Hi I am currently looking for a crate engine to put into my 68 firebird 400. I have the 400 hood and 400 block currently. I really want to put a 572 chevy into the car but i want to retain the 400 hood. Im wondering if there will be enough room with stock hood to place in the 572. Ive tried looking for this topic or simmilar already but did not have success. Does anyone know if this can be done and or has done this?

It can be done. Why? For the same money as that GM "crater" you can have REAL Pontiac power with MORE power.

We spoke to the GM rep at Indy last year while he was demonstrating the 572 "pump gas" engine. He was bragging about 595 HP and 600 lbs. of torque. And all for just $13.5K... We (CVMS) have a "package" for a 505 CID PONTIAC that makes 625 HP, 650 lbs. of torque, and for just UNDER $13K. Also 93 octane, and with a FLAT TAPPET!

This past weekend at the "Super Chevy" show at VMP, the quickest GM-powered car there was NOT Chevy-powered, but purely Pontiac! Dirty Bird made one pass, 4.28 @ 165 (1/8 mile). The closest Chevy-powered car was one of the "nitro coupes", an exhibition car with an 800 CID BBC in it, 3 stages of nitrous. The best they could manage Saturday was a 4.46.

I hope you didn't "fall" for the "You can't make a Pontiac run, you gotta use a Chevy" line... TAINT SO!!

Jim

If you put a Chevy engine in a Firebird you have to change the front clip using Camaro parts and you have to install both front and rear Camaro spoilers, otherwise that Chevy engine will not fit...

Im looking at buying the 572 from engine factory with 700 hp. I know that tremendous power can be made with pontiac engines the reason ive decided on putting in a chevy is I believe that it will be easier to find parts for a chevy engine in the future. If i am wrong about this assumption please dont get mad at me anyone haha but I have decided on a chevy. The reason that I am worried about hood clearance is that already there is literally maybe 1 cm of space between the nut on the air cleaner and the hood of my 400 right now and the previous owner already put a dent in the hood by closing it with the nut too loose. I really want to keep stock hood with a 572

hers one with a "Merlin" engine...the Chevy you talk about...he added his scoop just for looks...but he mini tubbed the rear...
not sure the hp rating now, he keeps changing it , but is right at 10 sec car now...
this was just after paint 2,3 years ago

a couple of more recent pics...

but its that big Chevy engine...Merlin.

Somebody (Spotts Performance?) sells a "Super" 400 hood that looks like the stock hood but has signifcantly more clearance underneath.

Nice Bird! Is it numbers matching?If so; find a car without an engine! #-matching 400's are getting rarer every day. That's probably why some will crinch hearing Chevy.. But it's your car...

Why Not go find a camaro for that 572? Does the 400 in it now run okay? It's your car but if it's all original it's worth more than after that 572 gors in it..

[quote=catfat]Im looking at buying the 572 from engine factory with 700 hp. /quote]

My 68 bird was originally a 6 cylinder (which was long gone when I got it).
I bought the Chevy 350/350 from Engine Factory - Just looking for a nice driver. I had very good experience with the guys at Engine Factory.

Didn't know I'd have to change to Camaro spoilers though... Is it also necessary to change the glove box emblem?

Ray

"easier to find Chevy parts in the future..."

Well, you get points for "originality" there! Hadn't heard that excuse before. Not valid, but an interesting approach... Be sure to let us know when you're at a East Coast track.

Jim

great looking 68 bird. but a chebby in it....i will say no more.

IMO, First posts and talking about a 700hp 572 on a FGF site and only worried about hood clearance?

1st gen FB's hoods are higher in the center then camaro's(except z28).

Maybe he has everything else figured out.... Like frame ties or 2in. cage, wheel tubs, narrowed 9in., 4 link with adjustable coil overs, fuel cell.... All that power and nowhere to go. But yeah it will fit under the hood.

Previous owner said it was matching but I didn't bother to check. Ive wanted a firebird so i got what i wanted. Its my car I dont care about how the value will be changed depending on what i want to do to it because I dont plan on getting rid of it I want it to be how I want so I can be happy and I don't like the camaro look thats why I didnt buy a camaro. Thank you to the people that have answered my question about the hood clearance. With the amount of money im going to put into the car it wouldnt even be possible to get it back out if i sell it but thats ok because its going to be how i want not how everyone else thinks it should be. I spoke with engine factory and i might go with 502 or their 540 instead but not sure yet. Overal plan: hedits front subframe, hedits independent rear suspension,keisler 6speed,other than completely redoing the interior to like new. Im going to keep the same color paint but debating wether or not to keep the vinyl top thanks guys i will let u know how it goes as i progress!

If the original 400 is numbers matching, then I strongly suggest what I did. Pull the original motor out, mount it on a proper low stand with wheels and store it for prosperity.

Then go nuts with the replacement motor.

But mine still was a Pontiac

If it's in good shape, keep the vinyl top. I've always liked the look and people paid extra for the option.

Another one bites the dust...

Yea I never intended to get rid of the engine just put it in storage along with all other parts i change or take off.

that was a nice looking bird.