Engine SwapEverything about swapping an engine into your Third Gen.....be it V6, V8, LTX/LSX, crate engine, etc. Pictures, questions, answers, and work logs.
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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 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 have a 92 Firebird with a V-6.... I also have a 350 Pontiac out of a 73 Ventura. Is a 455 swap and a 350 swap about the same?
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.
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.
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.
all depends on where you look. I picked up my 78 4o0 for a mere $2400. came w/free Formy body
any old Poncho battlewagon or GP/Pheonix should have a nice donor engine, just gotta look. craigslist is a nice source
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!!
__________________ "Towering genius disdains a beaten path. It seeks regions hitherto unexplored."
--Abraham Lincoln
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.
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...
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
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
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.
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!
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.
Last edited by K.C.Kustoms; 02-25-2011 at 10:23 AM.
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.
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:
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!
Eagerly awaiting pictures and information. 
