Im planing to swap out an anemic 301 for a built 400 in my 81 T/A planing about 400 hp give or take a few hps. My question is here any kinda info out there all in one place or book on how to do this correctly with as little hassle as poss. there must be dozens guys who have done this type of swap who know all the do's and dont's the secrets the parts that work and fit and ones to avoid also any parts off the 301 eng./dist./carb./brakets/etc. that will work on the new set-up. I know alot is determined by which model yr. eng. I use and as of now Im still sourcing out one also could use some help on this which eng. would the best fit also what to do with the computer and all those wires. Any help is good help and appreciated.    

I happen to own (among many others) a 1981 base Firebird with 1967 400 in place of the original V-6.  Your best bet and easiest path is to find a 1970-79 'Bird with ANY Pontiac V-8, preferably a 400.  That gives you all the mounts, brackets. etc. Putting a 1969 or earlier Pontiac V-8 in a Gen-2 'Bird requires motor mount adapters, but that is not too big a deal.

Good luck!

Craig