Vgm

I know this is a bit off topic but I thought someone may be able to help me. I found an 1980 Trans Am with a Turbocharged 301 and I had heard those engine were horrible. I own an 88 GTA how easy would it be to swap the 350 from that into the 80 Trans Am. Would I need to buy anythingg or would it fit right in? Thank you.

david068513

iTrader: (2)

this will probley be locked but it shouldnt be to hard just like any other swap. I wouldnt want to cut up two nice orig. cars thou. If i did it i woulfd just get another 350 they are cheap anyway.

Vgm

Alright thank you il look into getting another 350 I keep forgetting theyre cheap. You wouldnt happen to know any sites that may have an article for this would you?

89RsPower!

keep in mind you need the swap the trans as well, a 301 is a pontiac engine and has a BOP bellhousing, a 350 out of an 88 trans am is a chevy engine and has a chevy bolt pattern. It will not bolt up to the pontiac trans.

Vgm

So then would it be easier for me just to find a pontiac 400 engine?

89RsPower!

It should really be a pretty easy and straight forward swap, you could most liklely get any parts you need by just ordering them for a camaro of the same vintage.
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finding a pontiac 400 would probably prove much more difficult, it would bolt to the tranny though if thats what your asking. You'd probably end up paying more also, and since they havnt been made for such a long time you'd probably end up buying one and rebuilding it or buying a rebuilt one.

Vgm

All right so either way im not going to be able to drop the other engine right in. Thank you for you help. Now i just have to decide if its worth it to buy the car just to have to change the engine out.

89RsPower!

personally if there wasn't anything wrong with the 301 in it I'd just buy it and drive it as is, unless you're trying to make it into a drag car or a street racer or something..