dspencer24

iTrader: (3)

I was wondering what is involved with swaping a 305tpi to a 350 tpi. I know california is incredibly hard on smog. i would like 300 hp and 300 lbs tq and be able to drive daily if needed, and still be smog legal. Do i have to have a 91 and up 350 block or can i use an older l98 block it seems like older blocks are easier to come by. Thanks

TraviZ

iTrader: (2)

just do it, the smog guy won't be able to tell that you have a 350 over a 305.

urbanhunter44

iTrader: (3)

Yep, they're identical from outside. Even if it lopes he can't fail you for that.

CA laws state (I believe) that you can use a replacement engine from a newer vehicle as long as it has all emissions equipment from that newer vehicle in place and operational.

dspencer24

iTrader: (3)

how will he know what year the block is? Do you know where i can find a l98 block from a 91 or newer car?? and i can bolt everything from the 305 on it right?

RU-QWIK

iTrader: (3)

The balancer will be the only visual differance... The third gens had a 350 TPI option, so that is by all means a legal swap and 300 hp/ tq is a very easy number to achieve. Scoggin Dickey sells a 350 with Vortec heads and a manifold for TPI and if I remember correctly, it is rated at 357 hp....

Jason

dspencer24

iTrader: (3)

will i have to do anything at the referee station?? Im new to engine swaps so sorry for the questions. But this will be my first one i dont want to spend alot of money to do this i also want to be reliable

Kevin91Z

iTrader: (1)

The Vortec-head crate engine will require headers (stock manifolds will not work) with an external EGR setup like the TPI corvettes do. Not recommended for a newbie.

You can use any 87-95 roller-cam block from a car or truck. You'll want at least the stock f-body 350 heads and cam, as the truck or Caprice stuff is not as good. Preferably you can upgrade the heads and cam and headers at the same time but that costs extra money. If you mention the word cheap or budget, then forget it. Engine swaps are not cheap. Plan on spending at least $3000 for a stock engine swap from a mechanic and double that if you add aftermarket stuff and need your tranny rebuilt too.
CA's smog test is not difficult if you use the right parts. We have guys in SoCal running 12 second ET's, getting 25 MPG, and passing CA's smog as easy as stock.

Cadillac

Voice of reason.

Bah!

dspencer24

iTrader: (3)

hey thanks man.. i dont plan on taking this to a mechanic you wont learn how it works if you dont know how it goes together. so the block year wont matter for smog purposes? I thought you couldnt put an older engine in a newer car? Would it be possible to find out what those guys in so cal are running with there engines?

Kevin91Z

iTrader: (1)

When they say you cant put an older engine into a newer car, they're talking about the complete engine. You cant put an 87 LG4 carb into a 91 Z28 for instance. But you can certainly use the block as all 87-92 305 and 350 roller blocks are the same. The 93-98 roller blocks from trucks are the same, too.

If you're not taking it to a mechanic then I hope either you or a good friend helping you knows what they're doing.

dspencer24

iTrader: (3)

i just got a 92 l98 out of a z28. what cam do you guys recommend? I would like to build something i can take to 6000 if thats possible

Kevin91Z

iTrader: (1)

What is the fascination with 6000 rpms? TPI doesnt go that high normally. You build a TPI to make max power at 5000 rpms. At 6000 you need higher quality and more expensive parts.

If you can do your own chips, then you can use any camshaft you want. If not, then you're limited to the ZZ4 cam with aftermarket heads.

dspencer24

iTrader: (3)

i dont know to be honest with you So i cant use the zz4 cam without making a chip?