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1981 turbo trans am engine swap

 
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superdutydan



Joined: 29 Apr 2012
Posts: 38


1962 Catalina

PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 12:33 am    Post subject: 1981 turbo trans am engine swap Reply with quote

would a 455ci Pontiac would direct swap with a 301 turbo, and what major trouble would I run into?

thanks,

Daniel
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Larry
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Joined: 01 Jun 2006
Posts: 4768




PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 11:12 am    Post subject: Engine Swap Reply with quote

My Dad used to kind of make fun of us gearheads when we were young and saying things like "You can just drop one in." Naturally his skepticism was always right and based on years of real world experience.

In the swap you are considering, most little things will probably still work or require little modification. However, if you are going to use the same transmission, there may be serious considerations. While the transmission may work, will the input shaft sizes in the crank be the same? Will the flywheel or flex plate be the same? How about the torque converter? For these questions you may wish to call our Automatic Transmission Tech Adviser (see listing).

Things like motor mounts, radiator, etc. can sometimes be researched by doing a parts search and see which cars and engines they apply to.

The best plan is to plan for the worst and hope for the best. Everything is available that you will need, but you can never "just drop one in."

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superdutydan



Joined: 29 Apr 2012
Posts: 38


1962 Catalina

PostPosted: Fri Feb 13, 2015 9:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

In doing that engine swap, I want to hook it to a 4 speed Muncie M22. I have the parts required to do so( bellhousing, pedal assy, floor shifter hump, etc...).

The other thing that my be a problem is that the car is a turbo. Turbo t/a are full of wires over wires over wires. Will I need to keep all these or can just remove all the wires that relates to the turbo, turbo computer, etc...

Thanks for the time and efforts,

Daniel
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Larry
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PostPosted: Fri Feb 13, 2015 10:39 pm    Post subject: Engine Swap Reply with quote

Good choice on the 4-speed change over. If you have everything that fits the 455, you should be all set. Of course there will also be the bellcrank and frame brackets to mount, but that's no biggie. Sometimes frames may have holes for manual stuff, even if in an automatic car.

Most all the "mechanical" stuff can be conquered with common parts and a little creativity. However, the electronics is a totally different situation. I would suggest you contact our Automatic Transmission Tech Adviser, Steve Peluso, and ask him for some guidance. There is always the possibility of basically stripping everything that isn't used and hope for the best, but there might be warning lights that stay on all the time.

I have heard of engine conversions where new wire harnesses were available, but these are probably only for some of the very popular engines and more for hot rod builds. You might want to contact a place like Painless and ask them for their thoughts. They make custom harnesses all the time.

Personally, I would go the disconnecting everything, do the wiring to the new engine using the harness leads you have, and hope for the best. I assume you are going to scrap all the pollution stuff (electrical and vacuum), so loose the turbo stuff too. I don't know if it will throw an engine warning light or not. Perhaps there is a fuse that turbo stuff goes through. If so, pull it and see what happens.

I doubt you are the first person to get rid of a turbo engine, but I think there will be some sorting out to do. Does the current engine run? if so, try disconnecting all the turbo wiring and see what happens. I bet most of the wiring controls sensors and deal with heat issues and not over-boosting the engine.

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superdutydan



Joined: 29 Apr 2012
Posts: 38


1962 Catalina

PostPosted: Mon Oct 26, 2015 6:47 pm    Post subject: 1981 turbo engine swap Reply with quote

Hello,

I would like to know if there is many things that has to be done to the body on cloning this 1981 tt/a into a mean looking 1976 455ci, 4 speed 50th anniversary Trans am?

I have mostly the complete bumper, bracket and front fascia. Will it fit with 81 front fenders? Also, are the 78 rear bumpers same as 76 bumpers( tail panel)

And lastly, do I need to replace the rad support?

Thank you very much for your valuable tips in this one

Dan
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Larry
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Joined: 01 Jun 2006
Posts: 4768




PostPosted: Tue Oct 27, 2015 11:48 am    Post subject: Firebird Fenders Reply with quote

Below is what Classic Industries says about its reproduction fenders. It appears that the switcharoo you want to do won't be too difficult because the fenders are all pretty much the same (by their description). Be ready for some adaptation as you go though.


1974-81 Trans Am Front Fender RH

The 1970-81 Trans Am fenders all share the same basic outward appearance, however, there were subtle differences made to the inner mounting structure throughout the years. Our reproduction fenders are patterned from the 1977-81 style Trans Am fenders that feature a "hump style" factory inner fender flange. They are designed as a direct-fit and cosmetically correct replacement for 1977-81 models with no modifications necessary. These fenders may also fit 1970-76 models with the "flat style" inner mounting flange. External appearance is the same for 1970-76, but the inner mounting flange under the hood is cosmetically different than the original. Additionally, on 1970-73 models the lower brackets for mounting the front valance will need to be retained from the original fenders and welded to the reproduction fenders in the correct location.
Important: We recommend professional installation when converting these fenders for use on 1970-76 models.
[color=darkred]

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