Chevrolet Engine into a Firebird

Q: Chevrolet Engine into a Firebird

I have recently bought a 1967 Firebird that rotted outside my bedroom window since I was 13. Now I am all grown up and own that car but there is no engine. It has the origional 400 transmission and I have a 1969 327 from a Vette but I am not sure it will bolt in as is. Can anyone advise?

A: It won’t be a direct bolt in as Chevrolet uses a different bellhousing bolt pattern that the rest of it’s corporate sisters (Buick Olds Pontiac). However, there are some relatively cheap adapters orderable from Summit, Jegs, PAW, etc, that will allow you to mate these two together.

In addition, you will need to get the motor mounts and frame brackets from a Camaro to seat the engine in the car. The matching holes should already exist in the subframe. You will also need Chevrolet accessory brackets for the power steering, alternator, smog pump, etc.

A: You’ll need to get an adaptor from Summit. It’s not in their catalog, you have to ask for it. It’s about $65. It will allow you to connect a Chevy engine to a Pontiac trans. Then, you will have to reroute the fuel line to the passenger side instead of the driver’s side. And lastly, you’ll need engine mounts to fit a Camaro (most parts stores). Most anything else you run into can be easily remidied. This will get most of it. If you can get a Pontiac engine, you’ll have a lot more low end torque though. Do what I’m doing, I put the chevy engine in just till I find and can afford what I really want, a 455!

A: Why not just sell the Corvette motor to a Corvette guy and buy a 400 or 455 for the bird. With the extra money you save on motor mounts,adapters,exhaust,carb linkage etc. you could even find a nice running Pontiac motor.

You dont say how mechanically inclined you are but I have a feeling that if you had to ask this question then you are already over your head as far as an engine swap. Besides your restoration will be worth more if its close to correct. If the car was a true 400 car(the only one that used a 400 trans) then I would suggest looking for a correct replacement.All of this also hinges on the condition of the car in its present state. If it is totally rotted you may want to consider another project.

Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.