"Actual Match Race" 1969 440 'Cuda vs 1973 Firebird Formula 'SD-455'

I'll say this for Pontiac motors. From a machinist's standpoint, They have some beautiful combustion chambers. They are one of the FEW domestic engines that use final machining to finish the combustion chamber. The Hemis also did. Most others were as cast and rough. The smooth machined finish certainly has to promote better fuel burn and reduce hot spots that lead to detonation.