[MikeNoun]

Would have been so easy for Pontiac to use the 400-4V from the 1974 Trans Am.

Instead of the 1974 GTO 350 producing 200hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, it would have produced 225hp and 330 lb-ft of torque with a regular 400.

Forget about 455's or SD-455's, just this small change from a 350 to a 400 in the 1974 GTO would have made a world of difference. Pontiac wouldn't have had to change any suspension, exhaust, or cooling components in the process, other than perhaps using the Turbo 400 instead of the Turbo 350 trans.

[threefidee]

I have a stock one with a 4 speed. These cars were tested back in 1974 running in the 15.70's at 88. As I started to just do some simple tuning to it, it responded nicely. The carb was set up so lean from the factory, probably to help with emissions. Changing the curve in the distributor helped a lot. I changed the exhaust, kept the size the same but went with a mandrel bent system that helped and added some gear and the car goes in the upper 14's at over 93mph, best ET of 14.67. Low 15's with the stock gear. Not the fastest car out there but it is entertaining to drive.

Jody

[JLHarper]

Originally Posted by MikeNoun

Would have been so easy for Pontiac to use the 400-4V from the 1974 Trans Am.
Instead of the 1974 GTO 350 producing 200hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, it would have produced 225hp and 330 lb-ft of torque with a regular 400.

Forget about 455's or SD-455's, just this small change from a 350 to a 400 in the 1974 GTO would have made a world of difference. Pontiac wouldn't have had to change any suspension, exhaust, or cooling components in the process, other than perhaps using the Turbo 400 instead of the Turbo 350 trans.

You're right Mike.....that combo would have been a game changer for many buying new, would have been a very neat setup with a few rear gear options.

Pontiac could have done anything they wanted, even the HO within the regs ...but....
I remember sitting in gas lines, odd even days, running out down at the beach, not going on vacation due to gas....people went from "performance" mindset to" oh snap, Ive got to find something right away much better on gas".

That realization hit almost overnight: the fear that the Arabs and the Oil Embargo was going to stay "forever".

The Feds also had new Auto Safety rules in play......crash standards and more.

A lot changed in 1974.

PS: People who appreciate performance should try and at least drive a newer GTO, esp the 2005 to 2006.
I think a short drive may impress the non believers.....