[firebum]

I recently acquired a nice '75 Camaro. I have a extra running 400 in my shop. Does anyone out there have any experience swapping pontiac motors in Chebys? Thought it might blow some minds.

Thanks,

Jim

[firebum]

I recently acquired a nice '75 Camaro. I have a extra running 400 in my shop. Does anyone out there have any experience swapping pontiac motors in Chebys? Thought it might blow some minds.

Thanks,

Jim

[Mr. G]

Although I haven't done this swap myself, it seems that if you changed the motor mounts that bolt to the crossmember to the firebird piece, being sure they are bolted to the proper holes, and used a BOP style bell houseing or similar type of automatic trans, it should go in easily. Other changes would include the exhaust pipe to manifold area, and perhaps wiring in the starter area as they are on opposite sides of the engine. The front springs on the camaro may not be up to the job of supporting the additional weight of the pontiac motor. Also, you would probably need to use a firebird air cleaner that is designed for the limited hood clearance issue. Finally, if the pontiac motor is pre 1970, you would need to use the adapter kit on the motor mounts as the eariler engines didn't have the mounting hole in the block for the 1970 and later firebird chassis. Those are the only things that I can think of without having done this swap.

[firebum]

Mr. G

Thanks for the reply. The 400 I am thinking of putting is a '73. As far as trans, etc. I have several choices, all are BOP. The main thing I was concerned with was how difficult the motor mount difference would be.

Thanks,

Jim

[bmpmdf]

Having done this serveral times, I say do it. All you need is move the factory frame mounts for the chevy engine to where they should be with the clamshell style Firebird engine mounts. I believe it is the rearward holes used in the frame. The only other consideration is the trans bellhousing bolt pattern. This is one of the easiest switch overs. You will need to run a piece of fuel line from the passenger side over to the fuel pump. Since your wiring is on the passenger side for the starter, alt., it is just moving it to the divers side along the top of the manifold in the 400's factory clips. You will actuly have more lenght than you need. The springs on the camero depends on which model it is. If it is a V8 a/c car, it has the same spring rate as a base 350 Firebird. I have done 5 of these switches and it was worth it everytime.

[bmpmdf]

Just seen your latestest post. A 73 will have the holes in the frame but use a different frame mount. Just get the oh, say 76 frame mounts at a parts house. Tell them you need the motor mounts for a 76 400 T/A. Then with the clamshell brackets on the Pontiac engine, and bolting the trans to the engine and locating the trans mount on the crossmember, you will see the holes to bolt the frame mounts ( parts house "motor mounts") into.

[firebum]

Sounds like a relatively easy swap.

I appreciate all your input.

Thanks,

Jim

[bmpmdf]

It is no more difficult than doing a engine swap in a Firebird, which at thesame time you are replacing the frame mounts (which is the part with the rubber in it).

[Jeff Walker]

Just make sure that the clamshell mount that bolts to the engine is from a Firebird and not from an intermediate or fullsize Pontiac. Otherwise you will have a hard time closing the hood.