In the span of say 1963 to 1973 the quickest 1/4 mile heavy hitters were the big blocks. The 440 six pack (A12 Roadrunner) was a hell of a car along with the Buick GS 455. Both of these engines were smaller port high velocity headed engines where the Hemi and 454/427 were big port high RPM engines. From what I have read the torque of the GS455 was a reliable no fuss way to win a drag race stock against stock. Same with the 440 mopar and the Pontiac and Oldsmobile HP offerings. The Chevy and Hemi needed some distance to build that higher RPM power. Its too bad they didnt make more stage 1 455s and its a shame that big 455 Pontiac motor didnt come about 4 years earlier.