[al8apex]

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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. It sure would have been nice if they had released those famous SD 455 Forged rods just a few years earlier. It would have saved some rare Pontiacs!Hey, does anybody know the story about the theft issue that occured with these forged SD 455 rods when they were released. They were big news and demand was high.

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talk about getting way off track of the original post but ...

I was working at Pontiac from the summer of 71 through 74 as a General Motors institute student. 6 weeks of work at the plant then 6 weeks of school in Flint.

The SD assembly area had to have a cage built around it because of all the parts "disappearing" ...

they finally installed metal detectors on the ramp to the plant but a lot of people had other ways of getting around it (them?)

One burly plant electrician bragged to me how he had a complete engine at home that he had taken out a part at a time ... the block too he used a sling to hang it from his shoulders and took it out in the winter ... he was a BIG guy (in all directions) and wore one of those winter coats that goes down to your shoes, like the cowboys wear in Montana ... I think they are called slicks ... regardless, he was happy to brag to a kid in college how he had taken home stuff all the time. People had SD parts from back in the early 60's, one guy said he had the aluminum front end, all taken out a part at a time ...

I was amazed that GM could make any money on their cars with all the slacking and stealing that was done ...