77 c10 to a Pontiac Engine swap

[mute_voice]

I just purchased as 1977 C10 the came with the in line 6 250... my uncle had a 79 Pontiac firebird with a 350 5.7L i took the engine and tranny out to put into the 77 i was wondering what problem i would run into or any suggestions on the installation...

[silicon212]

First, is it a true Pontiac, or a Chevrolet engine? I don't believe Pontiac was any longer in the business of making their own 350 by 1979, but I could be wrong.

If it is a Pontiac, you're in for a good swap, and your transmission (Firebird) will not work with the truck driveshaft (tail cone length differences).

I do believe that's a Chevrolet engine in the '79, though. If that is actually the case, then there's not too much to do outside of simply swapping engines. Make sure you get the accessory pulle drives with the engine. In either case, I do believe you will be wanting a new transmission with the proper tailcone length, that can handle the 350.

[n8zdogg]

You may be able to use the tranny if you have a new driveshaft made $50-$100 for the short part of the shaft that goes from the carrier to the tranny.
The search I just ran at edmunds indicates that if you have a 350 its most likely a chevy engine.... http://www.edmunds.com/pontiac/firebird/history.html

[1968 Pontiac]

You may also need the frame part of the engine mount. My buddy did the opposite swap years ago; a 454 Chev into a 67 Firebird. It wouldn't bolt to the Pontiac mounts, but he didn't have the Chev mounts either, but got some from a big block 69 Chevelle in the wrecker. Other then that and the tranny/drive shaft you shouldn't have a problem. I've heard of people swapping 455 Olds's into their trucks years ago cause they were a dime a dozen, compared to the more expensive and always in demand 454's.