I have a 1981 Pontiac Parisienne Sports Coupe w/267 V8. Have too much invested in the bodywork and paint but it was a good experience. Low number car 1 of 92 in Silver. Would like some more hp. Have a chance on a big block out of a 1981 Firebird. Will it work? Any suggestions On a suitable replacement power plant?
Good Question Ray. Not sure what the engine options were for a 1981 Firebird. Saw the car on Kijiji this morning thought I'd ask a few questions of the membership prior to engaging the owner.
So no Big Blocks were factory available in 1981 Firebirds, Although a Pontiac 400 or 455 would easily swap in and these are sometimes referred to as Big Blocks .
Todd's idea is a more expensive but good option. Since the Parisienne has Chevy small block power there are a lot of straightforward swaps available to you.
Crosstown engines here in Toronto sells lots of reman engines, I'm partial to the Vortec 5.7 Code R 255 HP 365 lb ft. It is the last of the true original small blocks. GM sells this with a few modifications as as the Ram Jet crate engine.
That's an Olds engine. I guess its a 455. Funnily enough US Bonnevilles got the 403 Olds in that era of car but I am not familar enough to give any advice on swapping that into the Parisenne.
That's an Olds engine. I guess its a 455. Funnily enough US Bonnevilles got the 403 Olds in that era of car but I am not familar enough to give any advice on swapping that into the Parisenne.
They put the 403 Olds in the Firebirds in that era as GM stopped making Pontiac blocks. If you're doing any type of swap, I'd go with a Small Block Chevrolet 350.
Fewest headaches and the most straighforward swap would be with another small block Chevy. Be aware that the 267 probably has a TH-200 behind it; you will want something stronger like a TH-350. Also a 1981 probably has a lockup converter; the earliest versions were known for being a bit rough and clunky. A 700R4 or 200R4 would be a really nice upgrade, but you would want to change out you rear gearing since it probably has a 2.41 or something similar already. Maybe a 3.42 with a 4-speed o.d. would be sweet. Or you could keep it simple and pick up a straight forward TH-350, forget the rear swap and drop in a 350 V8.
I just thought of something, some of those 197n big cars used a puny 7.5" rear end (typically 267 & 305 cars). They can't handle much, so balance your drivetrain options carefully.
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67 Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe, Oshawa-built 250 PG never disturbed.
In garage, 296 cid inline six & TH350...
Cam, Toronto.
I don't judge a man by how far he's fallen, but by how far back he bounces - Patton
When all is said and done, it seems like a lot of work to go through for a '81 Parisienne. Just my opinion.
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Prince Edward Island
'64 Parisienne CS "barn find" - last on the road in '86 ... Owner Protection Plan booklet, original paint, original near-mint aqua interior, original aqua GM floor mats, original 283, factory posi, and original rust.
In Ontario vehicles manufactured before 1988 do not need an emissions test. Lot's of good advice from CDN Poncho members. Probably not heading to the strip with an '81 Parisienne. I like 73SC's engine thoughts. Would love to take GLHS60's advice and bolt in a 400CID. Thanks for the words of caution from CdnGMfan on drive train concerns if I did so. Pontiacananda, I agree, a lot of work for " an '81" Parisienne but it was 1 of 92 in Silver, too good a shape to let sit and rust. I feel obligated to preserve a car built the day before my daughter was born. In the end, my bank balance will determine the '81's future. Thanks everyone for your expert advice. Merry Christmas to all Pontiac lovers
Thank you
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n big cars used a puny 7.5" rear end (typically 267 & 305 cars). They can't handle much, so balance your drivetrain options carefully.