[Skidmark]

Wondering what the difference was in 301 vs 403 TA. I'm guessing sway bars, transmission stuff like that. I ask because I've seen a few nice 301 TAs lately. Didn't know if putting a 400 or 403 in one would be worth the effort.

[bhill86]

I could be wrong but I think front springs would be different and maybe some small wiring differences and motor mount locations. Otherwise transmissions should bolt up to either and there shouldn’t be any significant differences. I THINK

[tom s]

350-400 pontiac would be more EZ.Fuel pump,starter clutch linkage in same spot as 301.The exhaust port locations are a inch or so lower and inboard from std deck pontiacs.Tom

[Maxthe222]

Absolutely no differences in terms of suspension. Transmissions were also the same, both received the TH350 in T/A applications. Both could be optioned with the WS6 handling package. 403 Oldsmobile engines do not have compatible brackets with the Pontiac V8, but mounts, starter location, fuel line locations etc, are all the same if not very similar.

[Poncho Dave]

Air cleaner and shaker bases are different.

[Skidmark]

Thanks for the Input. Just thinking that swapping in a 400 / 403 could be a fun car to modify and beat on. They handle so well.

[tom s]

Over the years I have swapped shortdeck pontiac back and force from std decks with pretty much no issues.Exhaust was always the little rub.Very little.Tom

[tom s]

Just a FWI,it was in a 69 first gen.Tom

[RubberDuckie]

Originally Posted by Maxthe222

Absolutely no differences. 403 Oldsmobile engines do not have compatible brackets with the Pontiac V8, but mounts, starter location, fuel line locations etc, are all the same if not very similar.

One could even say that given the completely opposite locations and orientation that the fuel pumps and fuel lines between Olds and Pontiac are very much not the same or similar.

If swapping out a 301, the other Pontiac engines would be easier, minimal mods, but still needs the full bracket and air cleaner setup to work, as would the Olds or other, moreso with a TA that requires the correct shaker and mounting arrangement.

[Maxthe222]

Originally Posted by RubberDuckie

One could even say that given the completely opposite locations and orientation that the fuel pumps and fuel lines between Olds and Pontiac are very much not the same or similar.

If swapping out a 301, the other Pontiac engines would be easier, minimal mods, but still needs the full bracket and air cleaner setup to work, as would the Olds or other, moreso with a TA that requires the correct shaker and mounting arrangement.

Good point, what I think I was trying to say was the carburettor fuel inlet line, where the Olds carbs on a T/A and the 301 carbs have the line coming straight through the front of the carb, whereas the Chevrolet ones have the angled inlet.

[77 TRASHCAN]

Dropping in a Pontiac would be the absolute easiest swap.

Nothing wrong with an Olds 403, though...As mentioned above you'll need to get a donor engine with ALL the pulleys and brackets. Seems like I've read here (?) somewhere that when swapping Pontiac V-8's the brackets need to be from aan "A" or "F" bodied car. The brackets from a full sized car may not allow the hood to close. Can anyone here conform.

Just an FYI, Pontiacs and Oldsmobubbles take the exact same starter!

The fuel line situation on an Olds may be redidied by using braided hose of some kind, of course routing it in a proper manner.

I know that the Olds shaker is unique, but I wonder if the 301 shaker would work on the 301? anyone???

[Skidmark]

Originally Posted by 77 TRASHCAN

Dropping in a Pontiac would be the absolute easiest swap.

Nothing wrong with an Olds 403, though...As mentioned above you'll need to get a donor engine with ALL the pulleys and brackets. Seems like I've read here (?) somewhere that when swapping Pontiac V-8's the brackets need to be from aan "A" or "F" bodied car. The brackets from a full sized car may not allow the hood to close. Can anyone here conform.

Just an FYI, Pontiacs and Oldsmobubbles take the exact same starter!

The fuel line situation on an Olds may be redidied by using braided hose of some kind, of course routing it in a proper manner.

I know that the Olds shaker is unique, but I wonder if the 301 shaker would work on the 301? anyone???

I would prefer 400 over the 403 anyway. There is always a part of me wanting to stay period correct. Figuring a 79-80 TA would have had
a 403, but a 79 4 speed would have had a 400 I believe. With 2nd generation TA prices seemingly getting stronger, I think the 301 cars especially the 4 speeds will do well. Here is an example. If posting this link is against the rules moderators please delete.
https://www.maplemotors.com/inventory/5090/info.php

[77 TRASHCAN]

Skid,
That car in the link would be an excellent candidate for a 400 or 455.
Even a low compression completely stock 400 from any Pontiac made with them towards the end of the 400's use in Pontiac cars.

I wonder if the shaker used on 301's could be used on a 400 and fit properly?
Years ago i bought a shaker scoupe. It had no engine displacement number on it. I only paid $20.00 for it. I saw the price and did NOT ask any questions, thinking I got a bargain........I took it home and possibly found out why. There are air filter housings that are smaller the my 400's. I wonder if the 301's and 305's are the same???

[bhill86]

I believe 301 bases are taller to accommodate the “shorter” 301. So you can’t use a 400 setup on a 301 and vice versa. I ran across this when I was looking to find a cheap 301 to throw in my car just to keep it drivable while I did some engine work. 305s were also different but I forget why to be honest.

[Skip Fix]

You will need to source 400 alternator and PS brackets if doing the swap but motor mounts are the same.

My 81 has a 400 in it and the 301 T is on a stand.

[jerry455]

I would rather have a Pontiac over an Olds, but that is just me and probably most people here on this forum. It seems the Pontiac V-8 is the easiest to swap for the 301.