Anyone know what engine and transmission mounts are required to install a 403 with turbo 350 out of a late 70's transam? I am installing this combo into my 67 firebird. The engine/trans combo had under 100k and ran awesome. The car was very rusty unfortunately. Thank you in advance. Jeff

I did some checking and I have several thoughts for you.

1st, taking a step back - a motor (and tranny) with 100K on it already is a cause for concern. That's pretty high mileage for a motor you just want to drop in and not worry about. How was it treated during its lifetime? Were the fluids changed often, etc?

2) 403's are a lot of heavy cast iron for the amount of power they put out stock. They can be hot rodded, but not very easily.

3) I could not find a single vendor that had conversion brackets to put these in an FGF. And the vendors that had the REGULAR brackets to put a 403 into a 2nd Gen F-body said those brackets were discontinued.

Plus, it's and Olds motor.

I guess I would simply ask why?

proabbly cause it was free,or real cheap..

There is some truth to the comments from above. Just because it's a motor that was originally in a Firebird at one time, does not necessarily make it a great choice.

Similar to how some California equiped late 2nd gens came with 305 chevys, while 49 state cars came with regular 301's and 301 Turbos. None of them are sought after very much.

olds in a firebird.... thats a sin.

I know it, that's why those late 70's T/A's with 403's bring less money than the one's with the real 400's in similar condition.

OK, my 1st rodeo was back in 78 when i installed a 78-400 in my 68 FB.

The 403's used in 79 TA's use the same "clamshell" mounts as the late model 400 TA's did.
403's also came with an engine mount bracket simular to the aftermarket "late engine to early body" aftermarket adapters, but with more bolt holes.
I have a set, and they look like they'd work.
May need to massage the holes some to get'm lined up good from engine mount to frame bracket.

Now, back to 78.
What YOU will have to do is get 2-6"x6" 1/8th steel plates to mount to the original frame and rear brackets in your firebird.
Once you have them located in place on the frame, lower the engine down and mark where the engine mount holes and plate to frame holes need to be drilled to bolt everything together.
Also mark around the mount to plate to trim excess if desired.
Then raise the engine up enough to remove the plates and drill

Seems like a lot of work for not so much hp from a motor w/100k...

Just my $.02

Wow, I am amazed at the number of replies on this one. Ok, so here is the full story that will answer some questions why I am or was considering putting this engine in my car. I purchased this 67 Firebird because it was very rust free and the price was right in my opinion ($3200). It was an original sprint ohc6 with an automatic(2 speed). The engine and trans were long gone and someone had already welded in some after thought abortion engine mounts to the sub frame but nothing that I can't grind off the welds and remove. I started aquiring the parts to restore it with an OHC6 motor and not the sprint engine because I want this car to be very drivable on todays crappy fuel. I have an eleven year old son that this car will belong to. Jacob and I will be working together over the next several years to restore it. The problem with the OHC6 plan was the parts are somewhat scarce and the cost for the items seems significantly higher than just building a small block chevy. I thought about buying a SBC engine/trans and putting that in but I wanted to keep it somewhat Pontiac. So I have this neighbor who was willing to sell me the 403 and TH350 for $500. The engine runs excellent and I was able to test drive the car. I can have any and everything I want for the engine and transmission off this car. I figured that for my sons first car we could run this low compression low horsepower motor until it dies or my son kills it and then maybe we could then cough up the big$ to do it right with a 400 or 455. I would really like to run this engine for now just because of the price and the fact it meets our needs on many levels. It sounds like its going to be a pain in the [censored] to make mount up properly. What are the opinions of doing a small block chevy? I have seen some descent deals on 350 pontiac engines or 326 pontiacs also. Any of those engines worthwhile?.....Please let me know what you guys think. Thanks Jeff

Did he just say SBC in a Bird? Oh boy, this will be fun to watch...

350 Pontiacs are a direct bolt in and relatively cheap and plentiful as long as you are not looking for a particular "numbers" engine. 400 2bbl from big cars are cheap and common too, and come with a TH400 in many cases. However, the TH400 will be long tailshaft and will either need the tailshaft and tail housing replaced or the driveshaft shortened and a mount plate extension made.

Because Camaros and Novas shared the subframe, frame mounts are easily found for the Chevy swap. However, you'd need to modify all the wiring as Chevy is set up differently.

I really like the cammer engines, particularly the Sprint. But you are correct in saying that they cost more to build than some other options. 326 engines do as well.

There's not much good to say about emissions era engines except that you won't have anyone else trying to outbid you for one. I've bought a few for transportation specials. They generally have the fuel consumption of a large V-8 and the performance of a small V-6.

If you've ever assembled a mixed-breed car, you already know that it can be a royal pain to visit an auto parts store and buy an alternator for a '76 Chevy, a brake kit for a '68 Firebird, a rear axle cover gasket for a '79 Trans Am...and so on. You almost need to carry a glove box index of your car. Stick with one make for easiest fit and maintenance.

LOL whatever you do, at least seriously consider ANY Pontiac engine from a 326 all the way up to the 455. Any of these older Pontiac engines will fit right in the car with no problem. If you go with the SBC you will have some modifying/changes to make etc.

The older Pontiac engines are out there, my friend Mike has bought and sold 3 just this past week alone. All in running condition and all of them complete. He sold a complete running 455 from a 73 Pontiac for $400, sold a running Pontiac 350 H.O. engine for $500.

So if you look, you will find one. This way you wont have to put up with all the hardcore Pontiac guys busting your stones over having a Chevy engine in your Bird. Not too mention ANY Pontiac engine is better than the best Chevy engine...

I figured saying the dreaded chevy word in this forum was going to draw the critics out. I am not trying to disgrace the pontiac brand but I am trying to find that balance between price and buying what will meet our needs. Could someone tell me if at least the TH350 from the 403 would be a good buy at $100? I know it shifts great and the fluid was very clean with no leaks. Would this Transmission bolt up the the previous years engines? I think I am going to pass on the engine and just wait patiently for the right Pontiac engine or Pontiac running car to pop up for sale. Jeff

transmission from a olds , buick , pontiac should interchange , you can find a running pontiac engine they are out there. $100. does not sound bad , for a good transmission.

1st olds, now sbc?
SOMEONE NEAR BY FIND HIM A PONTIAC!

check these out.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/pts/1409494560.html

http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/pts/1405978518.html

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/pts/1405880133.html

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/pts/1404332071.html

this should keep you busy for a while...

There you go.
No excuses now

Thanks for researching all of those leads. I have seen a couple of those during my search. I didn't see that 400 in Portland. I may pursue that one. The ad for the OHC engines are actually the ones that I am trying to sell. Thanks guys. I think I am going to buy the transmission at least. Jeff

alright , 4 pontiac engines! no need to put an old sbc in a good firebird.