[71SportRagtop]

I've run into a bit of trouble on the build up of the existing 400 in my 68 Firebird. Bottom line is that I have to explore other options.

Rather than take the motor to the machine shop for a full rebuild in mid-March hoping to have it done for say mid-May, I've decided to bite the bullet and just purchase an entirely new motor for the car.

I came a cross a built 428 not far from me for what looks like a good price. I'm wondering if there would be any unknown issues in removing my existing 400 and dropping the 428 in it's place.

Has anyone done this swap? Any hidden issues??

Here's the description the guy sent me of the 428:

pontiac 428 engine completely rebuilt. Block bored .030 over with new flat top pistons and reconditioned rods with arp bolts. Heads are 6x casting with new valves, 2.11 intake and 1.66 exhaust with 3angle valve job done, new harland sharp full roller rockers. The cam is a hyd with .507 int and .510 exh lift and duration @ .050 is 240 int and 246 exh. up top is a performer rpm intake with a new holley 750 double pumper

[rohrt]

The only issue I could think of would be the motor mounts. For putting it in.

That cam sounds huge if its a street car, I might question the vacuum with it. It would be nice to have more details on the pistons, cam specs and machine work. I don't understand why someone going through a complete rebuild would not put forged rods in. With that cam duration your power will be in the upper RPMs past what is safe for stock rods.

I personaly would want to pick out parts myself as well as pick a machine shop that I trust to get it all right.

Are you able to hear it run? Is it already broke in to ensure you don't wipe a lobe and that the valve train is setup correctly. Would you have any recorse if there is a problem with it?

[b-man]

It's a direct bolt-in, no issues.

That said, beware of rebuilt engines sold by anyone other than a reputable Pontiac specialist.

[blueghoast]

Like B-Man said direct bolt in.
Just make sure it was built by a reputable builder.
That cam will be fine for the street as long as you
like a race type lumpity motor. I run bigger cams
than that in my street cars but that's what I like.
And there only my weekend drivers not daily.
Sounds like a decent motor if the price is right?
Just be sure to ask a lot of questions about the motor
and if there is a gauruntee that the motor is as posted.

GT.

[71SportRagtop]

The only reason I have a decent interest is that the seller claims the motor was built by Spott's Performance and claims to have receipts from Spott's for all the work done.

He's about an hour and a half away from me and wants $3K for the motor. If he didn't say that it was built by Spott's, I might pass but I know his reputation and it has me interested. My thinking is that I could score this for $3K, drop it in my car, and if it's the motor it sounds like I'd sell all my 400 stuff and rock this 428. Since I'm running a 4 speed and 3:73's my car would most likely be a beast.

I don't care about a lopey cam, my Firebird is a weekend cruiser only that goes to local shows and cruises and takes an occasional run out for ice cream on Saturday nights in the summer. Last year I did about 500 miles.

[tom s]

Call Paul and confirm whats in it.Most builders put some kind of their own numbers somewhere when the do a complete engine.Tom

[limejudge69]

I have a 69 428 w/13 heads in my 67 Firebird with 3.73 posi. It will get away from you in a hurry. I may eventually take the 3.73's out and replace them with 3.42's or 3.23's. 428's have gobs of torque and the 3.73's are a little deep for my liking. However, when you want to play, it's ready to go.

[71SportRagtop]

Originally Posted by limejudge69

I have a 69 428 w/13 heads in my 67 Firebird with 3.73 posi. It will get away from you in a hurry. I may eventually take the 3.73's out and replace them with 3.42's or 3.23's. 428's have gobs of torque and the 3.73's are a little deep for my liking. However, when you want to play, it's ready to go.

Your car sounds nasty. Right now my 68 Bird has a bone stock 290HP 400 in it. The 3:73's woke it up a bit but I still wanted more. I was only hoping to bump up performance a bit on my existing 400 but complications forced my hand and it's time for a change.

I've seen crate type Pontiac motors from a wide variety of vendors but they are pricey. This 428 is being advertised as drop in and go for $3K and since it was supposedly built by Spott's Performance, I have to consider it.

I had the same thoughts on gearing as well. My car is a local car show car. I don't take it far and I love how the 3:73's drive with the 4 speed. I know that a healthy 428 will be a world of difference from my bone stock 290HP 400. If this 428 is everything he says it is and if it runs the way I'm assuming it will, I would definitely be looking to go from my 3:73's to say 3:23 or 3:42.

[limejudge69]

Stock 428's were rated between 360-390 horsepower, depending on standard or HO. This was based on what heads, cam and exhaust manifolds were on them. Add headers, a better cam, mild head porting, a good carb and tune and you are at 400 hp easily. Couple that with 3.73's and I guarantee you'll have a smile permanently plastered on your face!

[Tim john]

You could not build that engine for 3K with machine work, confirm if it is is a Spotts engine and if so you have found a good deal and it wil be a pleasure to drive when you hit the go pedal.

Tim john---

[ANDYA]

I have a 428 with 722 heads in my 69 Bird. With a 4-speed and 3.73 rear it's a killer combo. The 4" stroke works great with a stick. Like others have said, make sure you check out that 428 before you buy it. If you have any doubts it may be better to build your own from scratch.

[b-man]

You also need to make sure the crank will accept a pilot bearing, not all are cut to fit one.

The crank will need to be removed for the machining operation if it's not already been done.

[steveK]

Ask the engine owner for the spec sheet from Paul Spotts Performance. Every motor he builds has a detailed build sheet with work completed.

[storminnorman]

don't know if you have seen this, but might want to check options
i'm not smart enough to add link, but look at craigslist Md Eastern shore 69 Pontiac 428

Norman

[nytrainer]

Here ya go
http://easternshore.craigslist.org/pts/4349646286.html

[PONTIAC LARRY]

Originally Posted by nytrainer

Here ya go
http://easternshore.craigslist.org/pts/4349646286.html

That looks like a hellavu good deal for new Eddie heads, Ceramic coated round port headers , a pop up piston 428 with roller cam complete, dual quad...etc.. wow

[4dblnkldude]

Pop it in youll like the extra torque. That's the xe 284 comp cam. I have that cam in my 455. I can imagine what that would sound like with less cubic inches. You will have a popcorn machine.

[71SportRagtop]

I'm trying to score this motor. I'm waiting to hear back that the crank is in fact set up for a pilot bushing. I need that since my car is a 4 speed and swapping to an automatic just isn't happening.

If the crank is set up for the pilot bushing, I should have this motor on my stand by Wednesday.

[71SportRagtop]

OK update time:

The seller contacted me and informed me that the motor is in fact set up for a pilot bearing/bushing, so I drove out and picked it up. I got a lot of extra's for my money too. He gave me a brand new Holley 750 double pumper carb already custom tuned for this motor, a case of Brad Penn break in oil, there is an HEI distributor in the motor and he gave me an extra one as well, and also an extra flywheel. He also included a custom made lifting plate that bolts up to the intake as well as a custom welded stand that supports the motor.

Here's a pic of the motor:



I also spoke with Paul Spotts today and I will be dropping the motor off at his shop in about a week. He's going to go over the motor, fire it up, break in the cam, and tune it for me. So when I get it back from him it will be all set up and ready to drop in and go!

I'm stoked!!!

[4dblnkldude]

Cool, you'll have it going by mid april or so.