95camaro3800

iTrader: (1)

I'm getting an 86 IROC tomorrow, in hopes of building a pretty nasty project. It has the 305 TPI motor, and I believe a 700r4. I have a 350 ci motor from an 84 (I think) Chevy truck. 4 bolt main, yadda yadda. I'm wondering what I'll have to change, to accomodate this new motor. Obviously it'll be rebuilt soon, new cam, maybe heads, etc, I'm hoping between 350-400 hp all motor, and I'm playing with the idea of nitrous. Can I just use the original TPI stuff? Or will I need to just carb it? What would be involved with doing that? Will I need motor mounts or anything wierd like that?

Also, I'm thinking about converting it to manual as well. Would a T5 just bolt right in? Of course I'd need a clutch and whatnot, but is this even worth it? I'd be doing a bunch of street driving, so it would help the "fun factor" alot.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Welcome aboard thirdgen.org.

350-400 HP all motor with TPI pretty much means you'll be replacing almost all of the TPI hardware. Whether you can do carb depends upon your emissions inspection/testing requirements, if any. If you can get away with carb, there's a tech article linked from the thirdgen.org homepage the pretty well describes the conversion process.

If the car is automatic, and still has the factory transmission, it's a TH700R-4. It will need some help to hold up to 400 HP. There's also a tech article about converting to a T5. They aren't the strongest transmission out there, 350-400 HP will pretty soon shred it. A T56 makes a lot more sense. Of course, with that kind of power you'll be finding the next weakest link, which will be the stock 10-bolt rear end (you guessed it, tech article).

Poly engine mounts are highly recommended, otherwise there's nothing different between 305 & 350.

About all you'll use from that 350 is the block, crank, and maybe rods. The heads will be boat anchors, and most likely it'll need some shoring up to handle the power you've got in mind. If you're thinking about spraying it, either build it for it or build it with no intent of using it.

You might as well know now that these cars need subframe connectors like nobody's business.

95camaro3800

iTrader: (1)

I'll take a look at those tech articles, I must have missed them..

Will a T56 fit right in there? What would be needed if not? I was thinking this would be a really cool idea, but wasn't sure if it would be reasonable.

As far as what I'll use from the 350, that sounds about right. I'd put new pistons, rods, all new valvetrain, etc in it. If I did spray, chanced are it'd be a pretty big amount (150-200 shot) so if I do decide to, I'll definitely get stronger internals and look for a nitrous cam as well.

And yeah, I've read through a few of these posts already, and I've noticed how often people stress SFC's. I'll order a set asap.

Thanks for the quick response, btw.

Dale

iTrader: (12)

Watch what heads you use with the TPI base intake. There are 2 different bolt patterns (matchs with centerbolt valve covers or perimeter valve covers). Also, if your going to get new heads, go with the vortech heads and the eldabrock TPI base. Then you will need to make a custom ECM chip for it. I'm learning this stuff right now and its mind blowing to me. Maybe someone local can show you, dunno. Or just go carb if you want, may be cheaper in the end. Also, I think that old of a block wont be designed for roller cams, which the L98 has.

I would suggest a T56 as the t5 is not degisned for that power rating. T56 is said to bolt up to the motor fine, you need a new rear cross member though. Not sure which clutch setup you will need.


Everything you asked about more then likely has a tech article linked off the main page. As well using the search feature(when it works) will prove lots or answers.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

sdparts.com has a Vortec-headed TPI engine that makes 360-ish HP (gross flywheel HP, not the net cars are rated at from the factory). You'll need to add aftermarket runners, headers, TB to get that power. You're looking at about $6k to do this, but that's about what you'd spend building up the older block you have already to that power level, and it wouldn't be as good as the SD engine.

The LT1 T56 is the one you want. The LS1 T56 requires adaptation to fit to a Gen I block, which I haven't heard for sure anyone has accomplished successfully. The other route is a Tremec swap unit (pretty expensive).

95camaro3800

iTrader: (1)

Well, I probably won't be getting the Camaro after all. I was going to trade an old lifted Chevy truck for it, but I realized it would be smarter to use that through the winter (I'm in Minnesota) than one of my two Camaros. However, this spring I'll still look into doing this.
I'll look into that motor. Would that be brand new?

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

http://www.sdparts.com/product/SD360...ripEngine.aspx