[Net-Op42104]

...as a father-son project my step-son and I want a '79 Trans Am with a Pontiac engine and automatic. We have found a VERY nice '79 with low mileage but it is obviously Olds Powered. How hard would it be to swap in a 400 based Pontiac stroker? Or would we be better off building a (sic) Olds engine for it???!!!???

*OBTW* this is my very first post here!!!

Thanks, Scott

[Net-Op42104]

...as a father-son project my step-son and I want a '79 Trans Am with a Pontiac engine and automatic. We have found a VERY nice '79 with low mileage but it is obviously Olds Powered. How hard would it be to swap in a 400 based Pontiac stroker? Or would we be better off building a (sic) Olds engine for it???!!!???

*OBTW* this is my very first post here!!!

Thanks, Scott

[Scarebird]

How much is the offset?

[Brian Baker]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Scarebird:
How much is the offset? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Significant...enough to not allow you to close the hood.

[Brian Baker]

Scott, this is a pretty straghtforward swap. You'll need engine mounts for the Pontiac. The "clamshell" portion of the mount that attaches to the frame is the same for the Olds or Pontiac, but the engine side of the mounts are different.

If you're keeping the th350 tranny, it will bolt right up to the Pontiac with no modifications.

You'll also need all the brackets/pulleys for the alternator, water pump, power steering, etc. from the Pontiac as the 403 Olds stuff is not interchangeable to the Pontiac.

Lastly, you'll need a Pontiac shaker scoop assembly (including the lower pan that sits on the carb). The Olds shaker is offset and if you try mounting it on the Pontiac, you won't be able to close the hood.

That's the bulk of it, but there will always be minor issues like exhaust and fuel lines.

I did this very swap with my 79 T/A. Drop me an e-mail if you have any other specific questions.