This is for my '85 Firebird. I am sick of the 278,000km 2.8L P.O.S
so I want to swap in a 400 Small block for some real fun.

What's Involved??? anyone done one ??

Any tips ??

HELP!!!!


Thanks to anyone who responds.

 

Well it is a good choice I must say. But it will require some work, as the Trans from your car will not work with a V8, so you will be looking at getting a new trans, and make sure that what ever heads are on the 400 sbc that you drill out the appropriate Steam holes. Here is a pic that RB83L69 posted once. it has two of the 4 steam holes circled. The two circled need to be drilled on a angle. You will need to get some 400 sbc head gaskets, these will allow you to mark any heads without them with a center punch, and make sure what ever head you use have these holes. The two holes on the exhaust sid eof the head are just drilled straight in, the tow hole on the intake side of the heads are drilled on a 45 degree angle towards the exhaust side.

 

This is how I bought my Rotating Assembly for my SBC 400.

Wiseco Forge Flattop Pistons $419.00 (dirtrackthunder)

Eagle Forge H-Beam Rod 6" $335.09 (Gofaststuff)

Scat 9000 Cast Steel Crank $222.50 (cnc-motorsports)

Clevite main and Rod Bearings $54.00 (fomokid1988)

TOTAL COST $1,030.59

I can be done on a tight budget, just have to do a little surfing and bidding

Machine work will cost a few Cino's........

 

there are 2 parts to this.


1. you have to build the 400 right for the street... this means steam holes, ect..

2. you have to set the car up for a healthy V8.... this means diffrent trans with correct blance flywheel/flexplate, correct mounts, diff radiator if needed, diff acc brackets if needed, ect...

 

Thanks guys, I've got the motor Part handled (pro Engine builder built)

I was just wondering what I am going to have to do to the body and chassies to make it run .

I 've already planned for subframe connectors , a new Trans, new rear end ( not sure which one) , new hood (if the old one dosen't fit).



If I swap the rear and trans will I need a new Driveshaft???

 

It all depends on what trans and rear you use.

 

The rear end you have will probably be fine unless you put slicks on it. The tires will spin before the axle gets overloaded if its got street rubber on it.