry - I'm with you. I will install that HC-62 with new lifters (I'm not sure about installing new Rhoades, but maybe another make that aren't so clakky sounding). Your '73 SD clone was sweet looking and quick with that low of compression. I too have the "long" single trough SD replacement pistons from TRW that are pretty heavy compared to todays Ross or JE's. Not sure I'd get down to the 12's, but it's with a try.

Norwood - I probably won't do the big bird decal, even though I like them. The original owner told me that it wasn't orderd for the car. The dealer ordered it without the hood bird because the dealership owner didn't like the fact it as a big decal and could peel off in a car wash (which were pretty brutal back in those days). In fact the original owner doesn't remember the small nose bird on the car when he owned it. Who knows????

takid455 - I really like the idea of an in-progress class. I believe that GTOAA used to have one unofficially. I gravitate to the cars that are original and/or barn finds no matter how rough they are. Patina in good.

Anybody going the the Pure Stock Drags in Stanton, MI this weekend? If you are, I'll be teching in the Pontiacs. Stop by and introduce yourself.

DJ