I recently acquired a 1985 Firebird with a blown 2.8L V6 in it. I have a fresh Pontiac 400 and TH350 I want to drop in it. I've heard that it is a fairly straightforward swap as long as you don't have headers on it and you use a remote oil-filter. Has anybody done this swap and have any advice for me? Thanks!

 

C'mon, no one has done this before?

 

Bob8748 is doing it. I plan on doing it one day (need to get a car and engine and mate them together.

Dick Duclow at chiefmanyhorses.com has a kit to install Pontiac motors into third gen F-bodies.

Do a search as this topic has come up more than once recently

 

Yeah, I just did a search. I totally forgot about that feature it has been so long since I've been over here. I sold my 92 and I stopped coming. I have a monster 400 and built TH350 to go in the car, I guess I need to start worrying about rearends, now. Thanks for the info!

 

Hi ya Birdman
What everyone told me is getting headers are impossible... well Dick Duclow is building them too. You will definately need a stronger rear. I'm going with a narrowed 12 bolt with 456's. Hope to get the engine in this summer. Hard to do on a working mans budget. Hey... My frame mounts arrived as I was Typing. Need the v8 frame mounts for the install kit. COOL. Let me know about your combo... heads, intake carb, etc. I'm looking at 530 hp goal. I'll keep you informed when the engine goes into the car.

 

Can I just run the stock manifolds? I could care less whether I run headers on the car or not. I have a mildly build 400, 40 over, TRW internals, mild cam, 3-angle valve job, p&p, Holley 1850 650 cfm, Edelbrock Performer intake, 10:1 compression, etc. It is an original W72 motor also.

 

Dont see why you cant run the stock manifolds. Mine is a W72 also but is far from stock. Mine is going together so slow you will probably have yours installed before mine. Even with the milder 400 I would worry about the rear axle. That is "my opinion" the weak spot of the F-bodys. You WILL need subframe connectors. The problem will be getting the car to hook up. I bought the SouthSideMachine kit from Summit. Lift bars, subframe connectors, etc. But then switched to back halving the car with ladder bars. The kit looked like good quality parts but runs about $500.00. But you dont want to just sit and spin either. I am also looking into Painless Wiring kit. No computer controlled BS to deal with. As far as the performer intake, not one of my favorites. My engine came with one and I gave it away. It is basically a stock intake with the only advantage being the weight savings. (idle to 5500 rpm). You may want to check into the Performer rpm. (1500 to 6500 rpm). $189.95 from Summit. And no I am not a Summit employee...lol. My plans are a little more radical, but you will love the feel of power when you get her on the road. Good luck.

 

The motor I have is also a W72. I think the project might be on hold for a while. I just got a good 81 TA that only needs a motor and some reassembly. My motor will be going into that. I'll wait till I build my next motor for the 85. Might be a few years now, though. I have to buy a new car trailer. Thanks for all the help, though!

 

be a great engine for the 81