1979 Trans Am engine swap

Bigblockjoe68 · #1 06-28-2006, 09:20 PM

i have a 79 TA with a boat anchor 301. Would like to swap it for a better powerplant. Can a chevy small block be used? Or would it be better to use a Pontiace 400 or 455? Are the motor mounts the same? Is it compatible with my borg warner 4speed tranny? Could I also use the existing brackets for the alternator and power steering?

What headers could I use? Any help would be greatly appreciated. This TA needs a heart transplant!

Morley · #2 06-29-2006, 01:24 AM

A 79 T/A with the 301? Never heard of that, the engines offered in the T/A for that year were the Olds 403 and Pontiac 400. You sure it is really a T/A and not a Formula or Esprit with the T/A hood and badges?
The 301 was the only "small block" Pontiac ever made and I don't know if it shared the same bellhousing bolt pattern as the rest of the poncho's (which won't bolt up to a chevy engine)
If it is a true T/A, I'd look for the "correct" engine for it (check the VIN), either the 403 or 400

CamarosRsweet94 · #3 06-29-2006, 10:41 AM

Yeah, what Morley said...

demon9766 · #4 06-29-2006, 06:52 PM

yeah, that's an odd combo for a 1979 TA , i would go with a 400.

79Bandit · #5 06-30-2006, 12:02 AM

400 the only way to go..more relaible than the 455 and great potential

Bigblockjoe68 · #6 07-01-2006, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morley

A 79 T/A with the 301? Never heard of that, the engines offered in the T/A for that year were the Olds 403 and Pontiac 400. You sure it is really a T/A and not a Formula or Esprit with the T/A hood and badges?
The 301 was the only "small block" Pontiac ever made and I don't know if it shared the same bellhousing bolt pattern as the rest of the poncho's (which won't bolt up to a chevy engine)
If it is a true T/A, I'd look for the "correct" engine for it (check the VIN), e
ither the 403 or 400

They also offered a 301 and a 301 turbo. These motors are boat anchors with tons of smog chit. Does anyone know of a pontiac 400 crate motor?

Morley · #7 07-02-2006, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigblockjoe68

They also offered a 301 and a 301 turbo. These motors are boat anchors with tons of smog chit. Does anyone know of a pontiac 400 crate motor?

The 301 Turbo was offered in 1980 and in 1981 the turbo was dropped, you only got a N/A 301.

ikeyballz · #8 07-07-2006, 01:35 PM

do a google or yahoo search
first hit for me:
http://proformanceunlimited.com/pontiac.html

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