[oldskool]

The main reason why it's even worth a look at SS Pontiacs, is because the Pontiac engines currently used in SS racing, only span a 12 year period, from 1967 Thru 1978.

Those are the years the Pontiac 400 engine was available with an auto trans. There was a '79 400. But it came only with a 4-speed manual trans. 350, 428, & 455 engines were available in some of those years.

In contrast, Ford, Chevy, & Mopar brands still have cars & engines that can run SS. So, how many years do they have to choose from ? LOTS of SS cars are now being run, which were not considered high performance cars, at all.

Anyhow, current Pontiac V8 powered SS cars, are definitely in a minority. So, anyone choosing to run Pontiac V8 power, is very limited in their choice of competitive engines. I think the GT class is one of the best things that has ever happened, for Pontiac powered racing. It definitely put the 428 into the game. A '69 GP is probably the only 428 powered body anybody would have ever considered using for a SS drag car. The other bodies were really big & heavy. But, with the GT rules, the 428 can be used in lots of smaller, lighter GM bodies. 455's can also be used in smaller, lighter bodies, than those they came in.