Question for Pontiac folks

[Tracker1]

Pontiac did not have a performance V8 or V6 platform to call their own, at least not one that responded to factory engineered, emissions-passing modifications. Chevrolet still had a small-block which became a "corporate" engine for every division, but they put their own touch on it (L69). Olds had a 307 and Buick as you pointed out, had their V6 version of My Pet Monster. You cannot under-estimate how losing the V8 programs in 1979 (400) and then 1981 (301HO) killed company self-esteem at Pontiac division. They seemed happy to coast on Chevy's engine for the T/A and leave the GP as a luxury GT car with no teeth - as it had been since about 1972 anyway. None of the round-port hi-perf Pontiac engines of the early '70s were ever offered in a GP, so the car's "persona" was set.