Topic: 400 pontiac engine weight vs Chevy Big Block

[72blackbird]

A decently built Pontiac 400 with stock e-heads will get you 450 hp- just use good forged rods and lightweight pistons and that 400 will rev real nice.

Most 400/462 strokers with 250 cfm or better heads make at least 475-500 hp and 550 ft-lbs, so unless you want to get into beefing your drivetrain the 450 hp e-headed 400 is a simpler route to improved power (most likely better on gas than a 462 also).

Geno

[SavingTheBird76]

If you really want to store your current engine,don't go with a Buick 455.
The Buick needs a lot of mods to make big horsepower,and has a weak oiling system.
I have a 73 centurion,and parts are extremely expensive.
High performance rebuilds usually require girdles,along with other strengthing of the blocks.
Torque is the mainstay of the Buick motors,not high rpm or horsepower.
The pontiac motors are engineered better,IMHO.

 Im not trying to be an a** or argumentitive, just stating FACTS as I have seen them.

I have just over 5K in MY Buick build, with a complete stock bottom end.. No girdle, No other strengthing of the block, yet is was dynoed at 575hp and 565 lb/ft. My brother has been running solid high 10s for over 5 years with the exact same combo without any problems. I also have friends that are running faster, well into the 7k rpm range. Oh and the oiling mods cost me about $250. I understand that this is a Pontiac forum and my thoughts are the minority. I didnt plan on building a Buick, but I am very happy with what I have now.

Take a look at the prices at ta performance.
$400 for a basic intake manifold.
$400 for basic headers.
The price to build a Buick motor is higher than anything else I've seen.
Probably because not many people buy enough parts to justify the production costs.
I have nothing against the Buick motor,as I own one(455).
But I wouldn't spend money building a motor with a known weakness.

The chevy motors are easier to work on,the parts are cheaper,and you have many more choices for a chassis.

[LOMILETA]

77-79 Trans Ams didnt have a chevy engine

Well I didnt break it down enough for you obviously, so 77-79 came with a Pontiac or Olds, and 80-81 Came with a Pontiac or Chevy. So for the 1st 8 yrs they ALL had Pontiac power, then the next 5 yrs near half didnt, then after 82 no Pontiac motor was offered.

Most of the parts in my build were from TA performance, so I do know the prices. Yes they are higher, but dare to be different.  lol

[RainMan]

Think about this, most Trans ams didnt come from the factory with a Pontiac motor. All of them from 69-76 did. Then from 77-81 they could have had a Pontiac, Chevy, or an Olds. After 92 ALL cars came with a Chevy motor!  Unlike others here I didnt say the Buick motor was better than the Pontiac, I just pointed out what I have done and seen done.

I wasn't bashing your engine Lom ,I would just fiind it weird telling people I have a Buick in my T/A . I don't have eniough knowledge to say what pros and cons each engine has . But seeing as I have a pontiac 400 ,I would like to stay with it is all .

77-79 Trans Ams didnt have a chevy engine

No I believe it was either the 400 pontiac ,till they ran out of them I heard ,then they put in the olds 403 .Maybe it was demographics ,not sure.
But in 80 -81 ,they got the 305 SBC .

Ok I stand corrected ,according to Lom you could still get a 400 in 80 -81?

[SavingTheBird76]

Any headaches installing that Buick into the TA?
I imagine your running an auto,but how about the other accessories.

[RainMan]

Well I have to go for cruise in the Marty and get a Lotto ticket . I need 20G for an all aluminum  Butler long block lol

Wish me luck Guys 

[LOMILETA]

No, the install was pretty simple, motor went in with the headers attached to the block. I dont have AC, and all of it was gone before I got the car, and yes an auto. It is a 2004r. And No Rainman, the Pontiac motors in 80-81 were the 4.9 liter 301's. I only did the Buick because that was what was available to me at the time.

[Anderson0741]

A decently built Pontiac 400 with stock e-heads will get you 450 hp- just use good forged rods and lightweight pistons and that 400 will rev real nice.

Most 400/462 strokers with 250 cfm or better heads make at least 475-500 hp and 550 ft-lbs, so unless you want to get into beefing your drivetrain the 450 hp e-headed 400 is a simpler route to improved power (most likely better on gas than a 462 also).

Geno2

How much is it to build a 400 to get 450 horse?

[RainMan]

No, the install was pretty simple, motor went in with the headers attached to the block. I dont have AC, and all of it was gone before I got the car, and yes an auto. It is a 2004r. And No Rainman, the Pontiac motors in 80-81 were the 4.9 liter 301's. I only did the Buick because that was what was available to me at the time.

Oh DUH! I am so brain dead today ,thanks for reminding me . Like I owned an 80  turbo for crying out loud ,shseeeesh  

[RainMan]

A decently built Pontiac 400 with stock e-heads will get you 450 hp- just use good forged rods and lightweight pistons and that 400 will rev real nice.

Most 400/462 strokers with 250 cfm or better heads make at least 475-500 hp and 550 ft-lbs, so unless you want to get into beefing your drivetrain the 450 hp e-headed 400 is a simpler route to improved power (most likely better on gas than a 462 also).

Geno2

How much is it to build a 400 to get 450 horse?

I think the answer is how much reliability do you want also ,thats where the money tree is needed

[Anderson0741]

With decent reliability 

[SavingTheBird76]

All the factory motors are reliable stock if you keep them at a reasonable rpm and don't over carburate them.
The blocks are the hardest parts to find,as they are the first items detonated by broken pistons,rods,crankshafts,and other internal parts.
I intend to try to keep my current motors as long as possible,and keep them at a relatively low rpm.
One of the reasons torque is so important.
Most complete crate motors I've seen run about $6000+,for big displacement.
Some chevy small blocks can be had starting around $2000.

[RainMan]

All the factory motors are reliable stock if you keep them at a reasonable rpm and don't over carburate them.
The blocks are the hardest parts to find,as they are the first items detonated by broken pistons,rods,crankshafts,and other internal parts.
I intend to try to keep my current motors as long as possible,and keep them at a relatively low rpm.
One of the reasons torque is so important.
Most complete crate motors I've seen run about $6000+,for big displacement.
Some chevy small blocks can be had starting around $2000.

I really want a torque monster if anything . RPMs are not really my thing . Thats why the 4.25 stroker crank may work well for the type of power that I like . I seen one engine that had a 4.25 bore and a 4.25 stroke ,keeping things square again

I was checking this Butler perfomance site again ,and see they make a 4.5 inch crank with 3 inch journals  . Not that would create some torque I suspect

http://www.butlerperformance.com/

[Joker (§ir£Ğragon)]

Just go with a turbine.

[RainMan]

Just go with a turbine.

I seen Jay Lenos turbine car the EVO I think it was called . I just wish I had his resources