IROC ZELLER

Hi guys, I am new to this forum and this is my first post. Let me start off by saying I don't know a lot about engines or swaps so bear with me.
I want to get rid of the rebuilt 305 i have in my '88 Iroc and replace it with a turn-key 350, preferably carbed. I have the stock 700r4 auto transmission.
My question is: what do i need to consider, mechanically, when shopping for one? What are common compatibility issues i could run into? what do i need to research?
My plan is to buy an engine, have it delivered to a shop and have them install it. I don't have the tools or knowledge to do the job myself.
This car would be a daily driver and i would like to get around 330-400hp. my budget is < $5000

Thanks for any advice.

snakeshooter

Can this be done on $5000?

IROC ZELLER

I'm hoping to spend around $5000 on the engine alone, not including shipping/labor/extra parts for install. Here is an engine that i came across: http://www.jegs.com/p/Chevrolet-Perf...19588/10002/-1
I can be a little flexible on the price. I'm more curious to know what to look for to make sure the engine i choose will be compatible with what i already have; i.e. exhaust, transmission, torque converter, engine bay size...

snakeshooter

Physically the engines are same size. You will need some way to control lockup on transmission, but it will all bolt up. You will have several unused wires, but all in all its an easy swap.

IROC ZELLER

"You will need some way to control lockup on transmission"
Are you referring to a manual dash switch? Why will i need to control lockup when putting in a different engine? Will it no longer be automatically controlled?

snakeshooter

Maybe somebody more knowledgeable can better answer. I think when you change from tpi to carb you are going to lose all the I pits that the computer uses to control lockup. Also if it is too car you are going to need to cut fuel pressure down to around 8 psi.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

"Turn-key" and "bolt-in" are phrases that should be purged from the language. They don't exist.

As you might guess, there will be modifications that will need to be made to install that engine. A shop will have to charge more for that work than they would for a simple engine replacement. Technically, they can't do anything that defeats emissions systems, which installing that engine kit would do, so you may have more trouble finding a shop to do it (but maybe not).

As mentioned, you will need to provide a means to lock up the torque converter clutch (Jegs has kits available that do that); and lower the fuel pressure provided by the in-tank TBI electric pump with a return-type fuel pressure regulator down to 6 psi max - the kit includes a mechanical fuel pump, don't plan on using it.

You will also need a "geometry corrector bracket" to bolt on to the carb throttle arm for the transmission "TV" (throttle valve) cable. If the TV cable is just attached to the throttle arm like a "kick-down" cable, your transmission won't be long for this world. Jegs also has that bracket available.

That kit includes accessories like your stock ones; the factory accessories will bolt on to this engine, doesn't make sense to me to pay extra for what you already have.

Your stock exhaust will choke this engine (chokes your stock engine, actually). I would add a complete new exhaust system as well (headers, cat, and cat-back for the '86-'90 TPI application will be much better).