Hello, long time reader, first time poster. Just purchased a 1987 Trans Am with no motor in it, the engine bay is completely gutted, I purchased a Carb'd 305, and 700R4 Transmission. Please take a look at pictures and tell me EVERYTHING I am going to need. Such as: Radiator, fans, fluid resvoirs, starter, ect. I will be doing the work myself with a friend who has swapped out engines but never a full install sort of like this. I just want to know what all to purchase. Like I said, so far all I have is the Car, Motor, and Tranny.

 

Car body is SOLID, no rust really even underneath. I got the car for $400, cost me $200 to trailor home from OH to PA. I got the motor for $500, Trans for $200. So far only $1,300 into the car, and I get to build it how I want.

Interior will be next, once it's running. Going to replace the whole thing, seats, carpet, etc..

 

What you said, for starters.

Can't see if the engine has a distributor, and can't tell what type of q-jet that is. A pic like you posted with the air cleaner off, and from the back of the engine, would help. Can't see if you have any exhaust manifolds - if you do, they have to be for an f-body or they won't fit. If you don't, might as well get headers of one type or another.

The transmission needs a torque converter - did you get one? How about cooler lines? Does the engine have the flexplate? If so, what size is it? 3rd gens used 12.75" diameter flex plates, a lot of small block Chevys used 14". If you have one, need to make sure it's the right type for your crank and your torque converter, and you get the correct starter for it.

If the car originally had a carb'd engine in it (8th character of the VIN = "H"), then the throttle cable is probably the correct one. However, the transmission needs a cable going to the carb as well (called the "throttle valve" or "TV" cable). And, you'll need a bracket to hold them both.

You're missing the heater box (heater/AC if you go that route), and windshield wiper motor. Assuming they aren't inside the car, anyway. What engine mounts are on the engine? Finding the right ones for a 3rd gen f-body can be a little tricky. The mounts on the K-member look like the right ones. You'll need a long bolt for each side.

Do you have a driveshaft? Power steering pump? Alternator? Dip stick? (both engine and transmission). I think I see a fuel pump on the engine - often people don't use the correct one for a 3rd gen (has a return line as well as supply and output lines). Doesn't appear that you have the fuel line from the pump to the carb, though (I might still have one laying around). I'd guess you don't have the A.I.R. pump, even though the diverter valve for it seems to be there.

Unless it's just not in the picture, I don't see any hint of an engine wiring harness, either.

Something tells me the tires were flat when you got the car. I'd certainly consider a full new set rather than put my life at stake with rotted rubber or broken belts.

There's probably more, but that's also probably enough to worry about for now.

 

Thank you for the reply! The motor was supposedly pulled from a Camaro.

The Car originally had the Carb'd 305 in it, and I think those are the original motor mounts.

As for the wheels/Tires.. I am looking for a good set of GTA's, but first thing first is dropping the motor in and getting it running.

 

It has the Q-jet Carb (not sure which) on it and Hedman headers.

 

Post a pic without the air cleaner, and we will be able to tell you.

The computer type has an electrical connector on the top front right corner, and on the front left corner. The non-computer q-jet won't have those.

Did you get a Y-pipe with the headers?

 

Well, I was going to pick the motor and trans up today, when a friend text messaged me and found a wayyyyy better deal. Small change of plans, same engine and trans but we found a complete running Camaro to swap all the stuff from. Pictures to follow.

 

Here is the Camaro.. Man this thing needed saved.. Look at this TERRIBLE hood scoop:




Here is a pic of the motor with the air cleanor off:

 

So NOW my question is.. I have a 91 Camaro and a 87 Trans am. I want to put the Motor and Transmission in the 87 Trans Am, will EVERYTYING from under the hood of the complete Camaro work on the Trans am?

How about other things like windshield, t-tops, center consol, etc..

Thanks again!