1979 TA hi performance motor

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Originally Posted by the427king

looking to put a high performance motor in a 1979 TA 400 455 or whatever else...aluminum heads ok or not ...only requirements are that the original "shaker" setup be retained which probably means keeping the original carb . . Also not looking to cut up or modify the car/etc

In no way trying to heckle or troll , just supplying some info to you - and get more info from you.

400 455 or whatever else ... not looking to cut up or modify the car/etc.

= No probo , all the Poncho engines are same exterior size/platform and will lay right in there. 326cid-455cid
The only catch is to stay 1970 and newer , for motor mount variances.
Older than 1970 can cause need for adapter plates that raise the engine height and create headaches with hood shaker clearance.

aluminum heads ok or not

= Not sure whether you are asking if they are okay to use - and keep the shaker ? Most are fine for that , but some of the newer exotics are not as friendly for that.

If they fit your budget , they are a plus .
One reason being ability to build higher Comp Ratio with better Quinch Zone - and still be pump gas friendly.



Either way you have about 100 build options regardless of iron or aluminum head that will make tremendous street power on pump gas.
The higher the HP goal with iron heads - the trickier it gets with proper ignition timing and detonation using only pump gas - in most cases.


If its the 800cfm Qjet carb from a 79 400 4spd TA - that is a great unit for a Hi-Po build. Not sure what the Olds 403 came with on the carb.


Are you looking to buy a complete ready to roll engine outright ?

Or build your own with your own supplied core - and just seeking CID / Head / Cam recommendations ?

Or looking for a good core to start with ?