Thread: swaping engines

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i am probably going to put a 454 in my 73 firebird which used to have a 350 and i need to know what i should do to the suspension and frame if i am going to put it in, and i could use some more info on swaping a 350 pontiac for a 454 chevy.
THANKS

Tranny has to change to a Chevy tranny I belive and the motor mounts are also diffrent ( I think ) but the suspension should hold the weight because the 1974 bird had the 455 option and the last year for it ( I think '73 had it also ) and I don't think they changed the suspension cause the weight diffrence wasn't much btween engines.

Yes, there was a weight difference. However, before swapping a 454 into anything, be sure that you have a transmission capable of handling it(t-400). Also a stout Rear-End is in order. Finally, have the frame checked. Due to the Age of your car, you may find that the extra weight from the Big Block will cause bowing in the front framerails. Hope this helps.

You should consider putting on new body mounts where the subframe connects to the body tub. If the 454 is going to be anything other than stock, a set of frame ties would be in order, maybe even a 6 point roll bar to tie things together nice and tight. The 'bird guys will let you know for sure, but I believe the starter is on the left side of the poncho motor, where a chebbie motor has a starter on the right side. This will mean moving the battery tray and some of the wiring over to the other side of the motor. You will also more than likely need a bigger radiator to keep the 454 cool. Does the car still have the 10 bolt rear end in it?? They will take some abuse but if you are going to run some big bitey meats or slicks on the back, either a 12 bolt GM or a 9" Ford narrowed and with bird mounts on it would be a good investment.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Dave Severson
You should consider putting on new body mounts where the subframe connects to the body tub. If the 454 is going to be anything other than stock, a set of frame ties would be in order, maybe even a 6 point roll bar to tie things together nice and tight. The 'bird guys will let you know for sure, but I believe the starter is on the left side of the poncho motor, where a chebbie motor has a starter on the right side. This will mean moving the battery tray and some of the wiring over to the other side of the motor. You will also more than likely need a bigger radiator to keep the 454 cool. Does the car still have the 10 bolt rear end in it?? They will take some abuse but if you are going to run some big bitey meats or slicks on the back, either a 12 bolt GM or a 9" Ford narrowed and with bird mounts on it would be a good investment. [/QUOT


thanks a lot for answering my questions it has took a while to get anyone to answer them, but i wouldent puting any sliks on it or anything.im thinking now that i should put a 350 chevy in it but 454 and 396 chevys have been mostly what i have been finding. i would also like the power a tork from a big block but what ever is the easyst and chepist is the best cuz im still in high school.

THANKS

Originally posted by Dave Severson
You should consider putting on new body mounts where the subframe connects to the body tub. If the 454 is going to be anything other than stock, a set of frame ties would be in order, maybe even a 6 point roll bar to tie things together nice and tight. The 'bird guys will let you know for sure, but I believe the starter is on the left side of the poncho motor, where a chebbie motor has a starter on the right side. This will mean moving the battery tray and some of the wiring over to the other side of the motor. You will also more than likely need a bigger radiator to keep the 454 cool. Does the car still have the 10 bolt rear end in it?? They will take some abuse but if you are going to run some big bitey meats or slicks on the back, either a 12 bolt GM or a 9" Ford narrowed and with bird mounts on it would be a good investment.

Besides a new engine and trans what other kind of things should i get to get my car up and runing good with as much power as possible. im a teen ager thats all i care about i admit it. but i still want my car to hold to gether i do care about that. hahahah

350 chevies are easy to find. Pick up a swap sheet, go to a junkyard ect. Personally, i would get a 350 pontiac. A bit harder to find, but a lot more of a bolt in .since you had a 350, most of the hardware is already in place. Just be sure to complete all major repairs before putting it in. Headers/cranks/flexplates/rear mains are all a lot easier when it is in the air.