Newbie engine swap question

[sdj02]

Newbie here!! I just got a 1980 Pontiac Lemans wagon. I know it has a v8 but I do not know if it is a 301 Pontiac or a Chevy 305. What is the easiest way to determine this? I want to make a drag car out of this so the engine will go anyway, but I need to know what my future holds as far as changing motor mounts, and what transmission I currently have. Thanks for any info!!

 

[GP403]

Hey sdj02, welcome to the site!

The easiest way to tell if its a Poncho vs. Chevy engine is this: Which side(s) are the alternator and A/C on? If the alternator's on the pass. side and the AC on the drivers then its a chevy. (Hate having those A/C lines draped across everything!) The Poncho's IIRC also have the alt/AC mounted a little higher and closer to center, but on the opposite sides of the Chevy.

At least I think the Pontiacs look that way

 

[pontiacgp]

I found the vin codes if that helps


5th digit - Engine Code
A = 231 c.i.d, 2-bbl V6 (1978 - 81)
H = 305 c.i.d, 4-bbl V8 (1980 - 81)
S = 265 c.i.d, 2-bbl V8 (1980 - 81)
T = 301 c.i.d, TC 4-bbl V8 (turbo) (1980 - 81)
W = 301 c.i.d, 4-bbl V8 (1979 -81)
Y = 301 c.i.d, 4-bbl V8 (T/A 4.9) (1980)

 

[averagewhiteboy]

Newbie here!! I just got a 1980 Pontiac Lemans wagon. I know it has a v8 but I do not know if it is a 301 Pontiac or a Chevy 305. What is the easiest way to determine this? I want to make a drag car out of this so the engine will go anyway, but I need to know what my future holds as far as changing motor mounts, and what transmission I currently have. Thanks for any info!!

Where are you from?

 

[sdj02]

Thanks for all of the great info!! I will see where my alt is on the old motor. Regardless of what motor I have, is a 350 swap pretty easy in these cars? Thanks for the VIN codes, that will let me know what was original too.

And I am from Fair Grove, MO; which is just north of Springfield, MO if that helps!! Not too far from Branson, MO.

Thanks again for the help!