[ponyakr]

Originally Posted by SR-71

And everyone thinks I'm nuts to do the same with a G8. Get rid of the GM corporate motor and go pure Pontiac.

And what about one of the 21st century GTO's. That would be cool.

Anybody know of one of 'em with Pontiac power ? Should be some good candidates available nowadays, for a reasonable price.

https://www.carsforsale.com/vehicle/details/46082048

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...34158966654361

https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d...661302303.html

https://jonesboro.craigslist.org/cto...648941058.html

https://semo.craigslist.org/ctd/d/20...667244354.html

https://huntington.craigslist.org/ct...668032467.html

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/c...648718907.html

Well, that's just a few drivers. There are probably a few really cheap ones out there, if somebody wants a low budget project.

[Dragncar]

Originally Posted by SR-71

And everyone thinks I'm nuts to do the same with a G8. Get rid of the GM corporate motor and go pure Pontiac.

I think you are the man. Maybe someone can do it with one of the fake 2004+ GTOs.

[BruceWilkie]

The OP hasn't said street, street/strip, or race... None seem an easy path but end result could be awesome.
As an aside, these cars can be bought at low low prices.

[The Boss]

A member here has a 400 in his 3rd gen, not sure why you couldn't do it in a 4th.

[ponyakr]

"... these cars can be bought at low low prices..."


Yeah, I think I could have bought a nice 4th gen roller for $500. But after looking at the engine bay, I decided that, for me, a 4th gen was not a good deal, even if it was free.

And, to me, having a body that makes it easy to work on the engine, is a must. And this is especially important for a race car, since more engine work is needed. Can't count the times I pulled engines in & out of my '69 GTO, over the 15 year period I raced it. The only problem I had was one particular header bolt, on some Hooker headers, while running RAIV heads. Had to grind down an open end wrench. No other way to turn the bolt.

Anyhow, engine work was no problem on any of the '76 & older A, F, & X body cars I raced. So, if for racing only, I'd go with one of the older cars, which actually came with a Pontiac engine.

And, as mentioned, the '82 Bird was intended to be available with the 301 engine. So, it's not that hard to do a Pontiac powered 3rd gen. I think it has been mentioned that, for a while, a company offered headers & motor mounts for that purpose. In fact, you can still read old threads, in which these parts are mentioned. I know I've read some on the 3rd gen forum.

Most say that the late 2nd gen mounts work great in a 3rd gen.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/engi...r-3rd-gen.html

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/engi...-v8-swaps.html

There was a long 3rd gen thread here, awhile back.

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=748495

[mgarblik]

Looking the three engine bays over, the 4th gen F-body is the toughest transplant, visually. A 2004-6 GTO looks like it would be much easier and a cool car when finished. I see these cars kind of beat up all the time now for well under 10K in driver condition. Some kid would be waiting at your door for that GTO LS slug for whatever project they had going for $1000-$1200.00. Then you could go to work building a nice car. G8's are still a little too new and I haven't really seen any great deals on them yet. Probably in 2-3 years high mileage, poorly cared for ones will start showing up for 10K or less. Like the idea of a 4th gen with Pontiac power, but lots of work and at least moderate fab skills would be required.

[Sirrotica]

Since I own a 05 GTO I've surveyed the engine compartment for a Stratostreak swap, and there appears to be plenty of room. This is only a preliminary look see because the LS engine has a front sump so steering to oil pan interference is unknown without a test fit. The G8 is very similar in construction so would probably be very similar in constraints.

Electrical and wiring compatibility would be most likely a little tougher. The electrical challenges is what usually stop the 4th gen F body swaps that I've seen.

[mgarblik]

Agree, physically swapping the Pontiac engine into the GTO/G8 would not be the toughest part. But the electronic's side is getting easier every day as more and more plug and play harness and components are available. I bet in the next 5 years, this swap will be easier yet and more affordable. Run the crap out of the LS a few more years, then make the switch. The cost of doing a nice conversion be it a 4th gen F-body or GTO/G8 is going to be high for now, unless you can work out the electronics and wiring yourself. Then their still may be some emissions issues for road use in some states. An aluminum IA II in any of those cars would peg the "cool" meter in my book.

[azbirds]

This is a friend's 83 MSE T/A. I talked him into letting me put a 455 with KRE D-ports in to get rid of the boat anchor with cease fire injection. Just out of paint and doing trans and interior now. Everything functions but the a/c, and that's next. It is streetable, and hauls butt!!

[goatless]

Originally Posted by Dragncar

I think you are the man. Maybe someone can do it with one of the fake 2004+ GTOs.

Shameless plug... I have a cheap 2005 GTO body shell in the performance parts for sale section.

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=820933

[BruceWilkie]

There's enough tuner software for LS and LT versions of these cars factory EFI shouldn't be much of an obstacle. Size the injectors and fuel pump to the application and refine the tune. Yes some states are tough on emission rules. Regardless the electronics don't know or care what brand it's controlling.
The aftermarket systems like MS3-PRO and Holley Dominator are better way IMO they have tons of options and plenty of data capability. Self learning and you can even lock in a tune.
TN has discontinued emmision testing although counties can still do it if they want to fund it. Only 6 counties we're doing it previously. My county was one. If they keep inspection I can register in my sister's county or if 25 yr old register as antique and be exempt.(convertor still required ).

Anyway most EFI aftermarket stuff is no harder to learn than today's androids and i-phones.
Agree Mike an aluminum block Pontiac in a 3rd Gen, 4th Gen bird or late GTO or G8 pretty cool stuff.

[BruceWilkie]

For headers...
Years ago Indian Adventures offered headers for g bodies and 3rd gens... No longer made but could possibly fit fourth gen ok. If you find a used set at low enough price it might be worthwhile.

Headers can be modified.

Try a used set of 2nd gen or a body headers.the steering box is fwd of the engine so should be close enough to modify for fit. The control arm brackets might be in the way. Possible 1st Gen might be close too. Mopar small block tube spacing is near same as Pontiac and starter in similar location so a junk set of those might make a good model to fit to Pontiac flanges.

[azbirds]

I can't remember what headers we used but only one pipe in the driver's side needed moving.

[GILLIGAN]

very helpful thanks to all

[GILLIGAN]

thought i would just stay on the island
with (MARYANN)
coconut cream pie -delicious
TEJAS

[bpenrod]

I bought a rear end from a member here from Springfield, Illinois, his son had a fourth gen drag car with a Pontiac engine. Can't remember his name, probably 6-7 years ago.