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Hi their, so i am leaning towards going with a big block in my 54, i cant recall seeing one before and im not 100% sure what will work.
First of all i want to make sure it can be done.
I am going to use a 77 firebird frame clip and have access to a 400bb pontiac. Is there going to be any other major work need to be done to the firewall or floor to house this thing?

thanks, Tony

I have a feeling that with a front frame swap the engine and trans will be low enough that floor clearence won't be a problem.
As for firewall you will have to measure center of front wheel to firewall on both vehicles and see for your self.

I've seen big block Chevys in these trucks, but don't know that I've ever seen a big Pontiac in one. I'm sure it can be done, and if you are using the Firebird clip some of the problems (like steering interference) will be taken care of as part of the clip project.

Firewall and floor really depend on where you mount the motor. As you clip the truck you'll be deciding how much to lower the truck, and that will affect your options for mounting the motor.

I've always thought it would be fun to get some of the GMC valve covers used on '55 to '59 GMC V-8 powered trucks because many of those motors were Pontiacs. I believe the GMC logo is actually a decal, not embossed, but I understand that though it may take two gaskets to ensure enough room rockers to move, it seems like a fun way to make that big Pontiac look like it grew there under that GMC hood.

Good Guys Puyallip in next weekend. There is a guy who usually shows his '54 (actually its a '55 1st, but he calls it a '54) GMC with an Olds clip and a 454 Chevy under the hood. If you make the trip you might want to look for it.

Just a comment on Pontiac engines; there is no such thing as a "big block" Pontiac. The block is the same dimensions for all displacements, Oldsmobiles are the same way. How 'bout a sleeper, you know, 287 badging on a 428 Suoer Duty or 455 HO?

hey tony,my 53 1 1/2 ton came with a hood ornament from a 54 pontiac

http://community.webshots.com/photo/551424330/2227225870092821122QpIFzr

if you put a pontiac motor in your truck you can have it,trans ams kick a$$

With the 396 in my half ton the frame had to be notched and the steering box moved. The firewall had to be banged in about an inch in the middle to make way for the distributor.

I think the Pontiac sounds like a very cool idea. I've seen bolts with bigger chevy's, but no Pontiacs.

i totally support the idea of using a big ol' BOP. theres a 455 Olds sitting in a '72 Delta 88 out back that just screams "rebuild me and make me fast!"

yeah. it's very tempting.

tho they may only put out about 300 horse in some instances...with 500+ ft/lbs torque naturally aspirated and fairly stock..how can you NOT dig these old 400+ BOPs??

i say, do it.

.later days.
.sam.

The Olds 425-455 is about an inch taller, and an inch wider than the 350 block.

One thing about BB Olds, is they dont like high RPM's unless they are put together with matched parts.