Does anyone know how much trouble it would be to put a 455 Wildcat big block for an old 67 buick into my 86 trans am.

 

Here's a start. https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=223394

 

Putting a 455 in now, as the money comes.

Issues you will face...

You need convesion mounts from TA Performance. These aren't designed for a thirdgen so you will have to drill holes for the frame mounts after you center the engine as much as possible.

The engine has the BOP pattern, so you either put in a TH400 or 350 with a BOP pattern or get a bop adapter from jegs for your current tranny.

Exhaust will be completely custom and forget long headers. TA Shorty heads may work, its not been tested.

The oil filter may not clear, so you may have to use a remote filter.

Exhaust manifolds may fit, may require modification, or may require firewall modification. People have reported all three.

The torque from these engines can destroy your frame, so subframe connectors are needed. Also the rest of the drivetrain will need upgrading if you want them to live behind the 455.

V8buick.com seems to think the 800cfm Buick quadrajet is the best car for a street driven 455, supposed has mor e low end grunt, and better fuel economy.

Your engine probably will come with a points distributor, you may want to think swapping to a HEI unit that was available for later 455 motors.

Finally, Buick Big Blocks had oil issues, TA Performance sells parts to fix this. You will probably have to address this issue for any high performance usage.

 

A few links to help you out...

My thread on V8 buick.com
http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=37763

A guy who done the swap before I started on V8 buick
http://v8buick.com/showthread.php?th...5&pagenumber=2

TAperformance
www.taperformance.com

 

When I do these type of swaps, I usually:
A. Remove everything out of the engine compartment.

B. Place the mounts on the new engine (frame side also).

C. set the engine in the bay, staighten everything and then mark on the chassis where the mounts need to be.

D. Weld the mounts in place.

E. Put all components back in place.

Always works for me.

 

I have a 3rd gen camaro that i put a buick 455 in. The manifolds on the passenger side didnt quite fit so i had to cut out part of the firewall but it was no problem. as for the engine mounts i just used the stock mounts and welded them to the frame and it worked fine. The stock hood didnt fit so i had to cut a hole in the center for the air filter. as for the oil filter get a Napa 1042 it is small enough to clear but will fit the engine.

 

If you decide to weld in the mounts, remember the engine is offset to the passenger side something like an inch to an inch and a half. When I stuck mine in my '73, I didn't notice this until I cut a hole right in the middle of the hood (I have just stuck a tunnel rammed engine in my 3rd gen and I see it it still the same story). It is like this to compensate for driver weight during cornering.