Just got back from iraq got a 85 T/A that im droping a small block 400 into and i just had some questions about it do i need a beter fuel pump for something like that? its my first real engine swap so i want to cover all the bases before i do it and should i pull the trans with the motor or should i just pull the motor i was told it would be easyer to pull the tranny with it but my father (whom i dont argue with unless i have someone backing me up first) says i should just pull the motor and leave the tranny in the car. any help on this matter and is there anything i should be worryed about i mean the swap is from a 305 to a 400 so im not sure what else i should get for it to make sure the swap goes smooth. thanks for the help in advance.

 

welcome back. are you using the 5spd with the 400sbc? Im pretty sure and 85 305 will have a 2 piece rear main seal. So you will need at least a balance plate for the flywheel. (stock 400sbc are externally balanced) All accessories will bolt up. If 400 is stock fuel pump will be ok. As far as engine removal I think it is just as easy to pull them out together. Allows you to clean everything up before reinstalling it also. Motors are physically the same. It all depends on what your changing from stock.

 

balance plate for the flywheel how would i go about that? sorry first externaly balanced motor swap unfortunitly the motor didnt come with a flywheel and im doing this on a big budget so i hope this wont set me back too much and where do i go to find the properly balanced flywheel? and its a 700r4 tranny for now at least

 

SUM-G101SFI is the part number for the correct flywheel from summit racing. cost 49.95. make sure you use the front harmonic
balancer that came on the motor too. If it doesnt have one your will need to buy one of them also.

 

my hero

oh i heard i needed a new starter too but im not sure is that true?

 

You need a starter for a 168-tooth flexplate. I believe all 400 starters were 168-tooth, so if you get one for a 400 auto application, you should be in good shape.

Some have problems fitting such a starter with headers and go to a mini starter. Not a bad plan, and solves others problems as well (except for the budget part).

 

your old starter should work. I used a stock starter for a while. I even have hooker long tube headers. Only reason I switched was I went to the t-56

 

What about the knock sensors?
I was wondering that too because I plan on doing the same thing with my 91 and swapping to a TPI instead of TBI.

 

SuperTrans Man,

I read your post about your engine swap early last year and I have a similar project that I am considering. This is my first engine swap and I am wondering if you would be willing to pass along any useful information. I am planning on putting a Pontiac 400 (71 Catalina) into an 87 Trans Am that currently has a 305. How were you able to mount your engine? Is there a kit that you used? Where did you get it from? I am not exactly sure what questions I should be asking so any advice would be appreciated.

 

Actually, your swap is nothing like his. Go to the sticky in the top section of this forum about Pontiac swaps.