Pontiac 455 swap. sooooo much fun.
#151
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Shelton
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 Pontiac Firebird Formula
Engine: 350 4BC Vortec
Transmission: 4 Speed
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: Pontiac 455 swap. sooooo much fun.
What ever came of this build? As it seems to just have fallen off with not much of a write up and or pics of the completed work.
I know someone has documented their engine swap. In the early 80s I know this is what "HARDCORE PONTIAC FANS" were doing. Here is a list of things they had done:
77-79 Firebird/TransAM Motor Mounts $24.99 ea
Custom Headers $1000.00
or Ram Air Exhaust Manifolds $259.00 ea (Re-Man)
Custom 3" drive shaft (to handle the torque)
Splice oil pressure wire (oil pressure sending unit)
I know someone has documented their engine swap. In the early 80s I know this is what "HARDCORE PONTIAC FANS" were doing. Here is a list of things they had done:
77-79 Firebird/TransAM Motor Mounts $24.99 ea
Custom Headers $1000.00
or Ram Air Exhaust Manifolds $259.00 ea (Re-Man)
Custom 3" drive shaft (to handle the torque)
Splice oil pressure wire (oil pressure sending unit)
#152
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Massachuesetts
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: Pontiac 400
Transmission: 4L80e
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Pontiac 455 swap. sooooo much fun.
i got mine in yesterday and took pics but havent uploaded them.
I used:
My stock frame mounts and 72 catilina engine mounts
72 catilina manifolds both rear exit
i got the adapter plate off of tci for 60 bucks so i got to use my stock tranny
the y-pipe i had an exhaust shop just move the outlets a bit and thats about it
oh when i lowered the motor onto the frame mount the motor was a bit crooked
so i chopped both off and made it not crooked and welded the mounts in place im firing it up in a few days and will be putting plenty of pics i want everyone finishing theres its an easy swap
I used:
My stock frame mounts and 72 catilina engine mounts
72 catilina manifolds both rear exit
i got the adapter plate off of tci for 60 bucks so i got to use my stock tranny
the y-pipe i had an exhaust shop just move the outlets a bit and thats about it
oh when i lowered the motor onto the frame mount the motor was a bit crooked
so i chopped both off and made it not crooked and welded the mounts in place im firing it up in a few days and will be putting plenty of pics i want everyone finishing theres its an easy swap
#154
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Virginia
Posts: 990
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
Car: 1992 Firebird
Engine: 350TBI
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: Ford 9in 4.10
Re: Pontiac 455 swap. sooooo much fun.
They should be, if im not mistaken the 455 and 350 are almost like a 305 chevy vs a 350 chevy, different block, very similar design. But im not sure, im no Pontiac expert.
#155
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Savannah GA
Posts: 814
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1982 Trans Am
Engine: 383 chevy
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 4th gen 10-bolt, posi, 3.42 ratio
Re: Pontiac 455 swap. sooooo much fun.
same shiite, different displacement. it's the difference between a 305 and a 400 SBC. the physical installation is the same, however. I'd do this if I could afford to build a Pontiac.
#156
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: BFE, MD
Posts: 4,461
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 13 Ram 1500/ 78 Formy
Engine: 5.7 / 7.4
Transmission: 6sp / TH350
Axle/Gears: 3.55 posi / 3.23
Re: Pontiac 455 swap. sooooo much fun.
any old Poncho battlewagon or GP/Pheonix should have a nice donor engine, just gotta look. craigslist is a nice source
#157
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 455 swap. sooooo much fun.
Just make sure to upload the pics, especially the motor mounts and exhaust. I am thinking about this swap and would prefer NOT to do this one with no insight (like I did the olds/buick swaps) so please help!!
Great job to those who have done it!!
Great job to those who have done it!!
#158
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 455 swap. sooooo much fun.
any pontiac engine from 65 till 78 or 79 are dimensionally the same. 326, 350, 389, 400, 421, 428, 455. bore, stroke, and crank journal size are the differences (all used 3.00 inch mains except the 421, 428, and 455 which used 3.25 mains.) the 265 and 301s are short deck engines=junk. 64 and before are similar but have many differences (heads, intake, timing/water pump cover etc)the later 70s 400s have weaker blocks as the main webs are thinner. unless its a service replacment block or earlier one, its best not to make huge HP engines out of em.. one way to tell what a pontiac engine is, pull the intake and look in the lifter valley. there will be 2 numbers. like my 72 455 has "5 5" cast into it, meaning its a 455. it is also on the front of the engine on the pass. side (the vehicle VIN and a 2 letter code for the engine) im sure theres much i missing, but its some good info...
#159
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Massachuesetts
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: Pontiac 400
Transmission: 4L80e
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Pontiac 455 swap. sooooo much fun.
ok i got the car in the lift ill take some pics tomorrow i used the stock frame side mount as factory. Then for engine side mounts i used the saddle or u shaped mounts out of a 74 catalina which was my donar car
I also used manifolds too instead of this header crap which seems like a pain other than that the swap was pretty tit i even used the stock tranny
I also used manifolds too instead of this header crap which seems like a pain other than that the swap was pretty tit i even used the stock tranny
#160
#161
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Shelton
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 Pontiac Firebird Formula
Engine: 350 4BC Vortec
Transmission: 4 Speed
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: Pontiac 455 swap. sooooo much fun.
ok i got the car in the lift ill take some pics tomorrow i used the stock frame side mount as factory. Then for engine side mounts i used the saddle or u shaped mounts out of a 74 catalina which was my donar car
I also used manifolds too instead of this header crap which seems like a pain other than that the swap was pretty tit i even used the stock tranny
I also used manifolds too instead of this header crap which seems like a pain other than that the swap was pretty tit i even used the stock tranny
It would be nice if there were pictures to go along with what is being stated about this project. As I have heard of people doing it but have yet to see it documented. Please post some pics.
#164
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 455 swap. sooooo much fun.
Need those pics...
#165
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Massachuesetts
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: Pontiac 400
Transmission: 4L80e
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Pontiac 455 swap. sooooo much fun.
just got in a bad bike accident so im gonna be in the hospital for a bit. Once i get out ill take those pics
#167
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Woodstock, GA
Posts: 2,259
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 Trans Am
Re: Pontiac 455 swap. sooooo much fun.
Wow, this thread is a blast from the past! I still have the '87 TA, and I'm finally about to get started on it. I have my own shop now, so its been on the backburner. I'll post pics as soon as I have some. Someone talked me out of my 455 years ago, so this time I'll go 400 (stock stroke) and give it a little boost!
#168
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 3.1 l v6
Transmission: 700r4
Re: Pontiac 455 swap. sooooo much fun.
I'm thinking of doing this swap myself. I'm tired of my v6 fuel injection giving me fits, and I am ready to go with an old school carbed engine.
If any one could make a complete guide with some pictures of the motor mounts, transmission mounting & hookup, exhaust manifold clearance as well as exhaust hookup, drive shaft fitment and any wiring that is needed. Also, any other information of the instilation would be helpful.
Thank you guys for all the information and I can't wait to build one myself.
If any one could make a complete guide with some pictures of the motor mounts, transmission mounting & hookup, exhaust manifold clearance as well as exhaust hookup, drive shaft fitment and any wiring that is needed. Also, any other information of the instilation would be helpful.
Thank you guys for all the information and I can't wait to build one myself.
Last edited by K.C.Kustoms; 02-25-2011 at 09:23 AM.
#169
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Savannah GA
Posts: 814
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1982 Trans Am
Engine: 383 chevy
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 4th gen 10-bolt, posi, 3.42 ratio
Re: Pontiac 455 swap. sooooo much fun.
so basically, you want someone to do all the hard work for you.... gotcha. good luck with that.
instead, read this thread and the Pontiac V8 swap thread, and keep watching for updates.
instead, read this thread and the Pontiac V8 swap thread, and keep watching for updates.
#170
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 3.1 l v6
Transmission: 700r4
Re: Pontiac 455 swap. sooooo much fun.
I'm sorry if I offended you but I am new to cars not to mention engines and would just like a little direction. I have read through a bunch of these threads and have gotten a pretty good idea on how everything is put together and what is needed but a lot of them do not show how everything came together with pictures.
Thank you for the information though. I can't wait to get started on this project.
Thank you for the information though. I can't wait to get started on this project.
#171
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 455 swap. sooooo much fun.
What ever happened here?
#172
Re: Pontiac 455 swap. sooooo much fun.
If this thread is still going and you're looking for a good flowing, but fit in tight spaces exhaust, consider oversized repro factory cast headers, guys out there with 500+hp flowing through them:
http://www.ramairrestoration.com/cat...?cPath=31_2_21
Also, hit this site for friendly guys to help pick the right parts:
psp.aquacomp.net
These motors are so fun...with a $400 455 craigslist block, for about 4-5K if you don't do anywork yourself and buy the off the shelf good stuff, you can have a 450-500hp and 550+ torque motor....with all the power by 4500-5000 rpm, and most of it there by 1500rpm. You could do it way cheaper if you can do your short block and find some iron heads and drop 1k into the heads to have them ported, larger valves, and properly setup. no small block 6000 rpm stuff here! and it'd run off of 91 octane and live forever. The problem you'll have is eating transmissions, rears and twisting cars from having too much fun...if you can get traction!
http://www.ramairrestoration.com/cat...?cPath=31_2_21
Also, hit this site for friendly guys to help pick the right parts:
psp.aquacomp.net
These motors are so fun...with a $400 455 craigslist block, for about 4-5K if you don't do anywork yourself and buy the off the shelf good stuff, you can have a 450-500hp and 550+ torque motor....with all the power by 4500-5000 rpm, and most of it there by 1500rpm. You could do it way cheaper if you can do your short block and find some iron heads and drop 1k into the heads to have them ported, larger valves, and properly setup. no small block 6000 rpm stuff here! and it'd run off of 91 octane and live forever. The problem you'll have is eating transmissions, rears and twisting cars from having too much fun...if you can get traction!
#175
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Moyock NC
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 firebird V8 base
Engine: 1968 400 +.060
Transmission: TH400
Axle/Gears: stock 3.08 looking for G80 3.43
Re: Pontiac 455 swap. sooooo much fun.
Hey spdmetl
I am doing this swap NOW but mine is a 400 puched .060. I have photo documented most of the whole project.
I am doing this swap NOW but mine is a 400 puched .060. I have photo documented most of the whole project.
#176
#177
Re: Pontiac 455 swap. sooooo much fun.
Anyone moved forward? I love following these builds. I think it's awesome people are going outside the box instead of going corporate SBC BBC or LS. Not that there is anything wrong with those, I just enjoy the "outside of normal" approach. Great job folks. Tons of great info on this site, it's definitely one of my favorites.
#178
Re: Pontiac 455 swap. sooooo much fun.
in the true Pontiac world the 301 was it's own block, with it having no mechanical relationship with the 326-455s except for the timing chain cover and valve covers,. Most of us old timers never considered it a true Poncho engine just like most Chevy guys hate the 305 like we hate the 301 lol
#179
#180
Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: ct
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
Received 40 Likes
on
37 Posts
Car: 84 Trans Am
Engine: Turbo 301
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: Pontiac 455 swap. sooooo much fun.
2nd gens work on the set-up, but not a bolt in. Need-ta drill new holes, (in the K-frame cross-member) in the proper location. Altho there are multiple holes down there, "none" are for a Pontiac V-8. At least on my 84. Can't say about 82-83.
#181
Re: Pontiac 455 swap. sooooo much fun.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post