The frost giants killed the 455 block
I've tried and failed to find a replacement 455.
Of course there are many possible solutions and I present the following idea to the forum for comments;

1. Use my good chevy th350(race prepped) (with my correct lenght driveshaft).
Get a locally sourced ls motor (avoiding overseas shipping), no more than 300 hp rating, in order to pass the road legal inspection.
(Once the inspection is passed, the car never has to be inspected again, ever, 50 year rule here).

2. After passing inspection, upgrade the ls motor, possibly with a turbo kit (maybe even mount the shaker scoop on the motor without having air going thru it). Shooting for 650-700hp.
Having a couple of engine/car builds under the belt, I am not afraid to do upgrades/builds.

I believe the some lq4 motors are rated 300hp (hood clearance problem)?
Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

 

I don't know how far back Petersen Publishing's archives go, but I remember that back in the late 70s-early 80s, either 'Car Craft' magazine or 'Hot Rod' magazine (both were published by Petersen) ran an in depth article on how to install a Chevy engine in a Trans Am, one that originally had a Pontiac engine. Their article was using a big block Chevy, but many of the details would still be the same, using a small block.

Just a couple of details, off the top of my head would be that Pontiac engines had the starter and fuel pump located on the driver's side of the engine, whereas the Chevy engines had those items located on the passenger side of the engine. Consequently, the "plumbing and electric" would have to be dealt with, accordingly. Other than that, the other critical issue would be compatible motor mounts, but I don't think that would be a major hassle.

Ever consider an all aluminum, reproduction Pontiac engine? It would be really easy to install, offer "big HP" opportunities, a serious reduction in front end weight, and best of all, look deceivingly stock......

 

From your remarks I assume you aren't in North America, So my advice may not be that helpful. We do have businesses here in the United States that still offer high-performance Pontiac engines (Jim Butler Performance comes to mind). However, the Conversions & Hybrids Forum here on LS1tech may have a lot of the answers you are seeking if you go the LS Swap route.

 

Yes, I´m in northern Europe. The Butler engines looks really nice, but shipping overseas feels a bit overwhelming.
Pontiac 400 engines can be found here, can be stroked close to 455 cu.in.
Will have to detune a stronger engine to pass inspection. (disable secondaries, timing etc).
Will check the Converions&Hybrids, thanks.

 

I have now copied this to conversions&hybrids section.
Cheers,

 

Too bad about your original 455 block. Do you know how rare '72 T/As are? Only 1286 were made, the rarest of all production years (except of course the '69s). IMO, it'd be a damn shame to replace it with anything other than a Pontiac 455. Even a Pontiac 400 would be head and shoulders above a LSx swap (forget a SBC/BBC swap, that would be sacrilegious!). Talk about killing resale value.

Edit: Correction above.

 

Ok. Thank you sir, good advice noted. I have to admit I was kind of oblivious to the rarity of the car.
How can I find out which options etc the car had from the factory?
In a perfect world I´d like to have parts with correct castings # for block, heads etc, correct carb?
Cheers,

 

An original window sticker or build sheet (sometimes found above the gas tank or under the rear seats) is about the only way to find out what your '72 was built with. I'm not a good resource for early 2nd gen Firebirds, but there are probably other sites out there that are, you'll need to search around. Good luck w/ your restoration. Post pics if you have them.

 

If you have a good block, Butlers can send a rotating assembly. They ship all over. Busy of mine said they send stuff all over. Switzerland, Germany, England, Iceland, Denmark, and even Peru and Japan. Pretty much everywhere. Shoot them an email with what you're looking to do and they should be able to get you a shipping quote with it. Worth a shot to see.
They also have blocks there too. So you can order just a shortblock and use your heads, cam, and intake.

 

Check out PHS documentation on a Google search, you should be able to get a plethora of info on your TA! Good advice above, you have to fix it right (with a 455)! My father has a huge 2nd generation firebird collection, he even has a '74 Super Duty Formula, point is I've been around Pontiacs my whole life and have only personally seen one '72 TA....ever!!!! If it's a real '72 TA, do whatever you can to always hold onto it and keep it as original as possible!!!! Super, super rare and valuable car!!!!!!!👍

 

Update;
I got the PHS documentation now. VIN 2V87X2N******
I think it is on the dealer order form? the following codes;
Radio code 405
Elec-r-wi-de code 534
cstm trm grp code 724
glass s/r al code 531
air cond man code 582
And I've recently picked up a complete (used) a/c system since it was missing in my car.
I may have located a 455 motor (not the correct block 485428 or the 7F6 heads) however.
Cheers

 

That's awesome, good for you!!! And an AC car on top of it all! I'll hang a note up with the casting numbers you need, if I run across any of them, I'll surely let you know! Do you know the build date of your TA? At least it will have a 455 in it, if it's a later low compression version with like 6H heads on it and you are not rebuilding the bottom end....you could use something like a 6X head from a 400 on it, this will bring the compression up and give you much better HP/performance. Anyway, glad you know what you have now and are on the right track!👍

 

Thanks a lot!
The car also has color code F (lucerne blue) and 221 trim ivory vinyl.
Can't find out if the car came with rally II or the honeycomb wheels.
If i'm correct, the 7F6 heads was made only for '72, yikes!
-Tempting to do as close to concours resto as possible........
Cheers!

 

Update;
Yesterday, I picked up a used (std bore) -73 455 motor (sorry not a HO but the correct #485428 casting) with d-port (wrong) heads.
Block tapped for 4 bolt mains, but with 2 bolt main caps.
Better than nothing?
Cheers!

 

Damn!!!!!! A 72 T/A! Awesome. I have a complete running 1972 455 HO in my 79 T/A and often thought how cool it would be if I even just had a standard 72 Firebird to clone into a T/A. Awesome car you have there regardless.

Your vin wouldn't be ..7132 would it?

 

No. Sorry.

 

Awesome, glad you chose this path to stay w/ a Pontiac 455. You won't regret it.

 

Things are moving forward slowly...
I was just offered a used muncie transmission (mine went missing decades ago).
It has case casting 3925661, 26/32 splines and no shaft grooves. The seller thought it came out of a -71 firebird. I am not sure if it is correct for my -72 T/A.
I also picked up a set of SCAT H Beam rods for the 455.
Greatful for any feedback on verifying the transmission.

 

Stick to a Pontiac engine

You'll be glad you did

 

I did a 73 Trans Am clone 23 years ago. Was a great project. I was able to find a stock 455 block. I went with a forged rotating engine assembly. Ported round port iron heads. Today I would go with aluminum heads. Edelbrock intake. Hooker headers. 400 turbo trans. 3:23 gears. Mid level cam. From a rolling start it would roast the tires no problem.
Good luck with your project.
Only one pic.