Would this work, a 79 with a 454
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Registered User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 46
From: Bartlett, IL
Would this work, a 79 with a 454
i know a guy that would sell his 79 camaro, he bought it a few years back but his motor died a few months after he bought it. But if i remember correctly, the exterior of the car was in good condition, the interior could use a little work.
Now i know another guy that has a 454 along with a transmission out of a 69 firebird he built but about five years ago i think, he said his son crashed the car but he has the motor and trans in his basement right now.
I'm more into the LS1's since i have one, but i want another camaro, first gen would be nice but here are my questions now
Would a 454 fit into a 79 w/little or no problems?
How much should i expect to pay the car? motor & trans?
Is there any questions i should ask them about these things?
What other parts would i have to change if i get the 79? any suspension parts, or should i be fine with the motor and trans and fixing up the interior?
Now i know another guy that has a 454 along with a transmission out of a 69 firebird he built but about five years ago i think, he said his son crashed the car but he has the motor and trans in his basement right now.
I'm more into the LS1's since i have one, but i want another camaro, first gen would be nice but here are my questions now
Would a 454 fit into a 79 w/little or no problems?
How much should i expect to pay the car? motor & trans?
Is there any questions i should ask them about these things?
What other parts would i have to change if i get the 79? any suspension parts, or should i be fine with the motor and trans and fixing up the interior?
Registered User
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 137
From: Huntsville, Alabama
Re: Would this work, a 79 with a 454
A 454 will fit as my 78 previously had a 427 in it.
The problem is if the tranny is a true BOP(buick,olds,pontiac) it will not bolt up to the 454 unless you have an adapter plate(not sure who makes them).
If the engine has been sitting for long there is a chance of it being stuck. Basements are damp so Make sure its not.
Suspension wise....The front springs were meant for a SBC and have probably never been changed. Ball joints,tie rods,control arm bushings should be looked at.
Check the car over good. If this is an original Illinois car its probably going to be rusty in some places(qtr panels,rockers,fenders,lower part of doors,trunk pan,floors. ect ect.Beware of the BONDO bucket. Check and make sure the frame rails in the rear are not rusted to nothing.
I MYSELF would not give more than 1500(thats on the high side) for the whole shooting match.
Im sure others can add or shoot down what I said
The problem is if the tranny is a true BOP(buick,olds,pontiac) it will not bolt up to the 454 unless you have an adapter plate(not sure who makes them).
If the engine has been sitting for long there is a chance of it being stuck. Basements are damp so Make sure its not.
Suspension wise....The front springs were meant for a SBC and have probably never been changed. Ball joints,tie rods,control arm bushings should be looked at.
Check the car over good. If this is an original Illinois car its probably going to be rusty in some places(qtr panels,rockers,fenders,lower part of doors,trunk pan,floors. ect ect.Beware of the BONDO bucket. Check and make sure the frame rails in the rear are not rusted to nothing.
I MYSELF would not give more than 1500(thats on the high side) for the whole shooting match.
Im sure others can add or shoot down what I said
Registered User
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 137
From: Huntsville, Alabama
Re: Would this work, a 79 with a 454
Howdy Scott.... read here.... .
http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=288828
I even have video. Just need to get it converted.
. http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=288828
I even have video. Just need to get it converted.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 446
From: Lincoln Park, MI US
Re: Would this work, a 79 with a 454
Originally Posted by BIGBADBOWTIE
The problem is if the tranny is a true BOP(buick,olds,pontiac) it will not bolt up to the 454 unless you have an adapter plate(not sure who makes them).
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 68
From: Morrisville, PA
Re: Would this work, a 79 with a 454
Pontiac didn't make a 454 so its gotta be a Chevy trans....unless an adapter is already there...in that case don't worry. You'll want ALL the accessory brackets. Hope its a long water pump (LWP) setup cuz those are the norm. SBC PS stuff will work once you change the sbc brackets to BBC brackets.
Now then...you'll NEED to change to a 3 or 4 core radiator if it isn't like that now. You'll need BBC hoses and belts (use a '72 SS 402' as a car to buy parts). You can reuse the SBC motor mounts, fan and shroud, PS, HEI. You'll have to get a BBC fuel pump for said 'car' since they're a special clearance type. You'll need BBC plug wires and headers....exhaust system will need some tweaking to work...prolly want to change to 2 1/2" dual pipes with a crossover. I can show you a set of 3" pipes in my driveway if you want (email me). I recommend Dynomax BBC headers for a 70-72 402 Camaro, and some 135 degree boot plug wires for clearance. If the motor has tall valve covers, you might want to 'doctor' up a set to give you clearance on the brake booster (good welder can hook you up). Suspension can stay IF its not worn out. Same with brakes. Fuel system can stay UNLESS the motor makes more than 450 HP, then you'll want to upgrade to 1/2" lines. You WILL run into hood clearance problems unless you run a older Torker 2, LS5 or stock 70-72BBC style intake with a drop base air cleaner and short (less than 3" tall) air filter. Or you could get a cowl hood and look cool too
Tranny - depends. I have my stock th-350 on my 454 now. You'll need an SFI approved, dual pattern flexplate, balanced to the old flexplate/flywheel balance weight. Then you can run either a TH-350/400/700R4 type trans. Regardless of the type, I recommend it be rebuilt and some hi-po parts put in before you spin it since changing a brand new tranny that's broken sucks.
I can't think of anything else....but if you have any questions, pop me an email or visit me at nastyz28.com.....
Good luck....and I hope to see you 'on the Dark Side'
Now then...you'll NEED to change to a 3 or 4 core radiator if it isn't like that now. You'll need BBC hoses and belts (use a '72 SS 402' as a car to buy parts). You can reuse the SBC motor mounts, fan and shroud, PS, HEI. You'll have to get a BBC fuel pump for said 'car' since they're a special clearance type. You'll need BBC plug wires and headers....exhaust system will need some tweaking to work...prolly want to change to 2 1/2" dual pipes with a crossover. I can show you a set of 3" pipes in my driveway if you want (email me). I recommend Dynomax BBC headers for a 70-72 402 Camaro, and some 135 degree boot plug wires for clearance. If the motor has tall valve covers, you might want to 'doctor' up a set to give you clearance on the brake booster (good welder can hook you up). Suspension can stay IF its not worn out. Same with brakes. Fuel system can stay UNLESS the motor makes more than 450 HP, then you'll want to upgrade to 1/2" lines. You WILL run into hood clearance problems unless you run a older Torker 2, LS5 or stock 70-72BBC style intake with a drop base air cleaner and short (less than 3" tall) air filter. Or you could get a cowl hood and look cool too
Tranny - depends. I have my stock th-350 on my 454 now. You'll need an SFI approved, dual pattern flexplate, balanced to the old flexplate/flywheel balance weight. Then you can run either a TH-350/400/700R4 type trans. Regardless of the type, I recommend it be rebuilt and some hi-po parts put in before you spin it since changing a brand new tranny that's broken sucks.
I can't think of anything else....but if you have any questions, pop me an email or visit me at nastyz28.com.....
Good luck....and I hope to see you 'on the Dark Side'
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