I have recently acquired a very clean, nice running 1967 326 2-sp AT Firebird. The car is in very good condition but came equipped with littled in the way of options (deluxe interior and power steering).

I have the opportunity to acquire a 400 engine for very little cost and am considering swapping motors.

My question is whether I'll be helping or harming the value of the car (resale value). In other words, is a standard 326 original car generally worth more or less than a "clone" 400 car? I'd probably put a TH-300 transmission and a floor shifter if I do the swap.

I guess in my mind I wouldn't consider it if it was an HO car or something but since it's a pretty run-of-the-mill V8 (stock 2 barrel carb, etc.), maybe the 400 is the way to go?

Thanks for any and all input.

is it original engine? a numbers match car? If so, at least save what you take out ,to sell w car at some point...if its not matching no`s car it wont matter much...
just make it the way you want it...its your car, for you to enjoy...if you bought it to make money....forget it...
yes if numbers match its worth more in the long run as is...but nothing stops you from switching it out and keeping the engine and tranny you take out...as long as you have them "with" the car..

and I am assuming you meant a th-350 tranny?

my .03

In my opinion, it would be worth more with the 400 in the car and with the 326 on the side. You have to factor in the grins you will get with the added horsepower too. After all, you need to get all the pleasure you can out of the car to offset all the repairs you will be doing and parts you will be buying. I have gotten very good money for a numbers matching 400 car with a 455 in the car and with the #'s 400 on the side. I actually did better on that car than on a similar numbers matching 400 car with the 400 in it. With that said, maybe you should think about a 428/455. If you are thinking of resale your 326 car would be worth the most with a 455.
Jim

I was thinking the same thing, that basically a 400 is more desirable (and fun) but the original 326 would have to stay with the car (if not in it).

How can I know if it's a "numbers matching" engine? If I find that it's not the original engine, I suppose there is no real point in keeping it if I do the swap.

And, yes, I did mean TH-350 (oops).

Thanks for the thoughts, it sort of confirms what I was thinking. Also, I don't expect to make money on this car but I'd like to limit the bleeding of my wallet

Any advice on swapping out the 326 for a 400? I've read up somewhat on it and it looks like it is pretty straight-forward. I am thinking I could even keep the 2-speed auto tranny I have now for awhile before replacing it with a TH-350 or -400.

Have you gotten the PHS or checked the date codes and numbers on the motor? Either way, I'd still proceed with the swap, but I agree, I would hang onto it if you have a place to store it. (even engine stands are only like $40. Nice way to store it)

You are right Augy, it's basically a direct replacement (400 for a 326) especially if you are swapping over the pulleys and brackets. Then only real issue will be setting up your throttle rod linkage for the (I assume) 4V carb/Manifold in the 400 motor? But that is just a matter of adjusting the length, and it will be pretty much the same...

But yes, it's very straight forward! Just take your time, soak down any bolts that you think will give you trouble such as exhaust manifold bolts etc. a day or two in advance, and you should be set!

Good luck!

Brett - 67 Drop Top 455!

Sounds great. Just one more quick question and hopely not a stupid one

Will the front springs be sufficient or should I expect to replace them? Also, the car has single-leaf rear springs, should I plan to replace those with 4- or 5-leaf springs?

Any other mods required?

Ok, guess that is a couple of questions

Pontiac engine blocks all weigh very close to the same(except 301)so if the springs are good enough for the 326 they are good enough.
Jim

Both set of springs should be ok... eventually you may want to look into new springs front and rear... but not something you'll have to do right now. As mentioned they will be just fine.

The rear's you can either go with a new mono or switch to a multi leaf set up. (most say that is safer)

Brett - 67 Drop Top 455!