I think this debate has been going on ever since GM came up with the idea of swaping engines between divisions. My personal opinion on this issue is that, it's not a cost effective method on a first gen firebird. Perhaps if it was a second gen firebird it would be a bit more practical and less costly, since the later half of the second gens came with a variety of motors. (ie; Pont.,Olds,& Chevy) My personal experience has been that the chevy motors perform well in firebirds. At one time I owned a 77 bird with a 305 cid chevy motor in it, it would run circles around my 76 Formula Firebird that had a 350 cid Pontiac Motor in it. As for now I own a 92 Formula with the L-98 Chevy Motor in it, and it will flat out smoke my 69 Bird with it's 400 cid motor. I'm not trying to sound pro chevy, but their motors are tuff. Now,to get back to the main subject here, if your looking for a performance crate motor for your first gen., why not try a Butler Performance Crate Motor? They look a little pricey, but if they are built as well as they are described, they might just be worth the money. That's just my two cents worth. No matter what you decide, the most important thing to remember is to, "Keep Your GM Car GM." Good Luck with your project.
