SX Stinger

I was planning on doing the old 305 carb to 350 tpi swap but I didnt want to mess with the fuel pump and spend $2000 on computers and fuel crap so I am going to drop a 400 sb in. It wil fit and make lots of power and noise ( Me Like). Would a 5- speed tranny built for that much power fit behind the 400? This is going to happen in the spring and I am planning on pumping almost $2000 into the engine alone, going to posi( possibly 9" rearend) sub frame connectors and maybe a roll cage. My goal is to break over 500 HP with engine alone and create the ultimate sleeper and then eventually add a supercharger. My main concerns are the manual tranny fitment ( 5 or 4 speed) and the rigity of the frame to keep from twisting and blowing my T-Tops off All responses and suggestions/opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks
SX

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

I don't think you'll end up with a 5-speed that can "handle it". At least not high-RPM launch abuse on a consistent basis. You're looking at Super T10 or rock crusher 4-speed, or T56.

Subframe connectors are a must.

If fuel pump and computer are too much for you to consider a 350 TPI, I'd think you're way over your head with a manual tranny 500 HP 400. But, what do I know?

SX Stinger

I have considered the 350 tpi swap but I dont want to spend that much money on fuel injection and plus with school and work and soccer I dont have the time to spend weeks installing the fuel injestion system from the gas tank to the engine. The 400 will be carbureted and everything will fit and I can still get it to pass the sniffer test.I would love to have a 350 but is it worth the trouble if I dont hook something up correctly in my fuel system? Thats my main concern. I can put almost 1500 dollars into that 400 and have a sweet engine. I thought about the 500 HP and manual tranny I might ahve to lower the HP so I wont spend every weekend replacing a tranny. I appreciate your suggestions . Thanks Drew

CAMp3RO

i swapped in a 400 this summer. not quite the power you're lookin at, but little by little i'll get up there. i'm lookin at around 325 hp and 415 tq (est). as soon as i swap in some vortec heads, should be lookin at around 385-400 hp . i was plannin on using my 700r4 for the mean time, but i dont think its doin well so i'm swapping in my th350 until i get time to figure things out.

1986redbird

I don't see any way your going to get 500 + H.P. out of that motor without some serious parts in there, and as we all know, serious parts = serious money, hell just the heads alone would be your whole budget, by the time you add in a forged crank,rods pistons, roller cam and roller rockers your going to be way over $2000.00 and that doesn't include the initial cost of the block, these things are getting harder and harder to find. you'll probably have over $500.00 in machine costs too.

SX Stinger

Thanks for all your replies, sorry about getting back so late but I was out of town. Yeah I realize 500 hp is kinda high and expensive. If I can get in between 400-450 I will be satisfied. I just want something that will finally shut up the morons with the Lightnings and especially the jerk with the 2003 Cobra. I wanna show you dont need a supercharger or DOHC to go fast, you can do it the old school way....pure engine. That and it would be funny to see their faces when they get waxed. I gotta sell the CR125R to pay for the engine though. Gotta make sacrifices.


Thanks for the replies and any further comments


Drew

chpmikey

Despite what others say, it is possible, but ONLY if you use a borg warner t-5. Use an 11" clutch too. Cenetforce is the best way to go. Also, search ebay. You can usually find TPI systems complete with all wiring, computer, and fuse block for $150-$200. Its used, but it will work until you can upgrade with larger plenums, and throttle bodies. With that kind of power though, 45 gph injectors are a must. A local speed shop can recalibrate the prom cheaply too. Well worth the money when it comes to drivability and consistant ET's. You will also get extra ponies too. My friend joe and I did this same swap to his 89 formula, so I know this works.

2laneblacktop

Man I'll tell you, you are going to have to have one hell of a set up to blow a 2003 cobra away. I saw one of those things run at my local track, and I was amazed. The dude ran mid 12's all night and it was pretty much stock. I have a 406 sb in my 92 and its pumping out around 450 horse and I can't run with him yet. Of course the 2.77 gear set doesn't help me that much...haha. But good luck in your quest, I know I had fun and rough times installing the 400 where the 305 was at one time. But I am glad I did every time I get in the car. And as far as the price, I didn't go crazy with expensive parts, plus I have cast Dart heads, not even aluminum and when It was all said and done I had well over 4 grand in it.

87Formula391S/C

iTrader: (1)

i got an 87 formula was a 305 carb but me an a friend converted it to a 350 tpi.i bought a 88 formula 350 car that was wreacked as a doner car.it was alot of work as it was our first car we did the swap in.but we changed every wire in the car.it was well worth it.we since did his 84 corvette from a crossfire to a tpi 350 s/c.its not that hard..

im going to stroke it to 391 an s/c it with 2 stage nos.

SX Stinger

2lane the gaer ratio is what is slowing you w/ 450 horsies you should rape a cobra you have 60 more hp and the s/c doiesn't kick in until almost 3 grand on the tach. Either way running against a cobra will be a good race. Right now I can't decide if I want to go with the 400sb or check out the offer I have on a 350. A guy at the gas station near my school said he would get rid of his 88 camaro , i hope it has a 350, my luck it would be a sixer. a 350 to a 383 would be a nice swap as well.


I'll keep posting though.

Thanks Drew