I have a 383 motor that I would like to put in a 68 firebird. I will get alot of bull why i want to do it, but I have the engine and cannot find a good pontiac 400. What modications to the front suspension, steering will I have to do?

Are you talking a 383 Mopar? or 383 Chevy(stroked)? or do you mean 389 Pontiac? If it is the 389: you will need some adaptors for the early block mount locations, larger radiator, new front springs(if 1bbl OHC car) and possibly tranny.(depends on which one you have)You will probably need another engine wiring harness as well.

Ok, as Birdsprinter pointed out... I'm going to assume you have a Chevy 383.

You should be ok with the front springs, as the small block is lighter than the larger Pontiac motor. (otherwise you'd need to change the front springs)

You'll need Camaro Motormounts, you'll have to modify the fuel line, some of the wiring (basically just making sure the length will be right for the starter, Alt. etc...)

And besides Tranny issues, it should be pretty straght forward. Not really a lot of work. Especially if you have some good manuals to help out...

Let us know how it goes. The way I look at it is... your still saving one more Bird from a far worse fate of a date with the crusher!

Brett - 67 Drop Top 455!

go to parts for sale. someone has a wq 400 for sale.
dont drop a chevy in that thing. find a 400 or whatever pontiac engine in it to help retain it resale value.

Go for it.Ihave a 350 Chevy in my 69 Bird,because it a lot better and and more cost efficient than the out dated,lead boat anchor Pontiac engine!

Hi Darron , Bjorn w/ your 400 hood here, but all I can say is :" dream on"......
Bjorn

Once I get my posi built, I would love to "introduce" my 400 to your mousemotor. A well built Pontiac will beat a SBC no problem! Nothing really wrong with the chivvy, just short on low-end power. To each his own!

Steve :p

Sorry folks,but I have given up on Pontiac engines.I have blown four 400s and all with the same problem,broken rods,you hit 4000 RPM and pop she blows.I`ve had my 350 to 7000RPM and it still runs,as for torque,if you tinker enough you can get lots of low end from a Chevy.At any rate,as was said before to each their own!