Zandor7

It's time the for motor swap and my tired old l03 is dying. I have time to do this and would like some help. I did a search and was not very satisfied cuz of my own application. This is what I have and I do what this type of swap. I have a 1988 SC with the 305 TBI and what to swap to a 350 TPI. I have a 1999 SB 4 bolt 350 from a truck with very low milage. Thats about it. I was thinking about a summit rebuild kit with the stage 2 rods, new cast crank and all that stuff, you seen it before. Then I want to have the engine worked into a 383. Now for the TPI stuff. I could get a TPI setup with harness from a 1985 Z-28 with less than 27k for about $500.00, not including the ecu(is that a good deal??????). I need Head and a cam. WOuld this work? I'm pretty sure I could use the 700R4. What would I have to worry about besides the cost? Can someone who has done the swap lead me in the right direction. Also what kind of gas milage would I bee looking at, with a decent head and cam combo?
Thanks for the help.

RyanSS

I don't think they made TPI in 85. At least not in Camaros. I am getting a complete TPI with all harnesses, ECM, sensors, and fuel system for about $600 from a 305 IROC with around 70k miles. That's about the best deal i've found. i talked to a machine shop in my area and they said it would be about $3000 or so for a 383 that'll get me in the 12's easy. I have priced several other routes and they seem to be about equal. The only thing i would use that i already have is the block. As far as i know the Summit kit is a good deal. i think you can use the heads off the LO3 if they're still good. They may not perform the best, but i think they would do ok till something else comes along.
Hope I have been of assistance.

RyanSS

Sorry about that, they did make TPI in 85, it was the first year.

Zandor7

I plan on doing all the work myself. Is it a good idea for a 383?? And what all do I need for a 305 tbi to 350 or 383 tpi?????????

RyanSS

There is an article in the tech section on the TBI to TPI swap, it tells you what you need. I would suggest, in addition to what the article says, to also get the complete fuel system off the donor TPI car. I would also, depending on what your performance needs will be, upgrade the fuel pump while you're in the area. it's a real b*tch to do later!
To build a 383, you have to use a machine shop for the overbore work (.030 over). A 383 is about the same price as a 350 or 355, it just depends on how much power you want. Also a 383 will demand higher quality and higher capacity parts than a 350/355. 383's can be built to be very streetable and get OK gas mileage or can also be built for all-out performance.
be very selective when you choose your cam and heads, they can make or break an engine.
What powerband are you shooting for?
what kind of power do you want to make?
The trans will bolt right up, but you may need a new flexplate and balancer. you may want to beef up the trans a bit if you plan on making over 400hp.

Zandor7

What do you mean a complete fuel system? What parts? The Fuel pump or that and fuel lines? I want this to be a 350-400 hp assembly. What type of setup would make this type of power? Like head, cam combo? I am thinking about staying with just the 350. I would have the crank for the power, but not sure abou the rods. Thanks

RyanSS

By complete fuel system i mean fuel lines from fuel rails all the way back to the fuel sending unit in the tank. I'm not quite sure about the head/cam combo, you might ask that in the General engine tech boards. I would think maybe 202/160 heads, and as for cam, I am not sure. I've heard good things about the LT4 Hot Cam. You would probably want AS&M LTR's with a ported plenum and larger base. The throttle body will be ok up to like 450hp. use 1 5/8 headers that have equal length primaries.

IROCZ88

Don't worry about the complete fuel sytem. You don't need the fuel lines. Your stock lines are plenty. All you have to do is change the fittings which is easy with a flare tool. Upgrade to a Walbro fuel pump. It's not a bitch if you do the easy way. Over the weekend I peeled the carpet out of my trunk and made a panel with zsus fasteners, aluminum, and some rubber foam. Now I have access to my fuel pump within 5 min.

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'88 IROC TPI 355, '69 truck 4-bolt, fully balanced, 9.75:1 compression, fully ported '70 truck heads(for now), Harland Sharp 1.6 Roller Rockers, Comp Cams CS 252AH-12, ported '86 TPI converted to speed density, Crane AFPR, Flowmaster 3in. exhaust, Edelbrock TES headers, all emissions equipment is still intact, plan on burning my own chips, many more mods and parts on the way as time and money permits =(
Best E.T. with TBI 305: 16.11 @ 82mph
Haven't been to track with new motor
If you have any questions on converting from TBI to TPI email me at jdkchevy70@yahoo.com
In memory of Dale Earnhardt, I'll miss cheering for that black #3 on raceday!!!