municipal package

[raskolnikov]

hello all,
I am new to this board; I hope that I'm posting this query in the appropriate area...
Recently, while looking at Suburbans on Ebay, I came across a very nice 1985 K-20 that was being sold in Harrisburg, PA. The seller had acquired the vehicle from the local fire department. It was a beutiful vehicle, but unfortunately it was snatched up immediately.
Long story short, it was advertised as having the 'municipal package,' i.e. 10 spring rear leafs, the Scottsdale trim, and most curiously, a 'factory high horsepower' 350 ci purportedly putting out 325 hp stock.
Was the seller just blowing smoke? Was there such a thing as the municipal pakege in 1985 for which the high hp 350 was available? The corresponding VIN # listed the engine as the 'M' style 350, i.e. the heavy-duty with fewer emissions equipment.
I have this 'M' engine in my '86 Suburban; however, I wasn't aware of the fact of an alternate high hp LT9 engine in 85-86. Can someone enlighten me on this subject? I am a little wary, because a potential purchaser could've purchased the 454 if he needed more oomph; I can't imagine that a hopped up factory 350 would offer substantially better performance and economy. Secondly, I didn't think municipalities were so interested in offering hopped up powerhouses for employees; it seems thast the HD 350 would've been sufficient for most needs. Lastly, if the info was correct from the seller, the 'municipal package' Suburban in 1985-6 would've been more powerful than the, albeit emissions starved, GM Corvette LT1 engines of the '80's...
Just smells fishy, but I'm nonetheless curious...
I'd appreciate it if anyone could offer enlightenment...
Thank you, and its nice to be a member of this very informative post...