I would like to replace the existing LU5 from a 1982 Trans Am (automatic transmission) with another V8 engine with about ~400hp, looking for your recommendations. Can also be a new engine, just needs to be reliable and I want to keep the original cowl induction hood. Can the standard TH200C transmission handle 400hp?

 

forget about"400 horsepower"and just swap in a good 350 for~250-300 real horsepower-you can even use the crossfire injection at those horsepower levels if the right modifications are done to the CFI.TH200s generally had trouble holding up to 145 hp LG4s,so a mild 350 likely to cause trouble...TH200 can be built to handle decent power(2004r in the GN has many of the same internals)but swapping a 700 into an '82 is very easy and cheap and will handle the power not to mention having overdrive.

 

Hi 8t2 z-chev, thanks for the reply. Sounds reasonable.

 

You can keep the hood, but keeping the cowl induction functional is going to be an issue without some serious fabrication.

So, reliable, 400 HP, and new is okay...

Not quite 400 HP (BTW, where did that number come from?), but the factory development shop actually put one of these in a 3rd gen:
http://www.chevrolet.com/performance...m-jet-350.html
Add the 4L65E & controller, reliable and warranty.

You're serious about the 400HP? Well, here you go:
http://www.chevrolet.com/performance...gines/ls3.html
All the engine & drive train stuff you'll need right there. Add the Hooker LS swap mounts & exhaust, cool beans.

Hey, you didn't mention budget. But if that's no issue, that would be my recommendation.

Can't help you with the cowl induction system, though.

 

Hi five7kid,

I have already moved away from the 400hp. My purpose is not driving races. I am located in Germany and sometimes want to drive it on the Autobahn and just wish to go fluently with the traffic (on the fast lane, but main purpose is cruising and enjoying a powerful V8 sound and engine). Budget is not so much the point as it will be a unique project. Thank you for your input.