Pontiac 400 In a Monte Carlo SS

[Coolio]

I am a Pontiac guy but I voted for the SBC. Only because I think it would be more cost effective and I prefer motor brand to car brand matches. A 7004R would need an adapter on anything but the Chevy. But if you do go with the Pontiac I know you will embarrass a lot of other cars that think G-bodies are slow. You will need '78-'81 G-body Pontiac 301 motor brackets to get it where it will sit nicely. The exhaust bolt pattern is the same on all Pontiac V-8's although the 301 has an additional 3rd bolt on the center flange. No headers exist but as stated the cast iron Ram Air exhausts are less expensive and flow just as good while outlasting headers hands down. Stainless steel head pipes are available for the RA manifolds too. A Turbo-400 would be a better choice and then you could run decent highway gears like 3:08 or 3:23. The 400 will pull like an ox.[/QUOTEi

I am a Pontiac guy but I voted for the SBC. Only because I think it would be more cost effective and I prefer motor brand to car brand matches. A 7004R would need an adapter on anything but the Chevy. But if you do go with the Pontiac I know you will embarrass a lot of other cars that think G-bodies are slow. You will need '78-'81 G-body Pontiac 301 motor brackets to get it where it will sit nicely. The exhaust bolt pattern is the same on all Pontiac V-8's although the 301 has an additional 3rd bolt on the center flange. No headers exist but as stated the cast iron Ram Air exhausts are less expensive and flow just as good while outlasting headers hands down. Stainless steel head pipes are available for the RA manifolds too. A Turbo-400 would be a better choice and then you could run decent highway gears like 3:08 or 3:23. The 400 will pull like an ox.

I'll check the ram air manifolds when I get a chance. Also what's the correct screws to get when bolting the flexplate to the motor, the ones I have are to long and prevent the flexplate from rotating.

 

[Bonnewagon]

The correct ones are much shorter than manual trans bolts. They will get maybe 1 thread past the crankshaft flange. Let me see if I can find the part#. I know they are 1/2"-20. EDIT: ARP 200-2904 should be the right ones.http://www.arp-bolts.com/kits/ARPkit-detail.php?RecordID=773

 

[tdvick]

The ram air manifolds are a nice deal, but some applications are better for headers. I’ve had both. Also had the RA manifolds with the outlets opened up to 2.5”. Ran into the low 13’s with them on a ‘71 TA.

Anyway, I just saw a post on FB from Mad Dog tonight. I replied and asked if they have any plans to bring back their Pontiac stuff because I keep seeing people looking for Pontiac headers for g body cars. They actually replied positively. They said,
“Hi Troy - please call the shop. 770.773.9207 - we may have something to offer you. While I'm quick on FB right now - I'm not often monitoring messages, so calling the shop is your best bet. Thanks!”

Seems odd since they told you no. Good luck with which ever path you choose.

Troy

 

[tdvick]

Also, their headers were about $550 when they had them available. That’s uncoated. I had to bring mine to a local shop to get powder coated.

 

[Coolio]

Go with the repro RamAir manifolds from Ram Air Restoration Enterprises along with their headpipes. Get the model for the 64-67 GTO as it has a 3 bolt flange for the headpipe instead of 2 like the ones for 68-72's. Both will fit but the seal is better. That's what I have on my 81 Lemans and they fit perfect with no dicking around. Bonnewagon covered the rest just fine.

Thanks. I just purchased the manifolds you're talking about they should be here sometime this week. Once they arrive I'll install and let you know how it turn out.

 

[Coolio]

The correct ones are much shorter than manual trans bolts. They will get maybe 1 thread past the crankshaft flange. Let me see if I can find the part#. I know they are 1/2"-20. EDIT: ARP 200-2904 should be the right ones.http://www.arp-bolts.com/kits/ARPkit-detail.php?RecordID=773

Thanks I'll update once they arrive.

 

[Coolio]

Go with the repro RamAir manifolds from Ram Air Restoration Enterprises along with their headpipes. Get the model for the 64-67 GTO as it has a 3 bolt flange for the headpipe instead of 2 like the ones for 68-72's. Both will fit but the seal is better. That's what I have on my 81 Lemans and they fit perfect with no dicking around. Bonnewagon covered the rest just fine.

I finally had the chance to get the manifolds installed and exhaust pipe ran. They fit pretty easily thanks for the help.

 

[Coolio]

With Manifolds cleared frame and firewall.

 

[Bonnewagon]

Good work. You may want a heat shield between the pipe and starter. Pontiacs are notorious for hard start after a heat soak.

 

[pontiacgp]

Good work. You may want a heat shield between the pipe and starter. Pontiacs are notorious for hard start after a heat soak.

I forgot all about that needing a heat shield on a Pontiac engine.