I found a deal on this engine locally, brand new $1200.00 out the door. 290/350 GM Crate Engine How much BS would be involved in getting this to be TPI? Would it just be modifying the intake and bigger injectors?

I don't think the "out the door" engine is the same as the linked engine.

The former sounds like the "Goodwrench 350". A good basic engine, the one in my full-size van (used to tow a horse trailer) currently has 75k miles on it - 5k more than the orginal 305 lasted. It is the "old" stuff, though, and mods/replacements will be required to get it to replace a '87-later TPI.

The linked engine is slightly better, with better cam, better rods, but the heads are the same weak-link heads used on the Goodwrench 350.

89 Iroc Z has a better idea: To quote: "Here’s what I did if you are looking for a lower price alternative to a ZZ4. I bought this engine http://www.paceparts.com/index.asp?...OD&ProdID=42937 at a local dealer for a little over $1500. It has the same pistons and rods as a ZZ4. I took off the crap heads and sold them on ebay for $300. I then bought a set of ZZ4 heads for $500 and a ZZ4 cam for $100 off ebay. That way I made myself a ZZ4 (minus the 4 bolt main and forged crank) for under $2000." (see http://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/show...hreadid=262474 ) You don't have to go with those aluminum heads in order for it to work. The original heads on the '92 Z, if 305 with larger intake valves and porting, would work well on that shortblock.

The engine I linked to is the engine.
The guy bought it, never installed it and needs the cash.
I don't know too much about engines (unless its an LC2 )
So my question still is is the linked engine still old stuff and require lots of mods/upgrades to work as an 87 up TPI engine or is it better suited to my needs then the standard GM Goodwrench engine?

I assumed "out the door" meant out the dealer's door.

It will have a little more power than a 305 TPI. Not a lot, though, because the crate HP ratings are typically flywheel gross, with headers, carb, velocity stack, and no alternator or water pump (sometimes with waterpump). By the time you mount the TPI and run the alternator & water pump, you'll lose about 15-20%. That'll drop the 290 to about 215-230.

The injectors will probably be okay because of the above. Consider an adjustable fuel pressure regulator, that will probably be all you need to tune it for the extra displacement.

The flexplate will be different, too.

1992-93 Caprice, Fleetwood 5.7L / 350 GM Goodwrench Crate Engine

This engine is the new block, but has a weak cam in it. I was condisering this engine and then swapping in the hot cam.

New engine: 1587.17
Hot cam kit: 499.95

total cost: $2087.12

http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/123/...ate-Engine.htm


Price: $1,585.17

Part # 12513151
Brand: GM Goodwrench Replacement Engines

Description
350 / 5.7L GM Goodwrench Crate Engine
Applications:
1992-93 (L05)Caprice, Fleetwood (except 9C1 police)

This engine is also commonly used in 1987-92 Camaro and Firebird cars with TPI as a replacement for the original 305 or 350 engine.

Every Goodwrench engine is made to the same engineering standards that go into every new GM vehicle. They're tested to perform under the most demanding conditions, assuring you the reliability and quality you expect from the Goodwrench name and they're backed by a 36-month/50,000 mile transferable limited warranty.

New GM Goodwrench engines include:

cylinder block
head and valve train assembly
camshaft
lifters
oil pump
piston assemblies (connecting rods, pins and rings)
timing components
bearings
seals
all tin ware

Specifications
SDPC Part Number: 12513151
Manufacturer: GM Goodwrench Replacement Engines
New/Reman. : New
Core Value : $0.00
Transmission : A/S
Cubic inches : 350
Liters : 5.7

What type of heads does it have? My guess would be that being a "caprice" engine, it wont have much in the way of compression. That being the case, changing the cam is kinda like pissing in the wind.