Pontiac 350/400 engine on a stock 1981 Firebird Trans Am?

C

Calvin

New member
The trans am has a stock non-Turbo 301 engine, and stock transmission.

Can the 350 and 400 engines just bolt on to the frame and tranny? Or would it need to be modified?
also, would the transmission be abel to just bolt on ether engine two? Or would I need a new one?

And one other thing, would I need to upgrade the suspension because of the better engine? the stock suspension is in perfect condition

And one last thing, would the sub frame need to be reinforced because of the added horsepower/torque?
and what would be the max horsepower/torque the this car could handle?
 
A 350 or 400 Pontiac engine should bolt right up to your transmission. You may need new motor mounts. Any small block Chevy will also bolt right in.

You don't need sub-frame connectors unless you plan on putting in an engine with over 450 horsepower.

This car most likely has the Turbohydromatic 350 transmission. The Turbo 350 is rated up to 350 foot pounds of torque. That's how it got its name. In reality this transmission can handle about 400 foot pounds of torque. Any more torque than this and you will want to upgrade the transmission.

If you need to upgrade the transmission you have a couple of choices. You could use a Turbo 400 transmission. However these are getting hard to find. Also the Turbo 400 is old technology and only a 3 speed. A better choice would be a 700R4. This is a more modern 4 speed version of the Turbo 400. However these can be expensive.
 
A 350 or 400 Pontiac engine should bolt right up to your transmission. You may need new motor mounts. Any small block Chevy will also bolt right in.

You don't need sub-frame connectors unless you plan on putting in an engine with over 450 horsepower.

This car most likely has the Turbohydromatic 350 transmission. The Turbo 350 is rated up to 350 foot pounds of torque. That's how it got its name. In reality this transmission can handle about 400 foot pounds of torque. Any more torque than this and you will want to upgrade the transmission.

If you need to upgrade the transmission you have a couple of choices. You could use a Turbo 400 transmission. However these are getting hard to find. Also the Turbo 400 is old technology and only a 3 speed. A better choice would be a 700R4. This is a more modern 4 speed version of the Turbo 400. However these can be expensive.
 
Back
Top