Pontiac V8 in a third gen TA...exploring this option.

[L695speed]

Yes I mean a real Pontiac V8.

Long and short of it. I was thinking of putting a Pontiac 400 in my 84. Mate it to an LT1 T56. Run the factory 10 bolt 3.73 rear. (I know the rear might not hold up, that is not the issue here. I'm gonna upgrade the rear last when it blows up.) Power figures will be in the 475 HP range. Hoping for a redline above 6,000.

Issues:

1. Can you keep a factory 84 TA hood? I want this thing to look bone stock to people who don't know better.

2. Can a Pontiac motor of any kind be mated up to a LT1 T56? If so, what does one need to accomplish this? I think it can be done but I don't know the specifics.

3. What engine mounts will work? I've heard of certain factory mounts working without raising the engine so you don't have to change the hood.

4. I saw something about stroking a 301 Pontiac motor into a 383? How the hell is that possible? It doesn't seem to be. My dad liked the 301 in his 77. Said it was a nice high winding motor with plenty of torque. He had a 4 speed in that car. I was wondering if the same characteristics will carry over to the stroked motor if such a build is even possible.

My other options are of the SBC variant. The 383 or the less common 406. Either will easily rev above 6K and produce the power I want. The 383 is the easiest and cheapest route. The 406 will probably require a $$$ swap flywheel to work with the T56. But there is something about a Pontiac motor in a Pontiac, that seems to be alluring. I've posted the same questions on TGO. But it would be smart to take advantage of the local boards for local resources too. Thanks guys.

[WayFast84]

Go sbc..

[WildBillyT]

383 or 406 Chevy

[belowfire]

Ive seen a stock formula belive it was an 85 with a 454 mated to a t56 from a lt1 so im pretty sure it would fit your just going to have to fab it to fit

[L695speed]

So it seems to be the general census that for what I want, I'm better off with the SBC. I'll keep this open for the time being. But it was an intriguing thought. A Pontiac engine in a Pontiac car. However, if its not worth the trouble to go with a real Pontiac motor I'll just paint whichever SBC I build in the metallic blue from the 60s and 70s Pontiacs. If I find a way to run a Pontiac motor, I will seriously consider it, but seems like every aftermarket company out there has since shunned the Pontiac motors. Everything is SBC or LT or LS.

[//<86TA>\\]

Originally Posted by L695speed

but seems like every aftermarket company out there has since shunned the Pontiac motors..

http://www.jbp-pontiac.com/

i will also say stick with a sbc or more common engine. the cost of being "different" is really not worth it.

[L695speed]

Originally Posted by //<86TA>\\

http://www.jbp-pontiac.com/

i will also say stick with a sbc or more common engine. the cost of being "different" is really not worth it.

I think you may be right, I could easily build a stroker bottom end if not including the heads for what that site is asking just for some of those kits. I know there is support for the Pontiac engines, but its nowhere near the SBC market. Perhaps I should get a second gen as well so I can have fun with a Pontiac motor. In either case, as I said before I'll leave this open for those who have similar thoughts. I know the swap has been done with automatics. Not much info on the manual trans side though. But it would be so much easier and cheaper to just go SBC, and I know that so why I'm even considering the Pontiac motor I don't know

[Featherburner]

Do you have the 400? Throw a 4.5" stroke rotating assembly in it and run a 487ci Pontiac in that thing!

[Lt1_8U]

I'd do 400 sbc, as you stated it seems performance parts for 400 pontiac motors are hard to find. You could probably squeeze more ponies out of a SBC for cheaper as well.

[L695speed]

Originally Posted by Featherburner

Do you have the 400? Throw a 4.5" stroke rotating assembly in it and run a 487ci Pontiac in that thing!

I wish I had one laying around, but the catch is, how do you bolt said 400 to an LT1 T56. I'm probably putting this idea on the back burner, but for ****s and giggles, seriously what would it take to do a Poncho motor and T56 combo. Maybe I'll do it down the road.

Oh yea, and I'd probably implode the rear end with a 487 Cubic Inch Pontiac motor.....before I even left the driveway. LOL.

[WildBillyT]

Originally Posted by L695speed

I wish I had one laying around, but the catch is, how do you bolt said 400 to an LT1 T56. I'm probably putting this idea on the back burner, but for ****s and giggles, seriously what would it take to do a Poncho motor and T56 combo. Maybe I'll do it down the road.

Oh yea, and I'd probably implode the rear end with a 487 Cubic Inch Pontiac motor.....before I even left the driveway. LOL.

An LS1 T56 and an adapter bellhousing.

[usp55]

The headers seem to be the biggest problem

If you need a 400 Poncho I have an extra all mag'd and clean from the shop, st'd bore.

im sure you found this but its covers a good deal about it.
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/en...8-swaps-2.html


why not a 4th gen!

[L695speed]

I did find that thread, I'm using the same user across 3 or 4 different forums. I found a way to make the LT1 version work. Basically converts an LT1 to an LS1 style clutch with a hydraulic throw out. And you get it as a kit that includes the bell housing and all for the Poncho motor. I'm playing with the idea. Mainly because the engine is the next step for me as far as the build goes. Isn't the fuel pump on the other side of the motor compared to the SBC as well as the starter?

The major advantage to the SBC is it doesn't require any work, just get the parts and put it together. The Poncho while it has the cool factor and makes the 84 into a true Pontiac, requires working over at least the motor mounts and maybe the fuel lines. It does seem to have a much better torque curve than the SBC. I guess it all depends on how much I have, and what I find.

If I go the SBC route I'll get the power I want and the car gets done much quicker for less money. Though it can be argued that one can build a stroked 400 for similar cost. You gotta find a builder who isn't scared of a Poncho motor and won't charge through the roof to build one.

[L695speed]

Ok guys, I was looking at the car today, figured, all I need is a sbc and the drivetrain is done, I'm already set up for it. No sense in screwing around as close as I am to a running car again. Besides, the most powerful car I've driven probably had 450+ if not more. Don't need to push my luck on the street with going for 700. I'd rather get this car done and do insane engine combinations on a different car.