i have 2 engines...a pontiac 400 (factory 180 hp)that is in this 78 ta i bought (it didnt come factory in this car) and i have a chevy 396 out of a chevelle SS...which one should i build for this car? which will give me more HP and which is the better engine etc..thanx

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1990 Firebird
(400+HP 350 still in progress)
Complete custom interior
License Tag `URLOSIN`

 

You''l have a whole lot easier time getting the Chevy engine in there, since you won't have to deal with mount or trans bolt pattern problems. Parts are cheaper and easier to come by for the Chevy as well. The 78 TA Pontiac motor was one of the worst ever; the equally sick Chevy 350s from the same years were faster. On the other hand, all the SS396 Chevelles I have ever had (several), came with 325 or 375 HP 396s.... hmmm, strong 325 HP almost bolt-in, dog 180 HP major hassle.... I'm struggling here...

What part of TN are you in?

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"So many Mustangs, so little time..."

 

Which "this car" do you mean: the '78 TA with the 400, or the '90 Firebird in your signature?

Either way, the 396 has more power now than the 400. However, the tranny in the '78 may not bolt up to the 396.

If you had a 455 instead of the 400, I'd say go with it. But, I kinda like the 396 myself, still. Hey, it's a Rat (the baby Rat, perhaps, but still a Rat).

Oh, the 325 HP 396 was a "gross" rating, i.e., no accessories powered by the engine, open intake & headers, etc. The 180 HP 400 is a "net" rating, basically running normal engine accessories like water pump and alternator, through an as-installed intake and exhaust system, etc.

The 400 can be made to run, but it would be more expensive, like RB said.

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82 Berlinetta, orig V-6 car. Rescued w/86 LG4/TH700R with all harnesses, sensors, ECM, etc. 2.73 open. Cat-back from '91 GTA, Accel HEI SuperCoil. AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Daily driver, work-in-progress (LB9 w/ZZ3 cam, exhaust, paint, etc.).
57 Bel Air, my 1st car. Currently 396 .030 over, Weiand Action+, Edelbrock 1901 Q-Jet, Jacobs Omnipack, 1-3/4" headers, TH400 w/TCI Sat Night Special conv & shift kit, 3.08 10-bolt, AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Best 15.1 @ 5800' Bandimere. Daily driver while Camaro was being put together.