[RS 455]

The wife has a 68 RS Camaro. It's got a tired 350/turbo 350. It's been sitting for 10 years in the garage and needs a lot of attention. Motor and trans are not original. It formerly had a 4 speed. I recently picked up a 70 Grand Prix SJ totally rusted out and I mean totally. It has a 455 4 barrel, all original 120,000 miles and dual snorkel air cleaner. The code is XF, casting #9799140.It has a turbo 400 and a lot of options.I would like to put this motor/trans in the Camaro. Has anybody done it? What will I need as far as engine and frame mounts,springs,radiator,exhaust manifolds ect.Will the oil pan fit in this car.I am just interested in making a FUN driver to play with once in a while. I would appreciate any information or hints and advice you may have.I had a couple GTO's many years ago and I miss the excitement and fun of driving a powerful car. Thanks

[BILTIT]

I believe the 67-69 camaro, 67-69 firebird and 71-74 x-body's all have the same front subframe. You will need frame and motor mounts from one of these chassis (if it had a pontiac motor). I have the motor out of my 74 ventura (x-body), i could take some pics (for similarity comparisons) if you like.

[RS 455]

Biltit,Thanks for the mount info. I am pulling the Camaro motor this weekend so I won't need the pics. I imagine that using the the Firebird frame mounts will ensure I have no motor clearance problems with the firewall. How about the oil pan?

[BILTIT]

I think the mounts should take care of all clearance issues. As far as i know there should be no issue with oil pan.

[nonnova]

Originally Posted by BILTIT

I believe the 67-69 camaro, 67-69 firebird and 71-74 x-body's all have the same front subframe.

You are correct. The firewall is the same also. The only issue I had putting A Pontiac motor in my Omega was the brake booster but the early Camaros might be smaller. Also you'll have to re-route your gas lines to the drivers side.

[Jack Gifford]

Gotta love it- Pontiac-powered Camaro!

[harry k]

its called "Ponte-mero"

[Steve Barcak]

A Pontiac in a Camaro is a great idea. Your oil pan will work fine. As stated above, you will need Pontiac chassis mounts from a 67-9 Firebird or '71-74 Ventura. As for exhaust, your right manifold will fit for sure. For the left side, the early Firebirds used a center exit, your 70 GP uses a rear exit. Still I think the L rear exit will fit. You will have to try it. If you use the 400 thm, you will need to replace your trans crossmember or modify the one you have as the 400 has its mount further to the rear of the car. You can use the driveshaft yoke from the GP and have your Camaro driveshaft shortened to fit. The rest is pretty basic, use the brackets for alt, ps, etc from the GP.
Be sure to show pics when it is done or while you are doing it. We love to Pontiac engines going in chevies!
Steve Barcak www.pontiacheaven.org

[RS 455]

Thanks for the info Steve.

[limejudge69]

The rear exit exhaust manifold (driver's side) will work. The only issue is the heat generated so close to the starter. You might want to go with a mini high torque starter, or at the minimum a factory-style solenoid heat shield. a starter wrap isn't a bad idea either. Anything to reduce the heat and guard against hot soak problems. I think it's great you're replacing the SBC with Poncho power. The only problem you'll have is getting the wife to let you drive her car!

[RS 455]

Thanks, the mini high torque is a good idea.I really want to use the manifolds instead of headers so that information helps. As far as driving the car, the wife has already let me know that it's " her car". I wanted to put in a four speed as the car originally had one but she won't have it. It still has the small brake pedal. Somebody just removed the clutch and left it. A real butcher job.

[FlyBird]

If this is an A/C Car, the passenger side valve cover will smash the A/C suitcase. The Camaros with small blocks originally had one design A/C suitcase, and the big block Camaros used the same A/C suitcase as the Firebird uses. I found this out the hard way on my Big Block Camaro. The one on my Firebird is exactly the same. If you have just a heater car, you shouldn't have any problems.

[Held for Ransom]

Frame mounts, available in reproduction.
Transmission crossmember, available in reproduction.
Exhaust, available used or use reproduction RA-style (needs repro. oil filter adaptor) manifolds. And pipe accordingly.
Wiring, you're on your own.
Water Pump, pulleys, fan and spacer may all need replacing.
Fan shroud, I believe, is different (but may work). Radiator should work (if a 3-core or better. If not, think about replacing).
Fuel delivery was mentioned above. As well as driveshaft mods.

Now, what are you going to do with the rear end of the GP? PM me, if interested in selling.

[Blue'69]

Wow what a cool idea! The 455 in my nearly 2 ton '71 GP hauls a**!! I would imagine it should really scat in a 3200 lb. Camaro. Let us know how it comes together.

[RS 455]

Thanks again for the information guys. I haven't had time to start anything yet on this project. Both cars are still sitting whole. I will be posting some pictures soon as I start to make some progress.

[goquick]

Got this project anywhere yet?

[RS 455]

I'm very sorry to say I haven't had a spare minute this summer. I'm in the process of finishing up a new house and getting ready to move. Plus I have 5 kids that I enjoy spending time with boating and such.There seems to be a birthday party or a barbecue every single weekend and where does the time go? No time for ME. If I get a minute I take the Harley for a ride. But soon I hope to get something going with this project. I always like to read the forums and get ideas . The Camaro really needs a lot of work and I'm not sure how far I want to go with it. ($$$) But I'm sure looking forward to it.

[goquick]

I would go as far as it takes to make chevy boys lust for the car and ball like babies when the hood is popped. Yep, that's a PONTIAC engine in there!

[Wareagle]

Heres a cool video-69 Camaro BLOWN 400 PONTIAC--Enjoy. http://videos.streetfire.net/categor...1e0105a7d9.htm

[RS 455]

Nice! Looks like my wife going out for milk and bread.