1995 Pontiac Firebird new shell

KEVIN12881

MEMBER
1995 PONTIAC FIREBIRD

Engine Mechanical problem
1995 Pontiac Firebird V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic 120k miles

I have totaled my 95 trans am, but the engine is still good (in fact it did not even die in the 70mph hydroplane accident). The rear axel has been knocked out and the frame is probably warped. Instead of fixing it I am buying a new shell. If I go with a 95-97 I will have little difficulty (and have even found a few possibilities). Now here is my real question: I have found a 68 firebird that I can acquire at a great price, so how hard will it be to put my engine into the 68? Can I possibly get the 95 fuel injected engine to go into the 68 with all necessary computers and sensors for the car to run proper? If I put on a new intake and make the engine carbureted will it run proper? What kind of installment issues will come up? Will I need custom fabricated engine mounts, transmission mounts, and/or drive shaft? Will the transmission fit or will the bell be too small? Will this project prove to be too large for one with limited mechanic skill?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi:
Wow! I would buy the 68 regardless. Is it possible to do what you are suggesting, well with a heck of a lot of work. I wouldn't recommend it because there are so many variables that can cause problems. As far as the trans, you have a completely different animal than what came in the car. Same with the engine. You would have to have many things custom made. Now the computer iissue. You need an electric fuel pump, so the fuel tank is also an issue. It isn't designed for that and I have no idea how you could change it other than running an inline pump. The computer will be checking for all the sensors, so you will need a new wiring harness to wire everything. It is a big job and if you are not well versed in the subject, you will waste a lot of money and loose a lot of hair.

As far as the carb question, if you can find an intake, it should work but please realize what I am telling you is in theory because this isn't a normal job.

My overall recommendation, get the 68 (hard to find) and fix it with the correct parts. You will have one heck of a car!

If you have other questions, let me know. And if you know where there is a Super Bee for a good price, let me know.

Joe