Engine swap questions

[NorwayValleyMuscle]

Hello, so I currently own a 1977 Ventura Sprint that has a 301 in it. I just purchased a 350 out of a 69 Firebird. I'm curious on what I'll need as far as engine mounts go to swap that 350 into my X-body. Adapter plates? Any help will greatly appreciated 

[JUSTA6]

That's one rare piece of Pontiac history.  Thankz for sharing.  Should be straight swap and bolt right up to your 350 turbo.  I would look at radiator size for cooling the bigger beast.  One major concern I have is that if the 301 is the original matching #'s engine to the car......KEEP IT!   Do you have any of the dealer paperwork?   Was this a Canadian edition?  Have heard of the Sprint but have never seen one. Thankz for the pic's.  I had a 74 Ventura N loved it.  That's when rumors of a dealership made the Pontiac equivalent of Chevy Yenco products.  

[NorwayValleyMuscle]

So as far as I know, my father purchased it new from a dealer here in LaCrosse, WI and the Sprint package was already installed. From what I know of the Sprint, there was one dealer on the east side of WI that did the Sprint package upgrade if you wanted it. I've tried and tried to get official numbers on how many were produced to no avail. I intend to crate up and keep the 301 because it's definitely all numbers matching. I just want a little more giddy up and reliability to make driving it more fun. I think my biggest concern so far was if they were swap well and could use the same engine mounts. 

[JUSTA6]

7 minutes ago, NorwayValleyMuscle said:

So as far as I know, my father purchased it new from a dealer here in LaCrosse, WI and the Sprint package was already installed. From what I know of the Sprint, there was one dealer on the east side of WI that did the Sprint package upgrade if you wanted it. I've tried and tried to get official numbers on how many were produced to no avail. I intend to crate up and keep the 301 because it's definitely all numbers matching. I just want a little more giddy up and reliability to make driving it more fun. I think my biggest concern so far was if they were swap well and could use the same engine mounts. 

 

Gettin carried away here.  WELCOME to FP!!!  We have quite a cast of characters here from all around the Pontiac world.  Jump in the forum and join our Pontiac family!

 

[JUSTA6]

https://www.clasonbuickgmc.com/

Call the dealership and ask to speak to the owner.   It was Clason back as Pontiac Buick in the day.  Bet the owner would know who to contact, or have your answers. 

More for you to check on.

Tee Gorr sent a few initial photos of his new project car (he was told it was a '76, but it is clearly wearing the grille and front quarter panels of a '77).  He's going to have to deal with some rust here, you can see.  (update, spring 2005): " The Ventura is going through a little maintenance right now because of the great Canadian winters. A new head gasket was just put on, and heads shaved to bring back that 105hp. She will now bench sideways off the start, something it never did before. New back springs were installed so I could carry around four 12inch subwoofers, 300watts apiece, that sound amazing in the hatch back. Hoping to have the car painted this summer! Only 95000 original miles on the car, that my grandfather bought brand new and left to me! I will send more pictures of the car after the snow melts. And maybe even some photos of the old girl's new stereo system. HOLD ONTO YOUR HATCH LOCK.....BASSSSSSSS!" [email protected]

 Bill (master of the '75 Nova SS site in our links section) contacted pv.com and offered images from his site.  This new one that he had was eye-catching, so many thanks to him for finding this image of the rare '77 Sprint!

We'd be happy to display any '77 Ventura photos that you might have, even if you no longer own the car.  Just e-mail them to Roland at  [email protected] .  "You are not alone"

Edited January 22, 2023 by JUSTA6

[Frosty]

You should not have any trouble swapping between a 350/400/455 and the 301. While the 301 is an inch shorter deck height, the motor mounts and transmission bolt pattern remain the same as the other Pontiac V8s. You may want to use new motor mounts simply because time, oil, and UV exposure can work to weaken and damage the original mounts.

Justa's point about upgrading the cooling system is a good idea. I would suggest upgrading your braking system. Adding more go means upgrading the whow! Front disc brakes, drilled and slotted rotors are good ideas.

[Wrongway]

Welcome, thats justa cool ride! Got any interior pics?