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Buick 455 in a Pontiac

  
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Buick 455 in a Pontiac

 
nate9227 nate9227
New User | Posts: 12 | Joined: 10/09
Posted: 10/02/09
01:50 PM

Can I put a 455 from a Buick into a Pontiac? I can get a Buick 455 for pretty cheap but I would like to put in a early 70's Trans Am. Can I do this with out major mods to the Trans Am engine compartment?
Thanks  

 
pontiac6964 pontiac6964
New User | Posts: 34 | Joined: 03/08
Posted: 10/02/09
07:17 PM

dont know if it will help,but i put a buick engine in a oldsmobile cutlass once along time ago and everything went into place.the only thing i remember having to do was re routing all of the wiring which wasnt to big a deal.some of those buick engines have some big time torque.i would think exhaust manifolds might be an issue if any  

 
nate9227 nate9227
New User | Posts: 12 | Joined: 10/09
Posted: 10/02/09
07:21 PM

Thanks for the reply.  

 
Brazil Brazil
Enthusiast | Posts: 337 | Joined: 06/09
Posted: 10/03/09
05:53 AM

I'm pretty sure the Buick 455 is the same block as the Olds 455 and 403 that came in some of the 1979 Trans Am's. If so, the motor mounts on the frame would be the main thing that might need to be moved, depending on what engine it is replacing.
If I'm wrong, the Pontiac Gurus will see your post and know for sure.  

 
barneyformula barneyformula
Guru | Posts: 1119 | Joined: 01/07
Posted: 10/03/09
10:50 AM

The Buick 455 is a totally different engine design from either the Pontiac V8 or the Olds 403/455 (Rocket) V8. The only similarity the three designs share is the bellhousing pattern. I can understand the reasoning behind this swap from a budget point of view and it can be done. You will require the frame brackets and motor side mounts from a 75-77 Buick Apollo (think NOVA clone) with a Buick 350, which uses the same front subframe design as the 2nd generation Firebird/TA. You are also going to need all the Buick specific parts such as exhaust manifolds, alternator/ AC/ power steering brackets and PS pump. Check with TA Performance (a Buick specialist, despite the name they aren't a Trans Am shop) for really good intake/cam/header combo's and great info on modifying the Buick V8 (especially the less than spectacular oiling system). The transmission will have to be either a BOP pattern TH350 or preferably the BOP pattern TH400 to handle the torque. Look for a 3 or 4 core rad to cool the beast as well. Pontiac V8 front springs will be fine for supporting the weight.
Despite the fact that this can be a relatively easy swap, the best thing to do is buy the Buick (presumeably at a fair-to-cheap price) and advertise it "for sale or trade for a Pontiac 455". Try to find a real Pontiac 455, that way you can do the same amount of work and spend the same amount of money and not end up with a "mutt" and the car will remain sellable down the road if you have to get rid of it.
Of course this is just my two cents worth, strictly my opinion and not meant to offend, just inform. Have fun and build your car the way you want it.
Steve  
A little help... 'cause we don't all have to learn the hard way!

 
Pontiacman8 Pontiacman8
Guru | Posts: 1655 | Joined: 02/08
Posted: 10/03/09
11:10 AM

Ya the 455 or even a 400 Pontiac would be better in the long run.  
professional hi-performance engine builder

Horsepower sells engines and torque wins races

 
Brazil Brazil
Enthusiast | Posts: 337 | Joined: 06/09
Posted: 10/03/09
12:18 PM

Yep, sorry for the bad info - I should have checked into it first. There was a guy selling a Pontiac 455 HO that is just gathering dust in his barn a few weeks ago in Houston Texas that I almost bought but didn't really need. The Pontiac 400 and 455 are definately a better choice in a Trans Am.  

 
nate9227 nate9227
New User | Posts: 12 | Joined: 10/09
Posted: 10/03/09
05:24 PM

Thanks guys for the info  

 

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