There's a recently rebuilt 400 with ported and polished 6X heads up for grabs for cheap. I'd like to know if it is a direct bolt it? I'm pretty sure it is, but just wanted to be certain before I pull the trigger. It is complete from edelbrock intake to pan + chrome headers. From what I have seen, It is a steal at $550.

WHat do you guys think? Will I see big difference between my 350 and the 400?

Not a direct bolt in due to the motor mounts. A 79 block will likely just have the 3 bolt mount style instead or the 2 bolt on our FGF's. They make adaptor brackets if you want to deal with that.

79 400 were not known for their power, actually the opposite. 280 hp is coming to mind for some reason. I think i would try to find a fgf 400 if you want power, or an early 70's. Of course it all depends on what was done internally at the build. Did he say?


Imo.

Engine rebuilt with 15000 miles on it, 6x heads ported n polished, mild cam, performer intake plus original cast intake, chrome headman headers. Pretty good deal for 500 bucks.

That is a great deal. One other thing, make sure it is a Pontiac motor. Back then they also used Olds motors in the TAs.

Here's the ad, can you tell what it is by the photos?
EDIT: I just checked its a 400, no oil filler tube in front.
79 Pontiac Trans Am 400 Engine

Agreed, not an Olds motor.

Called the guy, if was in a 39 dodge and getting too hot, no room for a bigger rad, so he swapped it out for a SBC. He sounds like a really nice guy, retired and doing his thing. Going to Carlisle in a couple weeks.

The engine is in perfect running order and even comes with a Qjet.
He say's he built it for low rpm and it runs around 400hp.

I could not ask for a better street engine for my 68, so I commited to buy and picking it up next week!

You will need to get motor mount adapters.

Anybody know the best place for those? Classic Industries?

Don't sell your 350..
I would find out more specifics on that motor if your looking to increase horsepower.
Seems everyone with a 400ci has 400 horsepower.

No plans to sell the 350 at the moment, but The cost to up Hp is excessive, and it needs compression boosted making it run hot and need high octane gas. , forged parts, etc. i just want a torquey street motor. How far will the 500 bucks for the complete 400 take me on the 350?

I had a 79 TA, and here's what I know:
The 79 TA's came with a GM 400 with 4 speed manual, or an Olds 403 with TH 350 transmission.
There may be a change of driveshaft length if you swap, but I know for sure that the engine mounts are the three bolt clamshell type mounts. So if you're going with the newer motor in the first gen, you'll need the adapters. Classic has them, so does Year One, and I think Firebird Central has them as well. Maybe Summit as well. Do a google search, and you'll find them.

I'd want to know the block numbers for sure; that engine looks suspiciously like an Olds motor, but I could be wrong.

I just paid $1500 with shipping for a rebuilt 350 out of a 72 Firebird. It has 4k on the rebuild, and looks great. My 400 in my firebird is not original, and has a pretty stout leak in the crankshaft seal. Plus, the motor is from a b-body I believe, so it's pretty anemic. I'm thinking the 350 will have more oompf than the 400. But I'll tear the 400 down and rebuild her to around 450 hp.

Now, having said all that, for $500...I don't think you can go wrong. But you never know how the rebuild was, etc. Before I'd commit to anything, I'd want the block numbers for sure.

Yup I can't go wrong. I'd be ahead even if i parted it out. The heads, performer intake, headers, qjet and block all separate should bring in some bucks if its a bad build.

Most car guys are pretty honest and support each other tho, so i have to have faith!

Good find on the motor.

I wonder if those headers are going to work for you? The M/T valve covers are a nice bonus. Even if it ends up being a 557 block the price is still right. Just keep it under 5K. Spend a few hours de-rusting and de-greasing the block and give it a Hirsh paint job and you will be styling.

here is my before


After with a fewl hundred miles.

I already have headers on my 350, so i am assuming they will bolt right on if there is an issue with these. Got more info on the engine. It is a 557, but the heads, block etc have been decked along with rotating assy changed. Has flat tops and 9 to 1 compression. This is a verrrrry good deal!

UPDATE:

I picked up the 400 last week. I traveled 1300 km round trip to get it. But my brother and family are near where I picked it up so had a nice visit as well.

I pulled the valley pan and measured the lift of the camshaft with my dial indicator. came up with the specs for a Summit 2801. Probably the most common camshaft for 400s. I read it is similar to the 068 with higher lift.

The engine came complete including Qjet headers, all accessories. All for $550! Very happy!

I put the specs for this engine and my 350 in to Desktop Dyno. the 400 measures more low torque and less peak HP. This can't be right.

I'm wondering if I will really see a marked difference between the two. My 350 is no slouch. I can easily spin (one) tire when I punch the gas. and that is with 2barrel, ST300 and 2.56 gears.