[njsteve]

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These numbers-matching Ram Air IV, 4-speed Pontiac GTO's and T/A's are EXTREMELY rare due to the fact that a missed gear with cast-iron connecting rods usually had disastrous consequences. Every single Small and Big Block Chevy had forged connecting rods and it's a shame that Pontiac skimped in the rod department.

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That goes double for the 455HOs! -big cube, oversquare motors with a low rpm redline. The first thing I did when I pulled the original 445HO out of the T/A was to toss the original cast rods in the corner. I bought a set of Eagle forged rods and used them instead. I was completely amazed that the engine lasted 114,000 miles with the original cast rods and a four speed.