New Engine in 81 Turbo Trans Am

[T-Am-oh]

So me and my dad are finally swapping out the ol' 301 in our 81 Trans Am, but cant decide whats the best or better option to put in. We are certain we want something with more performace than the awful 301's. As of now the choices are Pontiac 455 or Chevy 454... i kind of dont want a chevy in a pontiac but people tell me good things... Anyone done something similar or have advice?

 

[melsg5]

remember Chevy and Pontiac transmission bolt patterns are not the same and you may need an adaptor depending on your choice. Your budget and availability may be a concern so check what you can find and then decide which way to go, both choices are good ones.

 

[92 Sunbird LE]

Test drove a 75 455 Trans Am back in the late 70's, though building a 454 is cheaper, you'll like the 455's torque. ( I scared the S&%t out of the salesman, he told me to slow down.... p)

Doug in P.R

 

[92 Sunbird LE]

Big Block Comparision

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/big_block_engines/

Doug in P.R.

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[92 Sunbird LE]

Looking for a good used motor try : www.car-part.com. You can search just in Canada if you want or close over the border in the US.

Look for a 71 and up if you can ( hardened valve seats and lower compression for todays fuel) )

An " A" rating in the condition column is the best. Low miles are a plus also.

Doug in P.R.

 

[T-Am-oh]

Thanks for the replies, i think we decided on Pobtiac 455. Whether we put turbos in it again or not now thats a whole other story

 

[92 Sunbird LE]

Keep us posted on the build.......................

Doug in P.R.

 

[Too Fast]

Yes keep us posted. You put turbo(s) on that 455 it'll be beastly!

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[T-Am-oh]

Unfortuantly no turbos for now but defiantly going with 455 poncho, aluminum heads and eagle kit with installation.... now going to start the build till next month though so stay tuned

 

[melsg5]

the amount of money you would have to throw into that engine to survive turbos would have been ridiculous!

 

[T-Am-oh]

Thats true, not to mention the amount of money to even get turbos worth installing

 

[T-Am-oh]

Just to let anyone who is still reading this forum know, the engine has been replaced and installed in the Trans Am and we have actually upgraded the whole drive line of the car since we were there

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[melsg5]

can you post pictures ?

 

[midwest_trader]

Motor Swap

Would love to see pictures of the recent swap. How does she preform? I just swapped a blue print and balanced 383 into my 81 T/A. I need lower gears on the rear end, but after I worked out a few kinks it runs like a boss. Im sure your 455 will be a beast. I have a friend who puts those stock 81 turbos on all sorts of motors. They don't require a ton of work and can be picked up easily. Im thinking about adding one down the road to my 383.

 

[claudio]

Do you have the old turbo 301.....???