Engine swap on a 1984 Pontiac Firebird
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Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
Car: 1984 Pontiac trans am
Engine: Original engine
Engine swap on a 1984 Pontiac Firebird
Hello all. New to this thread and site. I recently picked up a 1984 Pontiac Firebird, the engine is original, and still in good running condition(68,000 original miles). I wanted to eventually swap out the motor. My goal is to have a daily driver, but with some kick in the horse power. My mechanic joked and said we should put a corvette engine in, but reading these threads, it seems the more horse power, the more you have to re-enforce the frame? Also, I am unaware of everything I will be getting myself into when I begin this process, I have a rough idea of how much engines cost, but I would like to hear from people that have already been through this, or know what to expect, what needs to be done to the frame, what possible problems I might come across(as you can probably tell, I’m not a mechanic). I am by no means rich, and will have to achieve this restoration over time, so any advice, any ways to avoid mistakes, any and all suggestions are so much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
-Jason
Supreme Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 3,047
Likes: 826
From: Colorado USA
Car: '83 Firebird (T/A Clone)
Engine: 350 with L-69 components
Transmission: 700R-4, 2000 RPM stall converter
Axle/Gears: 10-bolt/3.73 ..
Re: Engine swap on a 1984 Pontiac Firebird
Nice looking car...
Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 147
Likes: 8
From: California
Car: 1991 Camaro Z28 Convertible
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700r4
Re: Engine swap on a 1984 Pontiac Firebird
Could start maybe looking into the suspension and brake systems upgrade and maybe subframe connectors. Thats what i did while i am stuck between swapping in a 350 stock or planning for future ls3 erod engine since im in california and desire same as your goal,faily driven with some nice power for the fun times
Re: Engine swap on a 1984 Pontiac Firebird
The expense of an engine swap isn't really the cost of the engine, it's the nickle and dime stuff that you'll want to address while you're at it. The cleaning, detailing, small parts that will need changed, regular preventive maintenance items, etc are where you'll spend the money. Who puts in a brand new engine with a used waterpump, used starter, used radiator? Themostat, gaskets, hardware, hoses, wiring, well you get the idea.
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,556
Likes: 812
From: South Ms
Car: 89 Firebird
Engine: 355 TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt.Posi-3.73s
Re: Engine swap on a 1984 Pontiac Firebird
You can pickup a crate Vortec 350 these days for around $1800. Can swap and Alex spring kit and you have a 300hp engine that easy.Sometimes you can run across good deals on lower mileage 350s cheap because so many folks are going LS. I picked up a 70k mi L98 for $500 not long ago from a guy going to an LS. I will have more $ in the little things Drew said than the engine itself. You could also put a cam, better heads, intake, and carb on your 305 and probably have plenty of power it's just according to what you want, and what you want to spend.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
Car: 1984 Pontiac trans am
Engine: Original engine
Re: Engine swap on a 1984 Pontiac Firebird
Yeah I see what you’re saying, that’s where I don’t want to make any mistakes.. thanks for pointing that out, changing the wiring, radiator, pumps, etc..
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