I remember reading somewhere that GM wanted to use the new 5.7 engine in their truck lineup primarily, so they wanted a pushrod motor because of the low end torque they produce, which is favorable to trucks.
Remember, they have been talking about cutting the camaro and T/A from the lineup for several years, so this motor will be used as a truck motor for the majority of its life.
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1993 GT/AOD
'93 Mustang GT