I want to swap my v-6 out of my 82 firebird se and would like to know if a ram air 502 would fit. if not would a ram air 350 be a good choice power wise. what auto trannys could I use with these engines?

 

Welcome aboard.

"Fit" is a relative term. Yes, you could get either one between the frame rails and stick the top through a hole in the hood (or put on a hood scoop). You'd be able to hook gas, electricity, throttle, driveshaft, etc. up to either one. Any Chevy V8 type transmission could be made to work. But, this is not a cookie cutter type of installation.

Do you have emissions testing or inspection in your area? Neither will pass. You could get a 350 equiped like an '82 305 to pass, however.

Give us a better idea what you plan on doing with this car when you're done. Generally, though, you're better off selling your V6 car and buying a factory V8 car. If you insist on keeping your '82 'Bird, then check through the posts on this forum for details on putting a V8 in a V6 car.

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82 Berlinetta, orig V-6 car, now w/86 LG4/TH700R4. 2.93 limited slip. Cat-back from '91 GTA, Accel HEI SuperCoil. AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Daily driver, work-in-progress (LG4 w/'87 LB9 block, ZZ3 cam and intake, World 305 heads, Hooker headers & y-pipe, 3" Catco cat & 3" cat-back).
57 Bel Air, my 1st car. 0.030 over 396, 9.7 CR forged TRWs, Weiand Action+, Edelbrock 1901 Q-Jet, GK 270 cam, Magnum rockers, Jacobs Omnipack, 1-3/4" Hedders & 3" Warlock header mufflers, TH400 w/TCI Sat Night Special conv & Trans-Scat shift kit, LT MegaShifter, 3.08 8.2" 10-bolt w/Powertrax, AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Best 15.1/95.5 @ 5800' Bandimere.

 

What's a ram air 502 or a ram air 350?

Any small block V8 is a relatively easy swap. If you want to go to a big block, search through the archives. There are many posts about how to do it. Buying a factory 502 engine is just another big block. Doesn't matter if it's a 502HO or a 502/502 (ZZ502). As long as it's not a tall deck block, it will fit with a bit of planning but it's still not a direct swap.

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87 IROC-Z SuperPro ET Bracket Race Car
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i recently built a 1982 firbird for my father to have some fun with. the 350 that i put into the car went in fairly easy but the car i picked up already had the v-8 frame mounts in it. you can make any engine fit depending on how mechanically enclined you are. it really depends on what you want the car to do. any project like this is going to require modifications of one kind or another.just remember to do your homework and everything will go smooth.you can use a 700-r4,th-350 or th-400, if there built right they will more than take anything you can dish out. for the th-350 and 400 thier is a special mount to mount the tourque arm to the trans. actually any modifing you have to do is the least of your worries, once the 350 is in and running it's going to be traction!!!

 

I assumed "ram jet" was mistakenly called "ram air", hence the comment about sticking through the hood.