[Spartan78]

Hi,

i have a 81 301 turbo trans am, constant annoying issues with the carby and just a tired original engine,

being in Sydney, the knowledge and access to parts and tuning for these engines are highly limited and have opted the choice of fitting

a pontiac 350 into my firebird, is this an easy conversion and is there anything to be weary about, the 350 is coming out of an older firebird, still in original spec, im thinking of just doing an intake manifold, 4 bbl carby, and an exhaust system to let it breathe,

any advise would be grateful, as im a rookie in this field

 

[Brown Bird]

I beleive once you sort out the mounts it is a pretty straight forward switch

 

[tjs]

as the deck is a inch shorter the 301 exhaust is lower and closer to the block.You might post on the PY board as I think there might be more eyes on it.Tom

 

[Spartan78]

thanks for that, hopefully all goes smoothe, i was really hesitant on changing the originality of the 81, being most have scrapped the turbo engine,

 

[ponyakr]

If the 350 is a '68-'69, it only has 2 motor mount bolt holes, on each side. So, in order to use it, you'll have to use motor mount adapters. But, if it is a '70-up, it'll work. You need to keep all the pulleys, from the 350, as problems usually arise trying to use the 301 pulleys.

As mentioned, there have been lots of 301's swapped for bigger Pontiac engines. So, there should be plenty of online info about the swap, that will help you.

You mentioned "...doing an intake manifold, 4 bbl carby...". If you go with an aftermarket intake, like a Performer, it should be easy. But, if you plan to use an iron Pontiac intake, it could get tricky. If the heads are 1971 or older, most any '68-'79 iron intake will work. BUT, if the heads are '72 or later, they have a blind hole, just above the heat riser to intake heat crossover port. These heads require a '72-'79 350, 400, or 455 intake. The '72 model is best. It was the only year which had the small crossover hole, on both sides(to allow use on '72-up heads, with the blind hole), and was the last year before Pontiac began using the EGR valve, and hot air choke. The best set-up would probably be a '72 intake, and a GOOD '73-up Q-jet(preferably a '77-'79) with an electric choke conversion(if you want a choke).

The Edelbrock Performer #2156 would probably be a good choice, because you can use your choice of carbs. :smile22:

 

[Spartan78]

thanks heaps for that, yeah ill be looking at the edelbrock manifold, taking all info onboard

 

[ponyakr]

"...ill be looking at the edelbrock manifold..."

There are usually several used ones for sale on Ebay. As with most anything else, some are probably good, but some are not. You want one that does not have any striped threads or bolts broken off in the holes. And, you want one that has not had the flanges milled down, in order to fit.

You can always find a used one by placing a want to buy ad on the PY forum.

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=446

But the cheapest source is probably to find one locally, in order to avoid shipping charges. This will also allow you to check it out for stripped holes, broken bolts, etc. I'd check with all the Pontiac guys in your area. Some of 'em will probably either have one, or know where to find one. There are LOTS of used one's available, because most find that they do not flow as well as iron intakes, and therefore will produce less power, on the larger engines, especially 455 & bigger. But, they'll work just fine on a 350 or mild 400.

The price has recently gone up to nearly $300, for new ones. :shock: So, the $100 used ones are now usually advertised for $150-$200.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2051541.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.X2156+pontiac+performer+intake.TRS0&_nkw=2156+pontiac+performer+intake&_sacat=6000

Good Q-jets are available from several sources. Here are links to 2, with good reps.

http://www.everyday-performance.com/quadrajet_carburetors.htm

http://www.smicarburetor.com/products/sfID1/28/sfID2/9/sfID3/100

I'd recommend a '77-'79 model, with an electric choke conversion. Or, you can replace the hot air choke with an electric choke, easily. The Pontiac models will have the big "smokestack" vent, in the correct location, for '77-'79 shaker system. You also need to make sure you get one which has the correct throttle lever for use with a TH350 kickdown cable.

http://www.cliffshighperformance.com/tech_electric_1.html

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2051541.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xquadrajet+hot+air+to+electric+choke+conversion.TRS0&_nkw=quadrajet+hot+air+to+electric+choke+conversion&_sacat=6000