I'm getting ready to put a Buick 430 into a 1978 Chevy El Camino. Can anyone tell me what I need/need to do to make the install work?

You'll need frame brackets that go with those motor mounts.

Some wiring will have to be modified- the distributor is on the front, the chevy is in the back.

The exhaust system will have to be modified to fit the pipes into the new location.

You'll either need a BOP transmission or an adapter plate (unless you have a 200R4).

You might need to fiddle with the fuel lines, depending on the location of the fuel pump on the chevy.

Bring along the brackets, etc., from the 430 for the power steering pump and alternator and stuff.

If you're ready for that stuff, not much else will surprise you.

-Bob Cunningham

[QUOTE]Originally posted by bobc455:
[QB] You'll need frame brackets that go with those motor mounts.

Where do I get the frame brackets? I tried to get the brackets from the car I got the motor from but when I went back the car was gone to the crusher so no luck there. Also my transmision is an older TH 350 what do you mean by "bop" and where would I find an adapter plate? Thanks for your help.

The exhaust system will have to be modified to fit the pipes into the new location


One more thing. Any suggestions about where I can find headers for this combo that are rreasonably priced. I am considering fabricating them myself using the precut flanges I seen on ebay but even they are a bit overpriced. I guess I could just cut my own flanges with a torch. Either way it is still a lot of work and time I would much rather have an inexpensive set used or new. Thanks again

I'm not aware of any "inexpensive" headers for a Buick. TA Performance is one vendor that sells headers, but they make high quality stuff and you won't find any $79 headers there!

I'm pretty sure that TA Performance (www.taperformance.com) will sell frame brackets, and they probably won't break your budget.

"BOP" is an acronym for Buick-Olds-Pontiac. These motors used a different bellhousing pattern on their transmission than Chevy, so if you have a transmission designed for a Chevy engine it won't bolt directly to a BOP engine. The 200R4 had a "dual bolt pattern" that would match either engine.

-Bob Cunningham