help w/engine swap (455 in 89 FB)

[pontiacfreak]

I have a 1989 Firebird with the 2.8 (I know, it sucks). But, this weekend we (some buddies and I) are yanking it out, and dropping a 455 down in it, along w/ the T400 trans. Now, this is not something I've done before, so if anyone has experience with this particular setup, any advice would be helpful. Thanks.

By the way, I have swapped engines before, just not on this particular body/frame style.

[cooltc2004]

Depending on the year of the engine, your goingto have to reinforce the frame alot, since it has a sub frame.

[tuske427]

sounds like fun!

You probably know all this, but some things to be aware of (in case you over looked them) are:

1- measuring. those pontiacs are big engines- will there be enough room to fit the engine in there? I understand that the chevy big block is a tight fit. It would be a bummer if the engine didn't fit. What will you do for exhaust?

2- I'm not sure what you're doing for motor mounts. Are there kits, or do you have something figured out?

3- suspension. the 2.8 springs will surely not enjoy having the weight of the 455 on it. your handling will go to crap if you don't replace them with some heavier rated springs. At the minimum use some WS-6 springs, but you may want to discuss this project with a tech from a spring mfg company. you may want to consider a stiffer anti sway bar for handling. unless you're building a drag- only car. if so, then ignore this.

4- your 2.8 is likely fuel injected- meaning you have an electric fuel pump in back. I'm guessing your 455 will be carburated. make sure to remove the electric pump, or get a regulator to bring down the pressure. probably be bestot remove it. you could use a setup from an early 3rd gen car that was carburated.

5- like previously mentioned, a set of frame ties will be a good investment. the 455 will have much more torque than that 2.8 ever did.

6- make sure the fridge is stocked full of cold beverages.

good luck!

[pontiacfreak]

1. If the engine don't fit, I'll have to do some cutting, I guess. As far as the exhaust, I have a friend who can make custom headers. He does all the work himself. I trust he does good work, because he built a 383 stroker for his sixty-something nova, put twin turbos on it (all plumbing fabricated by himself), and his own headers/exhaust. The point is he dyno'd at 1385 hp and 1410 ft/lbs torque at the rear wheels. So, he'll probably do my exhaust for me.
2. Everyone I talked to said just to get the stock big block motor mounts so it sits down in there like its supposed to. And there's already holes (that supposedly fit) drilled in the frame, a few inches in front of the 2.8 motor mount holes.
3. It will be a drag car but, I am still going to order special springs and stuff for the front end.
4. I'm just going to remove the electronic pump all together then use the one up front.
5. Already bought. Bolt on frame ties from Jegs. $179
6. Budweiser Select.