CoRPS

Well guys, I'm back to the thirdgen game. Someone locally is selling a 84 Firebird with a carbed 305 and I'm wondering how much of a PITA it'd be to swap out the engine for a carbed 350? I've never dealt with carbed engines, I know FI engines can be a pain when it comes to swaps due to computer issues but I'm assuming carbed to carbed would be fairly simple correct?

Also, maybe you guys can help me out with this as well. Like I said I want to throw in a carbed 350 but I don't even know where to start when it comes to looking for an engine or building it up correctly. Ideally I'd like to completely rebuild the engine myself, I've never rebuilt an engine before but the 305 will be fine until I can get the 350 built. What I want out of the 350 is about 350HP to the wheels. What should I be looking into when building this engine? How much do you think it'd cost me?

My old man is a mechanic and I know he's in love with carbed engines so I'm sure I'll have some help from him, but I'd also like some pointers from you guys!

Thanks!

Atilla the Fun

to get to 350 rwhp with a stick, you can do that with the popular Vortec heads. But to do it with an automatic, plan on a set of AFR 180s. that adds close to an extra thousand dollars to the project. So, which transmission will you be using?

CoRPS

I planned on going T5 or T56, preferably T56 if I can find it cheaply.

Basically I'm going to be using the car as a daily driver until my 03 F150 is paid off (October '10!!) and then going full force into this swap. I'd like to spend under 2.5K for the whole thing, not sure if that's possible but I have several months to plan and collect.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

350 HP at the crank is fairly reasonable. You could even keep the stock q-jet.

But, as said above, 350 HP at the wheels is a bit sportier. Doing the engine and trans for $2500 is pretty much a pipe dream. Engine only, 350 HP at the wheels still isn't going to happen for that budget.

However, if you're willing to forgo the carb (especially if a DD), then consider an LS1/T56 swap. Still won't happen for a $2500 budget, but double that, and you're looking at an easy 320 HP net flywheel HP.

350 RWHP is not going to be cheap.

Atilla the Fun

It can be done. Figure $2500 for a Vortec 350 build done my way, like I sell to my customers, but realize you then have to spend another $1000 on exhaust, then another $1500 on the trans and rear. And that's a used T5. If you want a T56, add another $1000.
If you go the LS1 route, 350 rwhp is just a stock Ls1 with a TR220 cam and Hawks' headers.