Olds 403 ----> Chevy 350??

[LPcatcher01]

I have a 79 Trans Am with a 403, but the engine is locked up. I also have an '87 Camaro with a 350, it has title problems, so i can't drive it. Would i be able to put the 350 in the T/A? If so, would i have to change anything?

[LPcatcher01]

1. Would the 350 work with the trans from the 403?
2. Will the rear end withstand the 350?
3. Would i need different motor mounts?
4. Anything else anyone can think of....

[Philo]

Originally Posted by LPcatcher01

1. Would the 350 work with the trans from the 403?
2. Will the rear end withstand the 350?
3. Would i need different motor mounts?
4. Anything else anyone can think of....

1. Not sure, you may need an adapter.
2. Yes. The 403 engine had a 3.23 rear axle ratio, so your 350 will not have blazing acceleration.
3. Yes, but the '79 had a Chevy 350 optional engine, so they should be available.
4. I think the biggest problem you will face is the need for the computer on the 350.

[petereggy]

1. you will need a new bellhousing or new tranny
2. the rear end will be fine
3. you will need new motor mounts drilled or welded to the frame
4. there are no computers........

thats basicly all you need to do the swap seems like only a couple things but it will be alot of work

[Philo]

Originally Posted by petereggy

1. you will need a new bellhousing or new tranny
2. the rear end will be fine
3. you will need new motor mounts drilled or welded to the frame
4. there are no computers........

thats basicly all you need to do the swap seems like only a couple things but it will be alot of work

Starting around '80, all GM cars had ECM's. They have sensors and so on that are used to control the emissions on the engine. It may not be a true computer, but never the less, it will have to come over with the engine. With autos that have emissions equipment, the Feds say that you can move the engine, but if the engine is newer than the recipient car, it must meet the emissions of the donor car. If it is older, it must meet the emissions of the recipient car. Each state has it's various rules, but the Federal rules are mandatory.

[petereggy]

well to me computerized cars are like the late 80's and all the new cars. Not smog equipment

[LPcatcher01]

OK, well could i just take the trans from the camaro? Would the driveshaft be the correct length? If not, could i use the camaro driveshaft? Also i do have the computer for the camaro.

[petereggy]

yah the 87 camaro is most likly fuel injected right?
so if it is it will have a computer and stuff that would have to go over. the trans from the camaro should work. Im not 100% on the driveshaft and such so I dont know if it will work

[MrPbody]

As others have stated, transmission is not compatible. There are adapter plates available.
GM installed computers in all passenger cars begining '81 model year. To use the 350, you will need an older distributor (with vacuum advance) and a non-feedback carb (no electrical connections to internal solenoids).
You might also consider selling the Chevy stuff and building a Pontiac engine for it. Contrary to certain other postings on this board, the 400 or 455 Pontiac will maximize performance of this car, and still keep it looking "Pontiac". Only a big block Chevy can rival the power. A small block with enough power to be near it, would take a level of tune not considered "driveable".
There are still 403 cores out there, too. If it's a "special edition" or "10 year anniversary" car, it should be returned to original to prevent cutting the value in half.

Jim