OK, I'm in the process of planning the restoration on the non-body portions of the car. I'd like to make it a semi-stock looking hot rod. Here are the mods I'd like to do:

1) Motor built to get 350 to 450 hp. Currently has a 350 in it (not original motor) should I build that or hunt down a 400/455?

2) Has a 10 bolt, should I go with a 12 bolt or a 9"? Most likely a detroit locker will go in there, but I have seen some other not so "brutal" lockers.

3) I'll be looking to get rid of the 2bbl, I bought a performer with a QJ, but would like to go with the Holley performance tbi injection. Is there a better way to EFI it?

4) Tranny, it has a th350, should I rebuld that, do a TH400 or do a 700R4 or equivalent? I'm thinking I'd like to have something with OD as the car will be taken on the occassional road trip.

That's all for now. Thanks

Oh yeah, I'm probably going to put a 100-200hp nitrous kit on there as well assuming it can be done with the efi.

As far as the motor, it's not that hard to build a 350 hp 350 engine but if you want more go larger. The 10 bolt rear will be fine if staying at the 350-400 hp range .. if you go higher than a different rear would be a good idea. the 4 barrel is a good idea. I've heard mixed reviews on the tbi setup.. its great if you don't change altitudes or temps/humidity levels..I've heard it doesn't adapt well to changes and requires you to make adjustments in these conditions.. a 350 trans is fine if you stay at 350 hp but I would recommend a good rebuilder and let him know how many hp you will be putting down so he can put in the right parts to hold up, as far as going with overdrive... great idea but will require an adapter plate as the 700 r4 is a chevy bolt pattern and it will require reworking the driveshaft as it has a different tailshaft length.

Good luck\
\
Dave

"heard mixed reviews on the tbi setup.. its great if you don't change altitudes or temps/humidity levels..I've heard it doesn't adapt well to changes and requires you to make adjustments in these conditions"

so i dont know much about adding fuel inj to an older motor, but a major upside to fuel injection is that they adjust to changes in altitude and temp on their own unlike a carb

With TBI, it all depends on the programming. Production vehicles have powerful computer systems and lots of inputs. Homemade systems may not.

Are you hard pressed on an automatic and a 400/455? If you are going to do all that work anyway, why not go a little more modern. I read a slick article in Hot Rod where they put an LT1 350 and a T-56 tranny w/ a 3.73 rear in a 70 Camaro z-28. The car had the classic muscle car look (well, at least for a Camaro) with a modern drive train, not to mention 20+ MPG. I've read about people getting 400+ HP out of those LT1s with out doing anything too difficult.

Vince

GM Sports in CA specializes in LT1 conversions.
They can sell you a used motor, with all necessary harnesses, etc, and advise you on the swap. I think HPP did an article on a GM sports provided LT1.

If you want to go Poncho, Id go for the cubes- and find a 400/455 core.

The LAST thing I'd do is put a Chevy engine in a Pontiac car. It "can" be a resale value kiler.

For 700-R4 info, click the 700-R4 link in my signature.

GL with your car!!

I agree with Smitty as far as the Chevy in a Pontiac. I had seriously considered the RamJet 502, but after doing some reading I am really inclined to keep a Pontiac motor. I haven't really started looking for the motor/tranny just yet as the car is going to be out for a while having the body work done. I really like the idea of the OD tranny as I plan on fuel injecting the car anyhow and I have to assume though I don't know that there is a tranny controller in the Holley ECU.

Smitty, great write up on the OD tranny install. Maybe a TH400 with additional OD. So many things to consider!

Put a 400 or 455 in it, it will be cheaper to build than the 350 & will be stronger. Make sure to put good rod bolts in it(ARP bolts)& it will hold up to most engine builds as long as it doesn't go over 450 hp. We can help on the overall combination to come up with an engine that will rock! Lots of good cores out there to build!

Steve

You might also consider the 200-4R if you're going to stay with an automatic. They will bolt right up to the pontiac engine without any adapters the 700R4 requires. They can be built to handle the horsepower and torque and the overdrive will allow you to drive on the freeway without turning 3500 rpms. It's what I'm looking at for my 69 with a modified 400.