Just came into a Olds 455 with 500 Hp and want to swap into my 84 bird need info on how to proceed worked th350 will also go in with it all suggestions welcome . Including how to get more HP . Don't say nitros already have 150 shot ready if I ever blow up this 2.8 I'm runing now. Again all help appriciated. Thanks

 

Somebody must have some knowlege of this swap. All help appriciated.

 

There's no reason why it can't be done. You have to do your own fabrications and modifications to get it to fit.

A couple of things that come to mind are transmission bolt pattern. The chev bolt pattern is different from the B-O-P pattern. A B-O-P tranny would be needed.

Exhaust system would be need to be changed. Nobody make conversion headers for that swap so you'd have to get a custom set made up.

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Stephen's racing page

87 IROC-Z Pro ET Bracket Race Car and knocking on the SuperPro ET class
383 stroker (carbed) with double hump cast iron heads and pump gas
LS6 Big Block buildup now in progress for the 2001 racing season

Best results before the 383 blew up
Best ET on a time slip: 11.857
Best corrected ET: 11.163
Best MPH on a time slip: 117.87
Best corrected MPH: 126.10
Best 60 foot: 1.662

Racing at 3500 feet elevation but most race days it's over 5000 feet density altitude!
Member of the Calgary Drag Racing Association

87 IROC bracket car
91 454SS daily driver
95 Homebuilt Harley

 

oh my god, that would be a rocket! I'm not sure on the clearances of the fenderwells to the block, but you can make ANYTHING fit. The hood may also need to be changed for intake clearances. other than that rice burners will not stand a chance

 

I was going to go that route since I was given a Mopar 440. After doing reserch, I found that it was not worth my time or the amount of money, because I did not have the tranny that it needed.

The one thing I know is that the fenders are going to have to be customized. You also need a new radiator, and good stuff like that.

Here is a reply that I got on my club board when I asked the same question....

You are going to need custom motor and transmission mounts,custom driveshaft,bigger radiator and you may have to modify the oil pan.I know a way around the motor mount problem(they are called elephant ears)so this is the least of your worries.

Good Luck dude,
FireChicken (383)

 

Think twice about this one.

Thirdgen cars were originally engineered for a true Pontiac V8, but the 301 low deck, weak d##k version.

There have been swaps with 400's and 455's that make pretty righteous machines, but you at least have a head start with them.

To swap the Olds is going to be a world of hurt, from engine mounts to transmission compatibility ... you will have to custom fabricate every single piece to make it work.

And, at the end of the day, you have a Pontiac Firebird powered by and Olds. Ugh.

If you really love the Olds, go for it. But the smartest way to get more power is to sell the Olds and use the money to buy an SBC to do a mild buildup with ... or get sick and drop in a BBC with the Hooker swap kit.



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Bob
'87 Formula TPI 5-speed

 

I would swear that I read somewhere about a company that makes adapters to fit that kind of thing in and allow the trannies to bolt up. It was in one of my Car Craft mags or something. Maybe write the "answer guys" of those magazines and see if they know.

S.

 

Don't be surprised when that 455 squashes your springs flat and your front-end falls apart after the first pothole! Man, you're going to need to get the V8 springs, shocks, and any other front-end parts that are different between the V6 and V8 front-end. Move the battery to the right-rear of the car. It'll still be nose-heavy but it'll haul *** for sure when it's all done.

 

I'm sure you'd kill the v6 700-r4 real fast, however I'm pretty sure you could use it. The v6 700-r4 is a BOP bolt pattern trans, this is exactly what you need and why it can't be used with Chevy v8s. So you'd just need motor mounts and to drill out mounting holes for them. I have no clue what you'd do about headers however.

[This message has been edited by Get Blown ? (edited November 10, 2000).]

 

Bought a new 85 T/A and was so dissatisfied with the acceleration I put a .060 over 454 in it when the car has less than 5000 miles.

All in all, it wasn't that hard to do. Engine dropped right in. Kept the 350 TPI radiator too.

Frame had the dual bolt pattern already in there so bolting on the motor mounts was a piece of cake. Hooker made the headers.

Had to swap the starter cable and switch the battery to the opposite side. Cut a coil and a half off a set of Cadillac springs that I got a a wrecking yard. I'm sure better ones are available now.

I used aluminum heads to keep the front end weight down. Used a Turbo 400 because I couldn't find anyone who was making the kit to lock up the converter on the 700R4 back then. Don Hardy may have some stuff that you'll need.

Had to notch the driver's side valve cover to clear the wiper motor and hood clearance was a bit tight, but I still had a 2" filter and a Holley 850.

I'm sure that one of the Olds gurus has all the parts you need for the swap. Can't remember exactly his name, is it Mondello who has all the Olds stuff? Something like that. Grab an Olds mag from the newsstand.

Man did that 468 make the T/A fly.

Jake

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1986 Corvette Coupe, 415 CID, Edelbrock 6073s, ZZ9

 

Guarantee it'll fit. Olds motors have shorter deck heights than Buicks, and my pass. side valve cover just clears the a.c. box (after a touch of grinding on the box seam). Either Hot Rod, or Popular Hot Rodding had an article on swaps recently, I can't find it but it wasn't more than about 4 months ago. Car Craft just did a chart, but it's about useless (my opionon). You can't bolt to your existing tranny (Its not B-O-P, or Chevy. It's a FWD pattern) The Th-350 will go in with a custom crossmember and torque arm (check Spohn Perf.). Your other option is a 700R-4 with a Trans-Dapt plate (stock crossmember and torque arm will fit with F-body trans), or a 2004-R (custom torque arm, not sure on crossmember). I'm not sure if the V-6 driveshaft will work with the V-8 700 or not, but the 200, and 350 will require custom driveshafts. Front struts will work (kinda soft though). Springs will have to be changed to V-8. I'm not sure what the weight difference is Between an Olds and a SBC is but it can't be a whole lot. My Buick is only about 110# heavier than the original 305 cease-fire, and I can't imagine the Olds motor is more than about 40# heavier than mine. I've got an iron intake that is going away next year for an aluminum one that'll knock off about 35#. Anyways. Hope this helps.

Chris

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Torque is KING!
All pray to the god of grunt! When ye thinkth ye has been whupped than shall ye meet the mighty Buick! For none can surpass her majestic power, and all will yet try. All pray to the god of grunt. For the King of torque has arrived!
1. 82 Camaro+ 1. 455" Buick+ 1. N2O plate = YOUR WORST FRIGGIN NIGHTMARE!!!
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