Ok guys i have a new plan of going about my engine...i think im going to throw in a crate 350 from edelbrock because i feel that if i got this old engine fired up, id be replacing so many parts its just not worth it because its not the original anyways. has anyone put in an edelbrock lately and how do you like it.
Jordan, what is the scope of your project? You say this is a senior project- so I assume you have to be done by June? That's only 3 months! Also, what is your budget? Keep in mind that most of us plan our restorations in years and $thousands rather than months and $hundreds. We can better advise you if you can give us more background on what your goals are... do you just want to get it running again? Do you want it to be really fast, or just ok? Do you want to do the body and interior? Are you going to keep it as your daily driver or sell it for profit? Regarding the crate 350, For resale, you're better off with a Pontiac motor, even if its not numbers matching. What you have now is a Pontiac motor, so if you buy a crate 350 (Chevy), you'll have to get Camaro motor mounts and wiring harnesses, and who knows what else. You can rebuild the motor you have now, because you've already verified that it is not seized up. Its not as hard as you think- you just remove it, dissassemble it, send the parts to a machine shop, then reassemble it. I did mine in High School (tho I never thought to try and get school credit for it!). If you're not working, and you keep at it, it should take a few weeks. Another option you have is to buy a used Pontiac 350. I'll bet someone on this site has a running 350 that you can pick up at a good price.
The paint will problably be you're biggest drain on time and expenses. From your pictures, it looks like you have a lot of rust. If areas are rusted through, you're going to have to weld in patches.
One more thing- are you sure the motor is not original? You can verify this by checking the serial number on the side of the engine next to the timing cover. If it matches the last numbers of your VIN it is original, and would make the car much more valuable. If its not original, tell us what codes are stamped on the engine and heads, and we can tell you what you have. Don't discard it until you really know what you have.
So, again, if you describe your goals, budget and timeline in more detail, and also any history you know about the car, you'll find a wave of very knowledgable and experienced advice coming your way.
If you do put in the chevy 350, -paint it the right color, so it won't get too many stupid remarks..
-Do what's right for you, and if it's the original engine, just keep it, and maybe rebuild it over a longer period of time while driving the chevy..-and eventualy put the rebuilt pontiac in if you wanna sell it ..
As long as you enjoy your car, and it drives well, could you be possibly be blamed ??
Which horsepower version will you be purchasing? 435HP, 410HP or 320HP...First off, you'll need to change your motor mounts, you'll need the mounts for a small block chevy...I don't think these engines are equipped with a mechanical fuel pump so you'll have to run an electric fuel pump...These engines aren't equipped with the water pump so you'll need to purchase either a short or long style water pump along with the correct short or long style accessory brackets for a small block chevy...You'll also need to purchase the correct crank and water pump pullies for a small block chevy...You may need to reroute your existing fuel line...You may need to purchase the correct power steering pump for a first gen Camaro...Remember, your Firebird is going to be Chevy powered so think of your Firebird as a Camaro when you need anything engine related...You'll need belts and hoses for a sbc Camaro...You'll need a fan and spacer for a sbc...You'll need headers for a sbc Camaro...You may need the correct starter motor for your new application...You'll need the water neck and dipstick tube...Remember to use a fan shroud for a sbc Camaro...If I left out anything, I'll add on later...It's a challenge, but it can be done!
Keep the engine painted a neutral color like black and you'll be OK...Are you running an automatic or manual trans?...I just remembered, you'll probably have driveshaft issues to deal with when the time comes.
just buy a re-built Pontiac engine, or have the one you have re-built...engines for sale should be found on this site maybe..? you can install a 400 or 455 inlieu of the 350, fits the same...just make sure to add the 'fillers' to keep it from getting hot...
(friend of mine bought a 'crate' Pontiac 400 from NJ for about $4000....)
I'd say that if you already have the chevy engine, use that...
If you wanna use the engine later on in another car, -use the chevy...
and paint it pontiac metallic blue if you ask me
But if you know that you wanna stick with the firebird, it's maybe a bit more expensive (compared to chevy parts-prices) but you can still use all the pontiac stuff...and looks factory..
And just so you know, you can easily use the steeringpump and pulleys from your pontiac, but you will need different brackets...
-the chevybolt pattern vs. bop pattern can be bought for about 50 bucks.. or you can make one yourself.. You can install a mechanical fuel pump on any sbc, and the fuelpump is placed in the front of the side of the engine (passenger side)
Jordan, from what you've told me, I think you should try once more to start your old motor before jumping to any conclusions. I'll repost there soon, but read TOHcans post carefully- good advice. Take your time, go step by step, and post your progress in detail. If this motor can be started, we can start it for you. If it can't, and/or you are in a hurry, Bjorn's advice is sound. If you're not looking for top performance (which will cost in both dollars and wear and tear on your drivetrain), another 2 barrel Pontiac 350 would be fine. You'll probably find someone on this site, or nearby, who would be willing to part with a used, running 350 because they are anxious to put in a 400 or 455. For that matter- don't rule out a 6 cylinder.
Based on what Ken has told you, changing to Chevy will require modifications and changeovers, as well as additional costs for all the accessories that will far exceed $2k.
The sbc is indeed lighter and my man will also have to change his front coil springs as the front end will sit up higher with the sbc. He would need small block Camaro springs.
There are some good reasons why switching to a chevy motor isn't as easy or cheap as it first appears - several people have taken the time to explain why.
Just saying a particular engine doesn't 'belong' in a particular car is not helpful in any way.
For gods sakes DON'T do it! Relax a bit and enjoy your winter. We can come up with a plan to assist on the pontiac block. If not through email and this website, then maybe a Spring visit to your AO is in order.
'68 428 HO M3 Monster, 4-on-the-floor! Need I say more?
Pontiac had good engines ,so does Chevy,.... Chevies are a little cheaper to work on ,build , but to change it out its not any savings...as seen abv , lots to change with the engine....it would be easier to spend 'a little' more on the engine and 'save' on the swap....and stay 'correct'....think you`ll be happier in the long run... just my .02
I think this debate has been going on ever since GM came up with the idea of swaping engines between divisions. My personal opinion on this issue is that, it's not a cost effective method on a first gen firebird. Perhaps if it was a second gen firebird it would be a bit more practical and less costly, since the later half of the second gens came with a variety of motors. (ie; Pont.,Olds,& Chevy) My personal experience has been that the chevy motors perform well in firebirds. At one time I owned a 77 bird with a 305 cid chevy motor in it, it would run circles around my 76 Formula Firebird that had a 350 cid Pontiac Motor in it. As for now I own a 92 Formula with the L-98 Chevy Motor in it, and it will flat out smoke my 69 Bird with it's 400 cid motor. I'm not trying to sound pro chevy, but their motors are tuff. Now,to get back to the main subject here, if your looking for a performance crate motor for your first gen., why not try a Butler Performance Crate Motor? They look a little pricey, but if they are built as well as they are described, they might just be worth the money. That's just my two cents worth. No matter what you decide, the most important thing to remember is to, "Keep Your GM Car GM." Good Luck with your project.
As mentioned above, lots of issues in migrating an engine from one make to another. Not mentioned are the various brackets, bolts, and hardware which differ.
The only cost-effective way to do this is if you have one car with a dead engine, and a complete donor car with a wrecked or otherwise unuseable body and a good engine. With the donor car, you will then have access to the myriad of minor pieces (many made from unobtanium or verydifficulttofindium) that will be needed.
Figure the time involved to be at least 3 to 4 times that required to build the original engine (or swap in another engine of the same make). Yes, it can be done, if time and cost are not objects.
Whatever you do, good luck, and enjoy the project.
Jon.
Good carburetion is fuelish hot air Owner, The Carburetor Shop LLC
and paint it pontiac metallic blue if you ask me 
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