DrummerDad

Ive searched, but couldnt turn up anything as detailed as I need, So;

Im about to swap engines. Im down to basically two options.
1- A used, running carbed 4-bolt, with low oil pressure, for $75. This engine would need something done to fix the pressure problem. The local engine shop says they will clean, bore (.030) machine, deck, assemble, and dyno the engine, in stock format, for $1500. If I want anything else, its extra.
2- A used TPI from Hawks. Guaranteed to run, but nothing else. It comes with everything to work, minus the fuel pump. $1200, and @ $180 for the fuel pump. Shouldnt need much else, except maybe a regasket.

Heres the problem. If I go with the carbed engine, Ill need a distributor, fuel pump, filter, and regulator. Maybe even more, Im not sure. I dont know if any of the gauges will work, besides the speedo. If I go with the TPI, which is kinda what Id like to do, I dont know if anything will work either. Will the VATS still work with the new (to the car) TPI motor? And what about the gauges? And, has anybody bought a complete TPI 350 from Hawks? What did you think? Id rather not go carburated. But I might, if I have to, just to get rid of this L03.

blimko

iTrader: (1)

it all depends on preferability. which isnt a word. if you know the ins and outs and ups and downs of building and piecing together a tpi system along with electronics guages wires tuning plumbing re building installing ect...then go for the tpi. IF I WERE YOU, i would go for the carbed set up because you already have a good deal from the mechanics shop, if i were you actually i would just have the shop go through the block and spec everything plus the bore, then put everything together yourself. i think it would be cheaper. plus a carb'd engine is bolt in and go, very easy to do and not alot of explaining. if you check these forums i bet you could find your ignition for under 70 bucks, a pump i can sell you for cheap, you will need a fuel pressure regulator which i also have for sale, PLUS the 4 bolt mains are getting more rare by the day.

KrisW

iTrader: (5)

I've seen a few guys here do the hawks swap and they were happy. Theirs came with the ecm. They just had to re-pin their harness to fit the new ecm/engine.

I'd go that route...

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

I would think Hawks would include the harness.

DrummerDad

Yes Hawks includes the harness, and all the computer stuff. Ive been told it isnt hard, if you get ALL the sensors, which Im pretty sure is included.

bigddv

We bought a basket case 86 z28 305carb that had a tpi swap started......
body harness had been changed already, engine harness was just laying on top of engine, engine sitting in place but no bolts...tank swapped out...had to repair a bad wire on fuel pump harness, had to change out dash wiring harness, and install all other harnesses without the help of having pulled them out.......took about 2 weeks to put everything together and find bolts for all of the missing brackets....ran ok, this was 2 years ago