apie2546

Hey everyone,
I have finally decided to do an engine swap on my 86 Trans Am. Currently it is rocking the 305 TPI that in typical 5.0 tpi fashion falls flat after about 3.5k rpm. What I need help with is deciding what engine to slap in this. I have a good amount of money I've saved to purchase an engine new or used to put in. A 350 tpi would be any easy switch however I was also looking at just going for a 383 since I can get one pretty cheap back home.

My car is a DD. And I'd like more power but not be crazy obnoxious. I don't mind a lumpy idle, I feel like it gives the car more of an old school muscle sound. The 383 I'd get carbed. I've been reading many topics on here about tpi to carbbed and seems easy if I stay organized.

I will take many pictures of course! This is my first engine swap but I feel pretty prepared to get this done. So for a daily driver should I slap in a 350 which I can upgrade as I please or just install a 383? Thanks guys I appreciate all the help this forum has given!

dmccain

iTrader: (2)

Just doing the standard 350 is easier and cheaper in my opinion. A 383 no doubt can be stronger especially in torque but for a streetcar you can make the 350 do anything that 383 can do and cheaper.

Ozz1967

iTrader: (4)

Honestly,

I'd keep it TPI for now.

If you want to go 383, you'll have a serious torque monster motor with the TPI. Also, with TPI, you get better reliability, better MPG and driving characteristics.

An alternative is to look at the FIRST fuel injection (TPI on steroids) or TPIS miniram (LT1 clone) style intakes. They'll both give you the RPM range you'll crave with a new motor.

What exactly is the budget you're looking at? That will give us a better understanding of what we can "Offer" price wise.

Remember:

Do it right the first time so you aren't paying more to re-do it the second.

-=Z28=-

iTrader: (3)

I agree with Ozz1967. What kind of budget? Who is building the motor? Or are you getting a crate? I love my stroker but the other name for them is "Grenade" Meaning when they blow, usually a rod will reach up and destroy your cam. so you end up with your heads and intake.... However if built right and not to crazy hp (450-500) you will be surprised how long it will last. I live right by TPIS and those guys know there **** when it comes to building sbc. Got a lot of stuff from them.

apie2546

I have about 4.5 k saved up. I plan on keeping the 700r4, gave it a breath of life with a cooler.
If I got a 350 tpi of get it from a local junkyard. 88k miles on a 350 out of a 85 iroc. And for the stroker I'd try and get it from a engine shop in Amarillo. I really trust them because they built an engine for my friends 4th gen camaro with now over 50 k on it. They also have some affiliation with a lot of racing teams. I wanted to make sure whoever built an engine for me would do a good job.

I'm obviously not trying to have a drag car, just something more peppy that can still hold its own on the track every now and then.

I've been thinking and tpi is a good idea to stick with. So much better driveability and it is very consistent. Since I am in the fire service I'd like my car to start on command like my tpi (even if it doesn't want to on cold mornings).

dmccain

iTrader: (2)

$4500 you should be able to rebuild the engine and get better heads or port the ones you have and upgrade them. Then upgrade the TPI with better manifold,runners, etc..Then exhaust upgrade, torque converter upgrade..so on so on til you run out of $ and it happens fast! Atleast you have the $ to get started. It gets to be a neverending thing though believe me!

-=Z28=-

iTrader: (3)

I think you will be happy with the tpi. like posted above, reliable, responsive.

Ozz1967

iTrader: (4)

Ok, after thinking on this a bit, here is what I would do. Understand that $4500 just scratches the surface...

Keep the 305...bear with me. Super chevy built a 300hp 305..so here is what I would suggest. NOT swapping the motor at this point. Not yet anyway. But we prepare for the swap.

1. Headers and full 3" exhaust. $1300-$1500 installed.
2. TPIS Miniram or FIRST fuel Injection system: $1200 (this is for now but transfers to bigger motor later)
3. Spohn (or UMI/BMR) but I prefer Spohn Sub Frame connectors ($400 installed by shop).
4. Lunati 60102 or Equivilent Cam/Lifters for a 305 $400
5. Port your current heads and install 1.94 intake valves. $300ish
6. Install 3.43 or 3.73 gears and Posi diff with upgraded 28 Spline axles, solid pinion bearing spacer, welded axle tubes ($600-$1000. installed) (Or grab a diff and gears from a wrecked 98-02 car and axles from a 90-92 car for cheaper)
7. If any is left over, rebuild your trans with kit from Dana at Pro-Built automatics (this is 675 for the kit itself but it's good to 600+hp).




Why do I suggest this?

1. The intake will swap to a bigger motor later and be MORE than enough for anything you are going to put under it and produce power to 6000+ rpm.
2. SFC, for later, you will need this or you will warp your frame. Anyone putting down 300+hp needs this or you will break your rear hatch or T-tops from engine twist/flex of the body.
3. Headers and exhaust. One of the biggest limitations of our cars stock. this will free up 10-20hp by itself and will transfer to a bigger motor (anything up to 450hp a 3" exhaust is plenty)
4. the rear end needs beefing up to be made stronger. Once you hit 400hp motor, the 10 bolt is a grenade waiting to happen unless you do this. the solid pinion spacer, welded axle tubes and a LPW Ultimate diff cover will help run the car on street tires over 500hp.
5. Port the heads/install 1.94 valves: This follwos right with number 3. These cars can't breathe because of restrictive environmental issues of the day. Open them up and you gain immediate HP.
Anyway, if I were starting over, this is what I would do.

This will give you a solid 250+ horse power motor and the associated mods to handle it without ruining something.

I might even hold off on doing a new cam/lifters/spring until the rest of this is done.

Keep in mind, if you are keeping the car, it's NOT an investment. You won't get out of it what you put into it. Only the investment is the satisfaction of going fast in a sweet A$$ ride.

Anyway, I hope this helps with your decision making a bit.

apie2546

I'm well aware of the fact it'll just be a fun project I hate seeing 2k cars on craigslist being sold for 19k because that's how many parts are put in it.

Anyway I know what you mean about small upgrades to the engine. Luckily exhaust and headers are done. I was mainly doing the swap for experience just to understand the car a bit more