Here is the deal. I found a good condition '92 RS owned by the original owners (an older couple) with a 305 TBI. Catch is its got 192,000 miles on the clock. I am going to swap the engine for a re-manufactured one, and it is going to be a 305. My question is can I use an F code long block, and transfer all the rest I need off of the E code engine? I mainly want to do this to avoid having the swirlport heads, as i may want to modify it later, but don't have the money for anything extreme right now. If I go this route, will it require a re-tune, new fuel pump etc? Or can I run it like a normal ol' E code?

Stock for stock you wont pick up much that method. The heads and cam changed so you will need a tune. Beyond that youll have minimal issues

I'm not looking for anything fast, just something with a little more potential than the stock LO3. The most I'm going to do to it anytime soon is a header back exhaust and maybe try my hand at the ultimate TBI mod. Should the fuel pump be changed while it's in the shop, and what minimal issue might you be able to think of? I'm planning on making an 1800 mile trip in this car very soon after the swap, so if just swapping in an E code long block would be the best thing for longevity then that is what I'll do, and worry about the heads when I actually have extra money.

Fuel pump isnt necessary just for the swap. Longevity is new engine vs new engine, nothing out of the ordinary. Minor issues could be center intake bolt angles, old intake problems, oil cooler fitting vs non, etc. Reman companies usually have a year range for each engine and they overlook small bits like those. They're nothing you cant handle

Go for the "F" long block.

Thank you guys for the replies! Alright, F long block it is. So everything else on the engine should just bolt on, right? So no need to buy anything like a new oil pan or new accessories? I can't wait! Then its a full exhaust after I sell the IROC, and maybe a posi unit if I can afford it!

Unless, of course, you just get an "8" long block. . .

I was thinking about that. Which would make it more or less an LO5 right? Thing is expense IS important, and the F block is already $100 more than the E block. Also I don't have the tools or know how to do a complete swap, so the car is going to a mechanic. He's a family friend, so he will give us a good price, but it's still going to be more expensive. Also, if I went with the "8" block, then I'd have to buy all kinds of new stuff, like a fuel pump, injectors etc, right?

Wouldn't exactly be an LO5, because it wouldn't have swirlports and would have roller lifters.

It would probably be happier with bigger injectors and an LO5 computer, easily obtainable used, but you shouldn't "need" a new fuel pump.

I think I'll stick with the F block for now. It seems like that'll be the easier way. As far as a tune goes, i need a prom burned for an LO3 with LB9 heads and cam, right? Maybe someone here on TGO is doin some mail-order prom burning? I'm getting ahead of myself, I don't even have the car yet...

Most likely the TBI computer will be just fine with the LB9 longblock.

It doesn't matter, I got my check today and it was less than half what I was expecting, so I can't get the RS, and I still have to sell my IROC...