So I am getting to swap my build gap motor and I have a question about the cam and timing chain cover. Will my computer work with the stock iron head cam? Also since my Firebird is a 94 and the new motor is a 97 out of a B-body the timing chain covers are going to be different. Will I need to swap cams for the Opti or will it be alright? I am already putting new gaskets on so it is just a matter of labor.

 

The dowl pin on the 94 cam will be shorter than the 97..94 uses a splined shaft.

 

Yea I know what I meant was will the 97 opti if I leave it on the Iron head motor work with the 94 wiring harness and computer or will I have to swap cam/timing chain & cover and opti into the iron head motor. Sorry

 

No, you will have to swap everything over..

 

Ok thanks for the help now my question is will the cam out Firebird cause any problems with timing or to much lift since it slightly larger than the B-body cam? Both cams should be stock.

 

Are both motors roller cams? Lifters and push rods the same?

 

Something wrong here... the last year for the Impala SS was 1996. Ditto on the Roadmaster and Fleetwood. How did you get a 97 B-Body engine?

Next, what EXACTLY are you trying to swap? If you are simply pulling the 94 engine out, and bolting the 97 engine in, you don't have to change anything except the knock sensor on the engine. The Opti will work fine. You will need to replace the "short" Opti harness with one for the 95-97 vented Opti (EFIConnection has them cheap).

If, on the other hand you are trying to put your 94 cam in the 97, you will have to use the longer dowel pin, and have the nose of the cam drilled to accept the end of the pilot shaft. Or swap out the timing set, cover and Opti. You didn't mention the cam change in the first post... it sort of popped up later.

Your stock PCM tune may have too much timing advance. You'll know it, if you get a lot of knock retard.

 

The difference between the cams is minimal, the difference will be in the tuning. The aluminum headed cars get more aggressive timing in the programming. You may have some detonation with the iron headed engine but the PCM will pull timing to protect it. You can help by running premium fuel only...

 

I pulled a main and rod cap and the date stamped was 1997. I want to swap what will work with no problems. Since this will be a daily driver I really don't want to put premium in at every fill up. With the cost of fuel I could easily justify buying a head gasket kit and swapping the heads. I am looking for advice on a simple solution this is just a build gap motor but it will probably be used for a year. Use iron heads or scrap them and swap the aluminum's I am on a budget with this car and really wanted to save my aluminum heads to send to LE for my original motors rebuild.

 

What is the "year" code from the partial VIN stamped on the rear edge of the block?

Not sure how a part dated 1997 could get into a car that wasn't built built after 1996.... must be the new math.

 

I dont know maybe a rebuild in 97 it is really not relevant to my question is it.

 

If premium costs .25 per gallon more than regular you're talking about 4 dollars more per tank. If this justifies a head swap then have at it.

 

It's relevant if the engine is not what you think you have.

But apparently this annoys you, so I'll let someone else help you.

Good luck!

 

Toss those boat anchors over a bridge; $4 more for a tank of gas is not worth it.

 

You need premium on either motor for maximum mileage but if you don't have the money for gas you better look for one of those little 265 LT style motors instead of thinking about a 383.And that's relevant.