Hi guys

New to this board but figured this would be the place to post. I am contemplating a longterm project of putting a 400 Pontiac motor into a 1990 Formula. I wanted it to look as stock as possible and possibly be able to fool the smog guys as they do not look under the car's bonnet to see what your running. I do, however want something that would be compatible with the computer in the vehicle. I was thinking of going TBI. The Formula was originally an LB9, but the harness has been removed for another person's v6 to v8 swap. I would obtain a wiring harness, TB, sensors, and computer (custom prom made) from a boneyard and install them on this car. I would also obtain a 2004-R tranny and related hardware. I would also mount the various sensors into the Intake manifold and heads as necessary. Basically, I need to know what Intake manifold I would need to mount the TB --( 2barrel or 4 Barrel). Also, what size TB should I get (and what vehicles have them)? Any thoughts or comments are appreciated.

 

Get a 4bbl manifold made for the poncho and a Holley 4bbl-> tbi adaptor, or you can even make you own. PAW sells them for like $13 so I didnt even bother lol (thanks Tas!).

Id definitely look into a holley 670 or 454 SS tbi unit for your application, the stocker wont be large enough if you plan to make power over about 230 hp.

 

How can you NOT run more than 230 HP with a Poncho 400?

You're gonna have to find motor mounts also. If you do a search in the Motor Swap board you'll see there's a guy that had a heel of a time trying to find them. I guess you'd be better off making your own.

As far as the TBI, you will certainly need at least a 670 Holley unit. Actually a Commander 950 TBI (also from Holley) would be better since a 400 is gonna need a lot of fuel and air. Then you get the benny of DFI!!!!! :rockon:

And with that tranny swap, you shouldn't have any problems other than a new crossmember and diff. length driveshaft, but those two things are a cake walk.

Certainly sounds like a "log term" project. Just for simplicity sake you may want to look into a SBC 400. That way you can still say it's a 400. :sillylol:

AJ

 

a 455 poncho is the same size as the 400 externally. Why not that. Also no headers for the poncho.
I'd go chevy 400

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys...

All of this will be taken into consideration. I was never one to take the easy way out, so a Poncho 400 is the choice for me !