Pontiac V8 Swaps
#201
Junior Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Central Michigan
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
I'm not sure about the mounting and air/heater box questions, but I think your stock radiator should be sufficient with the stock electric fans. Also, as far as the alternator question goes, I believe that your 400 would have had a 10SI originally. You'd have to research it, but if you wanted a higher amp alternator for your application, I'd think a 94 amp 12SI would suite you well. Here is a link for some good reading on alternators:
http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...elcoremy.shtml
Good luck, sounds like a fun project
http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...elcoremy.shtml
Good luck, sounds like a fun project
#202
Member
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Clawson, MI
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1992 Firebird
Engine: TBI 305
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
I'm not sure about the mounting and air/heater box questions, but I think your stock radiator should be sufficient with the stock electric fans. Also, as far as the alternator question goes, I believe that your 400 would have had a 10SI originally. You'd have to research it, but if you wanted a higher amp alternator for your application, I'd think a 94 amp 12SI would suite you well. Here is a link for some good reading on alternators:
http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...elcoremy.shtml
Good luck, sounds like a fun project
http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...elcoremy.shtml
Good luck, sounds like a fun project
#203
Moderator
iTrader: (14)
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Littleton, CO USA
Posts: 43,169
Likes: 0
Received 35 Likes
on
34 Posts
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: LS1/LQ4
Transmission: 4L60E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
And I may be wrong, but I don't believe Pontiac engines ever used computer controls. So, a vaccum/mechanical advance distributor wouldn't work.
#204
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Laval, Canada
Posts: 728
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2004 BMW 330Cic
Engine: 3.0
Transmission: 6 speed
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
I think a distributor from the '81 turbo 301 pontiac is computer controlled...someone should look into this
#206
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: St. Louis, MO
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
http://www.performancedistributors.c...mputerdist.htm
Here's also a link to a guy who talks about modifying an HEI distributor to be EFI using information he learned from a book called CUSTOMEFIS:
http://members.aol.com/__121b_nmuXeT...mxiv6iTesCqAvr
Last edited by jgetti; 08-08-2007 at 09:49 AM.
#207
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: WI
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 85 t/a, 78 t/a, 79 PowerWagon
Engine: 5.0 TPI, "stock" 400 :-), none
Transmission: 700r4, th-350, 727
Axle/Gears: 3.23, 3.73, 3.55
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
Does indian adventures still make the pontiac to third gen motor mounts? Their website catalog does not work and i emailed them and they never replied. If they still make these does anyone know how much they cost? Also has anyone found a set of headers that fit these cars yet?
#208
Member
iTrader: (9)
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Erie PA
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2008 Silverado, 73 LeMans, 1987 GTA
Engine: 4.8, 350 Pontiac, 350 LT1
Transmission: 4L65E, TH350, T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 2.73, 3.42
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
I dont see a problem as long as you have all the brackets and whatnot. just watch when dropping the engine, but i dont see it being a big clearance problem. if you wanna get all fancy, get the serpentine conversion from march. the fully loaded package, tho 1000 bucks, comes with a brand new compressor.
#209
Member
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Clawson, MI
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1992 Firebird
Engine: TBI 305
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
----------
I dont see a problem as long as you have all the brackets and whatnot. just watch when dropping the engine, but i dont see it being a big clearance problem. if you wanna get all fancy, get the serpentine conversion from march. the fully loaded package, tho 1000 bucks, comes with a brand new compressor.
Last edited by Formula_Fire; 08-08-2007 at 09:19 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
#210
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: philly/ south jersey
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1986 trans am ws6, 66 grandprix
Engine: 88 iroc 5.0 tpi
Transmission: 700 r4 built by rocky pirrone
Axle/Gears: 327
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
you can mount a tuned port on a pontiac motor and its not as hard as alot of people will lead you to believe. you can do your own project starting w/ a torquer 2 intake or you can buy one of these http://www.rancefi.com/ManifoldsforSale/pontiact.htm
#211
Member
iTrader: (9)
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Erie PA
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2008 Silverado, 73 LeMans, 1987 GTA
Engine: 4.8, 350 Pontiac, 350 LT1
Transmission: 4L65E, TH350, T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 2.73, 3.42
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
ok, hold on.. now that you said that, i looked and it doesnt say whether or not it comes with the compressor. i thought it did, but i stand corrected. i guess it seemed because it costed so much, it would come with the sanden 508 compressor... sorry for the misinformation.
#212
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
Does anyone have any contacts at www.chiefmanyhorses.com. I've tried email and phone messages but haven't heard a word from them. Is there anyone else who makes a motor mount to put a pontiac 400 in an '84 T/A. Thanks.
#213
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: N. Syracuse, NY
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 99 Subaru, 92 GMC Van, 95 Bonnie
Engine: LOTS of them
Transmission: LOTS of those too.
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
First off, if links I posted YEARS ago are dead, well, they're dead.. NOT my fault or problem.. Performance Years tech forums HAD all this info on their site.. I posted those links a REALLY long time ago.
A computer controlled pontiac distributor.. you can build your own for maybe $20.. EVERY GM HEI distributor,(per year) meaning, if you take a 79 pontiac HEI distributor and an HEI chevy distributor, all the guts are interchangable.. As far as a computer controlled one, MOST of the pontiac HEI bases will accept about ALL of the newer GM computer controlled guts.
hmm.. what else... Oh.. headers from the BIG pontiac cars.. how much more explaination does there seriously need ot be there? WHAT big pontiac cars had actual PONTIAC motors in them? catalina and bonneville are BIG cars.. then you say the large MIDSIZE cars? well? if they're MIDSIZE cars, they're not BIG cars.. The headers I have were made for ALL the early 70's pontiac engine equipped BIG cars.. I can dump my pontiac engine into my 86 TA and use these headers so long as I cut off about the last 7-8 inches and find a way to put them back together again on an angle following the frame rails. they can also be shortened, but the trick is welding back together the 4 pipes. every inch of these headers clears everything factory installed in my car except that last section where they hit the frame rails. If this was a 4th gen, they'd drop right in. I have yet to perform this swap do to severe lack of time. As far as a part number? I have no idea.. I bought these headers used from Ebay to "play" with. But I would imagine a BIG car pontiac motor equiped header is going to be about the same no matter WHO you get it from.
As for transmission.. you can buy a BOP adapter plate to bolt any GM tranny to your pontiac motor. I am rebuilding my 700r4 to take about 500hp and 550lbs of torque and abuse this pontiac 400 will be pumping thru it.
anyways.. love how people start questioning and ragging on a 4 year old post.. most of what I said in the LAST post was directed towards all the people asking the same questions that were answered in MANY other posts and questions about things in my posts the DAY after I posted it. there are TONS of people who DO NOT read thru posts and just post their question regardless of what's already in the post.. If you are someone who READ thru the entire post, then obviously my last post was NOT directed towards you.
A computer controlled pontiac distributor.. you can build your own for maybe $20.. EVERY GM HEI distributor,(per year) meaning, if you take a 79 pontiac HEI distributor and an HEI chevy distributor, all the guts are interchangable.. As far as a computer controlled one, MOST of the pontiac HEI bases will accept about ALL of the newer GM computer controlled guts.
hmm.. what else... Oh.. headers from the BIG pontiac cars.. how much more explaination does there seriously need ot be there? WHAT big pontiac cars had actual PONTIAC motors in them? catalina and bonneville are BIG cars.. then you say the large MIDSIZE cars? well? if they're MIDSIZE cars, they're not BIG cars.. The headers I have were made for ALL the early 70's pontiac engine equipped BIG cars.. I can dump my pontiac engine into my 86 TA and use these headers so long as I cut off about the last 7-8 inches and find a way to put them back together again on an angle following the frame rails. they can also be shortened, but the trick is welding back together the 4 pipes. every inch of these headers clears everything factory installed in my car except that last section where they hit the frame rails. If this was a 4th gen, they'd drop right in. I have yet to perform this swap do to severe lack of time. As far as a part number? I have no idea.. I bought these headers used from Ebay to "play" with. But I would imagine a BIG car pontiac motor equiped header is going to be about the same no matter WHO you get it from.
As for transmission.. you can buy a BOP adapter plate to bolt any GM tranny to your pontiac motor. I am rebuilding my 700r4 to take about 500hp and 550lbs of torque and abuse this pontiac 400 will be pumping thru it.
anyways.. love how people start questioning and ragging on a 4 year old post.. most of what I said in the LAST post was directed towards all the people asking the same questions that were answered in MANY other posts and questions about things in my posts the DAY after I posted it. there are TONS of people who DO NOT read thru posts and just post their question regardless of what's already in the post.. If you are someone who READ thru the entire post, then obviously my last post was NOT directed towards you.
#214
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Amsterdam , NY
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 1985 Trans Am
Engine: vee eight
Transmission: auto
Axle/Gears: 4.10 gears
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
im getting more serious about a pontiac 400 and a t350 or t400 . This is a good page for info.
i hope many horses is just having a glitch , since i might need some .
----------
also what oil pans are you guys using ?
i hope many horses is just having a glitch , since i might need some .
----------
also what oil pans are you guys using ?
Last edited by 18inchboyds; 09-08-2007 at 11:49 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
#215
Member
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Clawson, MI
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1992 Firebird
Engine: TBI 305
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
Me too. I just got another car for a daily driver and an going to fix up my bird next summer and have a rebuilt 76 400 block sitting in storage. I have a question has anyone tried the headers for a 2nd gen car? This is probably a dumb question but I hadn't seen it brought up anywhere in the thread. One last question I thought I saw this in the thread mentioned somewhere but can't find it now. If I'm using my stock 700R4 and the adapter plate will I have to shorten my drive-shaft and change linkage? or will it all line up?
#216
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: St. Louis, MO
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
Dataturbosix mentions somewhere in this thread that he's tried them and they don't work. I don't believe he gave any specific details of what the fit problem was though.
Not sure about your tranny question.
Not sure about your tranny question.
#218
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Aurora, IL
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '92 Firebird
Engine: Poncho 455
Transmission: TH400
Axle/Gears: 12bolt
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
as i mentioned before you could use ram air IV manifolds but they are VERY HEAVY.
#219
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Laval, Canada
Posts: 728
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2004 BMW 330Cic
Engine: 3.0
Transmission: 6 speed
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
Datatrubosix how does the engine sit in your firebird? basically how low or high is it? What intake/carb are you running? and do they clear the stock firebird hood or do you need a ram air style hood?
Any pics available? I am seriously considering going this route in my 89 GTA. I have plenty of pontiac parts, engines, cams and heads to choose from.
Any pics available? I am seriously considering going this route in my 89 GTA. I have plenty of pontiac parts, engines, cams and heads to choose from.
#220
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Aurora, IL
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '92 Firebird
Engine: Poncho 455
Transmission: TH400
Axle/Gears: 12bolt
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
Datatrubosix how does the engine sit in your firebird? basically how low or high is it? What intake/carb are you running? and do they clear the stock firebird hood or do you need a ram air style hood?
Any pics available? I am seriously considering going this route in my 89 GTA. I have plenty of pontiac parts, engines, cams and heads to choose from.
Any pics available? I am seriously considering going this route in my 89 GTA. I have plenty of pontiac parts, engines, cams and heads to choose from.
#221
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: St. Louis, MO
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
Just out of curiosity, did you use the motor mount brackets from tin indian?
#222
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Albany, Ga.
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 86 Z28 & 1980 FIREBIRD
Engine: 350 & 454
Transmission: TURBO 400
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
in the jegs book they have a set of headers just for f body motor swaps $300-$500. If thats what your looking for. they are close to the block and are shortys.
#225
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Casselberry, FLA
Posts: 2,771
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
Car: 88 V6 'bird/89TBI bird/85 T/A
Engine: 2.8/TBI/TPI
Transmission: V8 T-5/700R4 x2
Axle/Gears: 3.42 open/2.73 open/ 3.27 9 bolt
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
Merry Christams for the ditto!
I am also putting a Pontiac V8 swap on my list of things to do for 2008. I have a 350 to start with to get all of the motor mount/exhaust/heater box issues worked out, so we'll see how it goes!!
I am also putting a Pontiac V8 swap on my list of things to do for 2008. I have a 350 to start with to get all of the motor mount/exhaust/heater box issues worked out, so we'll see how it goes!!
#226
Member
iTrader: (9)
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Erie PA
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2008 Silverado, 73 LeMans, 1987 GTA
Engine: 4.8, 350 Pontiac, 350 LT1
Transmission: 4L65E, TH350, T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 2.73, 3.42
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
ya id like to do that to my GTA, but... its a GTA.. so itll stay stock. but ihave a 350 to play with because im puttin a 455 w/ a tripower to put in my Lemans. fun stuff
#227
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
I just bought a (what I think is an 84) recaro in need of re-assembly and is a 4 speed car. The bellhousing is drilled for both patterns so 1 set of indian mounts and HO manifolds and I'll be set! Probably do a high winding 400 to let the weak drivetrain live! I'll post pics soon..
#229
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Aurora, IL
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '92 Firebird
Engine: Poncho 455
Transmission: TH400
Axle/Gears: 12bolt
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
ive thought about the shakerhood and im trying to work that out
#231
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Aurora, IL
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '92 Firebird
Engine: Poncho 455
Transmission: TH400
Axle/Gears: 12bolt
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
if i can get enough interest, ill make sets of motor mounts. for the swap seeing how there is no responce from chiefmanyhorses.com.
#233
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Casselberry, FLA
Posts: 2,771
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
Car: 88 V6 'bird/89TBI bird/85 T/A
Engine: 2.8/TBI/TPI
Transmission: V8 T-5/700R4 x2
Axle/Gears: 3.42 open/2.73 open/ 3.27 9 bolt
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
I was gonna make my own as well. How much for yours? I might buy them depending on the style. Will you be using the old A-body style mounts or the late 2nd gen style that uses Pontiac clamshells and normal chevy style lowers. I was gonna try 2nd gen like these in the picture. These are Olds V8 mounts for the 2nd gen but the Pontiac mounts are similar from about 77 to 81.
#234
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Aurora, IL
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '92 Firebird
Engine: Poncho 455
Transmission: TH400
Axle/Gears: 12bolt
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
the motor mounts i bought 2 years ago, just bolt to the side of the block where the factory pontiac mount bolted, and has 2 fingers come off that to go over the factory 3rdgen engine mount.
i think $50 shipped in the lower 48 would be reasonable
i think $50 shipped in the lower 48 would be reasonable
#235
Member
iTrader: (9)
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Erie PA
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2008 Silverado, 73 LeMans, 1987 GTA
Engine: 4.8, 350 Pontiac, 350 LT1
Transmission: 4L65E, TH350, T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 2.73, 3.42
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
do those particular mounts keep the engine low enough for a stock hood?
#236
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Aurora, IL
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '92 Firebird
Engine: Poncho 455
Transmission: TH400
Axle/Gears: 12bolt
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
umm maybe with a q-jet and a stock intake.
but i doubt youd beable to run a air cleaner.
with my poncho, torker intake, 1" carb spacer, and a proform 750, i need a 4" hood to clear that, and i have to run a drop base air filter assembally.
but i doubt youd beable to run a air cleaner.
with my poncho, torker intake, 1" carb spacer, and a proform 750, i need a 4" hood to clear that, and i have to run a drop base air filter assembally.
#237
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Casselberry, FLA
Posts: 2,771
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
Car: 88 V6 'bird/89TBI bird/85 T/A
Engine: 2.8/TBI/TPI
Transmission: V8 T-5/700R4 x2
Axle/Gears: 3.42 open/2.73 open/ 3.27 9 bolt
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
I would buy them for 50 dollars.
I need to see a picture of them first, and I need a little more info. Are they designed so that with a trans adapter the 700R4 will bolt back in it's stock location?
Let me know...
I need to see a picture of them first, and I need a little more info. Are they designed so that with a trans adapter the 700R4 will bolt back in it's stock location?
Let me know...
#238
Member
iTrader: (9)
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Erie PA
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2008 Silverado, 73 LeMans, 1987 GTA
Engine: 4.8, 350 Pontiac, 350 LT1
Transmission: 4L65E, TH350, T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 2.73, 3.42
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
its a loooong frickin thread so i dont exactly remember, but i though the other mounts from whatever that company is that wont respond lowers the engine somewhat... ill re-read the entire thread later...
#239
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
Has anyone used the motor mounts from www.pontiacgroup.com ? Thier price is $90.
#240
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Aurora, IL
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '92 Firebird
Engine: Poncho 455
Transmission: TH400
Axle/Gears: 12bolt
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
Has anyone used the motor mounts from www.pontiacgroup.com ? Thier price is $90.
http://www.pontiacgroup.com/enginepa...part/10776.htm
#241
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Casselberry, FLA
Posts: 2,771
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
Car: 88 V6 'bird/89TBI bird/85 T/A
Engine: 2.8/TBI/TPI
Transmission: V8 T-5/700R4 x2
Axle/Gears: 3.42 open/2.73 open/ 3.27 9 bolt
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
I see they have also discontinued their Indian Adventures Pontiac headers for 82-92 F-bodies as well...
#243
Member
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Clawson, MI
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1992 Firebird
Engine: TBI 305
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
Any word on the mounts for the true pontiac block yet? And has anyone found a alternate source for headers yet? Also I have a question I know their not the best performance wise but why can't we use stock log style manifolds from a 2nd gen I was looking at my 305s on my car the other day and they look almost the same to me. Am I just being an idiot and they exit in the middle of a cross member or something?
#244
Member
iTrader: (9)
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Erie PA
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2008 Silverado, 73 LeMans, 1987 GTA
Engine: 4.8, 350 Pontiac, 350 LT1
Transmission: 4L65E, TH350, T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 2.73, 3.42
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
i wouldnt see why ram air manifolds wouldnt fit... theyre basically factory headers http://www.ramairrestoration.com/cat...products_id=39
#245
Member
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Clawson, MI
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1992 Firebird
Engine: TBI 305
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
i wouldnt see why ram air manifolds wouldnt fit... theyre basically factory headers http://www.ramairrestoration.com/cat...products_id=39
PS I just checked out those ram air headers and they fit the 71-1/2 to 81 f bodies.... So wouldn't they exit in the same place as the more stock ones? It would seem like they would and if thats the case I can use the stockers I already have until I can afford the real deal or make some headers.
Last edited by Formula_Fire; 06-26-2008 at 07:23 PM.
#246
Member
iTrader: (9)
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Erie PA
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2008 Silverado, 73 LeMans, 1987 GTA
Engine: 4.8, 350 Pontiac, 350 LT1
Transmission: 4L65E, TH350, T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 2.73, 3.42
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
yes but they flow way better that normal manifolds. and from the looks of it no one at the moment makes headers...but i dont see that being a problem to use the factory manifolds..
#248
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: N. Syracuse, NY
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 99 Subaru, 92 GMC Van, 95 Bonnie
Engine: LOTS of them
Transmission: LOTS of those too.
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
THe pontiac engines in relation to the mounts.... if you measure the crankshaft centerline on a pontiac in relation to the mounts, and measure a chevy motor the same way, you will see that the pontiac motor mounts of any kind will just not work. Thye will leave your engine raised up about 3 inches higher than it should be.. this throws off your drivetrain geometry by alot.. this is also the reason many people find the need to use a cowl hood. I have "mocked" my complete engine in my firebird body with the crank in the correct position/height, and with a Torker manifold, Q-jet, and 3" aircleaner, it all fit with no problem. Only problem I had with anything clearing was the alternator setup. This, as far as the 1973 brackets that were holding it on, needs to be relocated.
As for manifolds.. Last time i looked, (couple years ago), you can buy reproduction Ram-Air manifolds. they exit straight down, so clearance is not an issue. they will clear everything. Just sucks that they are so heavy. But they'll work in a pinch. If you go with the "engine swap" shorty headers, they have to dump out at the rear of the motor.. that's the only place for room for all the pipes to exit at. my whole project has been on hold for YEARS and parts are spread out between 2 different parts of town in 2 buildings or I'd have put pics on here years ago. The "big car" headers i have clear EVERYTHING except the unibody frame. One company made these headers but modified the last 8 inches to angle in towards the trans and clear the frame. There was then a "Y" pipe made that joined the collectors right behind the trans pan and off to the side where the normal exhaust runs.
I wish all those pics were still on the Performance Years pontiac website. It was a VERY well done setup. And the engine fit the bay perfectly. The opening picture on this thread is what you get when you try to just dump in a pontiac motor with pontiac mounts. It sits up WAAAY too high. And once completely assembled with tranny and tranny mount, the motor will all be tilted back causing even more clearance problems. Anyways.. pretty sure this has been said numerous times thruout the thread, but people still keep talkin about it and asking about it to no avail.
ANyways.. It'd prob help if others started posting their pictures of whatever they have going on and of anything they've encounters or come up with to solve a problem.
As for manifolds.. Last time i looked, (couple years ago), you can buy reproduction Ram-Air manifolds. they exit straight down, so clearance is not an issue. they will clear everything. Just sucks that they are so heavy. But they'll work in a pinch. If you go with the "engine swap" shorty headers, they have to dump out at the rear of the motor.. that's the only place for room for all the pipes to exit at. my whole project has been on hold for YEARS and parts are spread out between 2 different parts of town in 2 buildings or I'd have put pics on here years ago. The "big car" headers i have clear EVERYTHING except the unibody frame. One company made these headers but modified the last 8 inches to angle in towards the trans and clear the frame. There was then a "Y" pipe made that joined the collectors right behind the trans pan and off to the side where the normal exhaust runs.
I wish all those pics were still on the Performance Years pontiac website. It was a VERY well done setup. And the engine fit the bay perfectly. The opening picture on this thread is what you get when you try to just dump in a pontiac motor with pontiac mounts. It sits up WAAAY too high. And once completely assembled with tranny and tranny mount, the motor will all be tilted back causing even more clearance problems. Anyways.. pretty sure this has been said numerous times thruout the thread, but people still keep talkin about it and asking about it to no avail.
ANyways.. It'd prob help if others started posting their pictures of whatever they have going on and of anything they've encounters or come up with to solve a problem.
#249
Member
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Clawson, MI
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1992 Firebird
Engine: TBI 305
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
THe pontiac engines in relation to the mounts.... if you measure the crankshaft centerline on a pontiac in relation to the mounts, and measure a chevy motor the same way, you will see that the pontiac motor mounts of any kind will just not work. Thye will leave your engine raised up about 3 inches higher than it should be.. this throws off your drivetrain geometry by alot.. this is also the reason many people find the need to use a cowl hood. I have "mocked" my complete engine in my firebird body with the crank in the correct position/height, and with a Torker manifold, Q-jet, and 3" aircleaner, it all fit with no problem. Only problem I had with anything clearing was the alternator setup. This, as far as the 1973 brackets that were holding it on, needs to be relocated.
As for manifolds.. Last time i looked, (couple years ago), you can buy reproduction Ram-Air manifolds. they exit straight down, so clearance is not an issue. they will clear everything. Just sucks that they are so heavy. But they'll work in a pinch. If you go with the "engine swap" shorty headers, they have to dump out at the rear of the motor.. that's the only place for room for all the pipes to exit at. my whole project has been on hold for YEARS and parts are spread out between 2 different parts of town in 2 buildings or I'd have put pics on here years ago. The "big car" headers i have clear EVERYTHING except the unibody frame. One company made these headers but modified the last 8 inches to angle in towards the trans and clear the frame. There was then a "Y" pipe made that joined the collectors right behind the trans pan and off to the side where the normal exhaust runs.
I wish all those pics were still on the Performance Years pontiac website. It was a VERY well done setup. And the engine fit the bay perfectly. The opening picture on this thread is what you get when you try to just dump in a pontiac motor with pontiac mounts. It sits up WAAAY too high. And once completely assembled with tranny and tranny mount, the motor will all be tilted back causing even more clearance problems. Anyways.. pretty sure this has been said numerous times thruout the thread, but people still keep talkin about it and asking about it to no avail.
ANyways.. It'd prob help if others started posting their pictures of whatever they have going on and of anything they've encounters or come up with to solve a problem.
As for manifolds.. Last time i looked, (couple years ago), you can buy reproduction Ram-Air manifolds. they exit straight down, so clearance is not an issue. they will clear everything. Just sucks that they are so heavy. But they'll work in a pinch. If you go with the "engine swap" shorty headers, they have to dump out at the rear of the motor.. that's the only place for room for all the pipes to exit at. my whole project has been on hold for YEARS and parts are spread out between 2 different parts of town in 2 buildings or I'd have put pics on here years ago. The "big car" headers i have clear EVERYTHING except the unibody frame. One company made these headers but modified the last 8 inches to angle in towards the trans and clear the frame. There was then a "Y" pipe made that joined the collectors right behind the trans pan and off to the side where the normal exhaust runs.
I wish all those pics were still on the Performance Years pontiac website. It was a VERY well done setup. And the engine fit the bay perfectly. The opening picture on this thread is what you get when you try to just dump in a pontiac motor with pontiac mounts. It sits up WAAAY too high. And once completely assembled with tranny and tranny mount, the motor will all be tilted back causing even more clearance problems. Anyways.. pretty sure this has been said numerous times thruout the thread, but people still keep talkin about it and asking about it to no avail.
ANyways.. It'd prob help if others started posting their pictures of whatever they have going on and of anything they've encounters or come up with to solve a problem.
I think that's about it. From everything I've seen its not that bad of a swap people just make it out worse than it is. It would probably take about the same effort to drop in a 454 or something like that and I would bet you couldn't keep your stock hood either. The nice thing about this swap is. 1. if your a pontiac guy then you have a true blue poncho engine in your car to brag about and. 2. If you do it right the car looks completley stock and you have a awesome sleeper with tons of torque.
Last edited by Formula_Fire; 07-06-2008 at 12:54 PM.
#250
Senior Member
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Beech Bluff,TN
Posts: 751
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Trans Am Convertible
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3:08
Re: Pontiac V8 Swaps
Yep got that, use the aftermarket conversion mounts to get the engine in the right position which only cost like $80 to $90 (or make your own). Dump in a th350 and mod the crossmember, or alternativly use a adapter kit ($90) retain your 700r4 or get a BOP pattern 200r4 from a G-body. Either make a set of custom header or use either stock 2nd gen F-body manifolds (bad performance) or spring for a set of repo ram air manifolds ($500). As far as the alternator goes you can either change the mounting setup or from the pics I've seen its only a little off you could probably modify the bracket. Stock radiator should be up to the task if not the aftermarket has a TON of stock mounting radiators for our cars. Exhaust is pretty straight forward stuff just run your own and have it dump before the rear wheels or have a Y-pipe made and have it go into a free flowing 3" aftermarket catback system. Plumb up fuel and sending units and your good to go. I would think that weld in subframe connectors with this setup would be a must for any mill making decent power.
I think that's about it. From everything I've seen its not that bad of a swap people just make it out worse than it is. It would probably take about the same effort to drop in a 454 or something like that and I would bet you couldn't keep your stock hood either. The nice thing about this swap is. 1. if your a pontiac guy then you have a true blue poncho engine in your car to brag about and. 2. If you do it right the car looks completley stock and you have a awesome sleeper with tons of torque.
I think that's about it. From everything I've seen its not that bad of a swap people just make it out worse than it is. It would probably take about the same effort to drop in a 454 or something like that and I would bet you couldn't keep your stock hood either. The nice thing about this swap is. 1. if your a pontiac guy then you have a true blue poncho engine in your car to brag about and. 2. If you do it right the car looks completley stock and you have a awesome sleeper with tons of torque.