Keith, congratulations on the great choice of the poncho engine! I don't know why so many have changed to Chevy. Maybe because there are so many available and folks like what they are used to. If they knew more about the pontiac engine (like specs in comparison to the SBC ) maybe they'd follow your lead. Yes, you will need the things you mentioned. Plus all the hardware for power steering, alt and AC will not be the same. Do you still have the stock fuel lines on the drivers side of frame? Also HEI will require a full 12 volts , did you SBC have HEI or points? Exhaust manifolds will also be needed. It's all just parts, and well worth the trouble IMHO. As you know the folks on FGF are a great resource and can help with all of it. I also have many of the parts you will need if that helps. Good luck with the build! Ron
"...(not sure if flywheel and clutch is the same as my sbc stuff I already have?..."
Will need a Pontiac flywheel. But, your clutch will probably work, especially if you buy one of the aftermarket flywheels that has more than one pressure plate bolt pattern. Will also need the correct size pilot bearing, to go in the end of the crank.
Some consider the DUI brand HEI the best. But they are $305 @ Summit. There are cheaper units, on down to $50 Chinese models, which most don't recommend. Some like a Pertronix brand.
"...mechanical fuel pump is on driver side of pontiac engine..."
There are several brands of Pontiac fuel pumps. The main thing is to buy one that was made recently, so that it will be ethanol resistant. Some of the NOS pumps on Ebay won't hold up with ethanol in the gas.
Carter is one of the big name brand Pontiac pumps. Airtex is another big name in mechanical pumps. Pontiac pumps are available in lots of styles. Some have a vapor return line fitting--some don't. The fittings are at different angles on some models. Some have a small can--some have a long can. There are also performance models that will pump more fuel than a stock replacement. Here are a few Carter replacement pumps.
Airtex lists both a 2-line & a 3-line pump, for a '68 Bird, with a 350 engine. They both have the small can. If you want a big can pump, you can look up a '78 Bird, with a 400 engine. It'll show a 41382.
The equivalent Carter big can pump is an M6122. As mentioned, the fuel fittings came out of the pump at different angles, for different model cars. But, if you don't need to have the original factory line routing, you can choose your routing and the pump that will best suit the routing you choose.
The starter is also on the driver side. I'd go with a mini-starter, such as a Summit brand. I've had 2 that both cranked hot 455 engines, with no problem.
Steel bell housings are now pricey. But, you can probably find a decent factory alum for $150 or less. If you can't, I'll ship you one for $150. New alum repros are also available. Probably a good idea to go with a new clutch fork.
Thanks for the quick and very detailed response. I love coming to this site for the wealth of knowledge you all provide. I will update this post as the swap comes along. Not sure if I will do it during the winter, depends on my budget. Also will be selling my sbc crate engine with headers and accessories to fund the swap.
I have the camaro fuel line that runs to the right side of the engine bay currently and I do have HEI wiring in the car. I installed and American Autowire kit from front to back in it when I first got the car. I also should be getting manifolds and long tube headers with the engine. That way I can decide what route to go with the exhaust. Should also have all accessories with the engine.
