Hi guys, I just purchased a 1968 convertible Bird. The more I dig into it, the more I find that almost nothing on the car is original. It has a SBC 350, a Muncie 4 speed (car was originally console automatic), & Camaro differential. Every car that I’ve ever restored, I’ve went overboard trying to make everything exactly as it was I’m from the factory including part numbers and date codes. This car just has too many things to hunt down. So I’ve decide just to restore it to how it was built in the mid 80’s. One of my first questions is, what is the rule of thumb on handling a Chevy engine in a Pontiac? Would you paint it Pontiac colors or just restore the engine like it would look straight from Chevy assembly line? Right now it has the full 80’s treatment, aftermarket intake, air breather, valve covers, Carter carb, headers etc. BTW, I’m going to pull the engine this weekend, it’s leaking from every possible gasket. Runs great though. I welcome all opinions.

Welcome. I saw your post on one of the Facebook pages. We tend to be more on the purist side here. I’d rather see a poncho power plant than a chevy any day. But it’s your car. Do what you like.

I have to agree with the above, it is your car, do what you want. That said I also go out of my way to have a Pontiac in a Pontiac, a Buick in a Buick, etc. I would locate a Pontiac V-8, and keep the Muncie and rear end. Unless the rear is some crazy gear ratio. Chevys need lots of gear to make power. Pontiacs make power down low and can push highway gears. I feel a 1968 Firebird convertible deserves nothing less than a pure Pontiac engine. PS, if it really got the 80's Chevy treatment, it is probably loud and obnoxious. Are you happy with that?

The exhaust sounds pretty good. At least I think it does if I could hear it over the timing gear whine. Now THAT is obnoxiously loud. I agree, I’d really like to find a Pontiac 350 for it, but for now I’ll fix all the leaks and paint it like the Chevy it is, then when I find a Pontiac, I’ll sell the nice orange Chevy.

I'd call your local engine builders. Some have stacks and stacks of blocks for sale. I purchased a 68 400 block with a 4 bolt main X coded for about $700. Whenever I need anything BOP, I call all the local transmission, machine and engine builder shops and ask what they have on the "junk" pile. I've gotten several TH400's, blocks and other parts this way. They are usually happy to get rid of them at a fair price.