thirdgen4me

iTrader: (1)

Hey guys I am trying to learn as much as possible about the 305-350 swap and I have read several articles and stickies. I have the basic idea of what I need to do the swap. I want to stick with a TBI set-up because I don't want a carb. The trouble I'm having is deciding what 350 motor to buy. GM has made millions of 350s for years and they all have different HP! When I look on craigslist there are a ton of 350s for sale but they are mostly older and of unknown year. How do you guys decide what year motor to buy for a good HP? Should I get an older truck motor and install a better cam, intake, and headers? Should I get a newer truck vortec motor and put a TBI intake and headers on it? I am looking for around 300rwhp in my 3rd gen. Any help is appreciated!

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

The block core you start out with has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WHATSOEVER to do with the power output of a motor you build.

They are all ABSOLUTELY IDENTICALLY PERFECTLY EQUAL in that regard.

Whatever differences there are among them, power output capability is not included.

Power is determined by the pistons, heads, cam, and the whole induction system (exh, int, carb, etc.). NOT by the block or ignition system.

Yes you should get a newer motor. That way you get the better heads, better rods, roller cam, and better quality control, than older ones. As well as, less wear and tear, and fewer of the effects of old age, in most cases.

thirdgen4me

iTrader: (1)

I am not rebuilding the motor. I do not want to touch the internals at all seeing as how I don't know how to. I can swap motors and intakes all day but I have yet to learn to properly assemble a V8.

From what I've been reading the past 4 hours it looks like I will go with a newer L31 vortec motor. Should I change out the cam for something better or is the stock one ok? I have never changed a cam before but feel confident I can do it. Would just bolting an edelbrock performer intake on with TBI and some hedman headers give me the power I'm looking for?

I am also having a hard time finding the damn ESC module I need seeing as how GM doesn't make them anymore.

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

Yes you should swap out the cam; what's in those is EXTREMELY weenie, but don't go crazy on it, either. For a TBI 350, I'd suggest the Comp "502" grind. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/cca-08-502-8

Likewise, I'd suggest NOT using a "TBI" intake. Instead, use a 4-bbl one, and a TBI adapter. Just don't use the Holley adapter, it locates the TBI in a different place and makes the cables not fit right.

Buying a functional part from GM is about the WORST POSSIBLE place to get it. It'll be EXACTLY THE SAME as one from a parts store, just in a different box with a different (MUCH larger) price tag on it. But even a parts store is too much $$$. No sense in spending more than you have to, to get the same thing you could get some other way.

Just hit up yer local buzzard nest and snarf one out of a TBI truck.

thirdgen4me

iTrader: (1)

I plan on using the edelbrock performer rpm intake for a 4bbl and an adapter to TBI. Should run me about $255 with free shipping from summit. I'm also buying a set of Hedman shortys and a y pipe to go with them. The parts store doesn't even list the ESC online. Guess junk yard it is... Will any ESC out of a 350 TBI truck work? Even the older ones?

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

I'd suggest you look on the TBI forum. There is a sticky about a "budget 350 TBI swap" that has good info. If you started with the L31, you're basically starting with the engine suggested in that sticky.