View Full Version : Crate 350 in 1980 trans am?
rawkroller
05-04-2007, 06:01 PM
So I am thinking of taking out my 4.9 turbo crating it for safe keeping and installing a crate 350 zz4 for some power.
Is this a easy task?
Will it line up well?
Will my trans bolt right up?
I would like to keep the turbo 301 but I want some power and I would like to keep it small block my last two cars were big block and I want something different.
Any advice would be great cuz I am planning to start saving my pennies for the zz4.
Jack Gifford
05-05-2007, 01:37 AM
If you were of the "Keep it Pontiac" persuasion, you could very easily build a 'warmed up' Pontiac 350.
(As a bonus, then you wouldn't need to 'hide out' in this 'bastard' forum- you could go main-stream on all the other great PY Pontiac forums!)
bastard
05-06-2007, 01:42 AM
Cool, my own forum!
Seems like it would be easier to put a Pontiac engine in it. To fit that Chevy crate engine in there, you'll need a different transmission, different engine mounts, you'll need to scrounge up some accessory brackets to fit the Chevy engine, etc. Save your pennies and keep it all Pontiac.
WDCreech
05-06-2007, 02:35 AM
Cool, my own forum!
Seems like it would be easier to put a Pontiac engine in it. To fit that Chevy crate engine in there, you'll need a different transmission, different engine mounts, you'll need to scrounge up some accessory brackets to fit the Chevy engine, etc. Save your pennies and keep it all Pontiac.
bastard forgot to mention that the starter is on the other side, so you'd have to rewire for that.
Jeff Walker
05-06-2007, 06:34 PM
bastard forgot to mention that the starter is on the other side, so you'd have to rewire for that.
And the fuel pump too...
Easier to put another Pontiac engine in it. Motor mounts and part of the accessory brackets from your 301 will work on any 70-77 Pontiac engine.
rawkroller
05-07-2007, 06:34 AM
Yeah I gave up on the 350 idea I am know trying to speed up the 301T. If I get a new motor it will be Poncho!
WDCreech
05-07-2007, 10:46 PM
You don't have to give up on the 350 idea, just the 350 chebby idea. A 350 Pontiac will fit right in there and run almost as good as a 400 and have more torque than the 301.
bastard
05-18-2007, 04:13 PM
Turbo up a 400 or 455? Thats what I was thinking is it possible to keep my turbo set up but replace the 4.9 with a poncho 350 that would be cool!!
Would it work to swap the engines and keep everything else the same?
No.
The 301 uses completely different heads than the bigger Pontiac engines. And with a bigger engine, you will want a bigger turbo, or even better two small ones; in which case you will be doing enough plumbing changes that it will be just as easy to start fresh. You might want to keep the 800 cfm Quadrajet from the 4.9, but you will want to have it reworked to feed the bigger engine.
The 301T was an interesting engine in its day, but the head design was a deal breaker. The siamesed intake ports limited flow for serious high power build ups. This engine also had a weird crankshaft that had strength and balance issues.
As far as "swapping the engines and keeping everything else the same," you may be able to use some parts from your 301 on the bigger engine, such as the oil pan, valve covers, starter, and various ancillary accessories.
You may find some good information here (http://www.pontiaczone.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=541) as well.