RAGEman

I need to rebuild my engine/ get another one, but I want to do it, like most of us, on a budget. Right now, I have a 305 TPI, It's basically stock, and to me, its not slow, but definately needs to be faster. I would like to do this pretty cheap so I can have money left over to paint my car as well. I have a cracked head, so, I already know I have to replace those, what should I go w/?

I was thinking about....
335ci TPI
L98 Heads
SuperComp LT Headers
LT1 Cam(what would you suggest)
Forged Pistons of some sort
125 shot of Nitrous
MSD Ignition
Some bigger runners
......and be done w/ it.

What do you think I can do that for? Under 2 grand? Im doing all of it myself except for the machine work of course. Im also aiming for mid to low 13's....sooo....if you have any suggestions please let me have them. This is my first performance engine to build so, I need all the help I can get.

DURTYBIRD

Running mid-13's should be easy enough with a basic 350 shortblock, a mild cam (lt1 is probably a little small for a 350, but good for the 305) and some bolt-ons. You dont need to go forged pistons...heck, you could probably do it with your 305!

Your post mentioned a 335, so I guess you are thinking about stroking the 305? IMO that's a bad idea because for far less $ you can build the 350 and have more cubes to boot. In addition, with the 350 you can pull a roller block from a late model chevy pickup/car, have the cylinders honed, new rings, bearings, etc...probably could get done for under $800 if you know a good machine shop locally and you assemble it yourself. Then spend the rest of your budget on the bolt-ons and beefing up the rest of your drivetrain.

I don't think you will be able to get a GOOD paint job AND a fresh bottom end for under $2k.

just my opinion, of course!

RAGEman

Well, I didnt plan on doing both for $2k. That's just my budget for the motor. I have a 350 block and a Billet crank, but that's all I have for that motor. I have nothing else. I think I can easily run mid 13's on my 305 w/ some bolt ons and a cam and minor modifications...But what would y'all do w/ 2k?

IROCaholic

I dont think its really worth it especially since the 335 will cost you more than a 350 because of machine work, well most likely anyways.But then again it may cost you more to swap the TPI stuff for a 350 so its really a matter of preference.But it sounds like a cool idea. I also wouldnt use 350 heads on a 305 because of all of the issues with valve and combustion chamber size. I would just get another set of your TPI heads and have bigger valves installed. I think with all of that and decent gearing youll be looking at low 14's or so. I think you underestimate how hard it is to get a 305 into the low 13's. Very few guys are even in the 13's with 305's on this board. Good Luck,

DURTYBIRD

Unless I am mistaken, I thought all the 305 and 350 TPI intakes were identical. You may need to upgrade injectors, but thats easy enough.

If I had a 305 TPI and already had the 350 block/crank...AND I had 2k on top of that...AND my goal was only mid-13's...I'd build a mild 350...and anything left I'd put into the suspension/upgrade the converter or clutch, etc...

IROCaholic

I think you have to upgrade the injectors, computer(or chip I dont know which one), and knock sensor. Really it isnt that bad now that I think about it. But its still a little extra money. I really think building the 350 is a better idea. Good Luck.

RAGEman

Say....I buy a used L98 that needs a rebuild. I rebuild it and change the heads to Vortec heads, get the SCDC baseplaete, and some supercomp headers.....would that be within me budget? In the 13 sec zone?

DURTYBIRD

depends on how much $ you spend on the motor and getting it rebuilt. I'm thinking at LEAST $1000-$1200 right there.

With Supercomps (unlike some shorties), you'd need to rework your exhaust...thats more $$...with the cost of the headers and the exhaust work, etc..that's probably another $500 easy...

Vortec heads run...what...$400-$500 at least? And do they come bare?

You still have to deal with the already mentioned programming, sensors, cam choice, etc...

I dunno man, I don't think so. If you kept the L98 heads that come on the L98 you obtain and just have them cleaned up...and went with some shorties that will bolt to your current Y-pipe....I think you'd be in much better shape.

It all varies though depending on what you can get used and who you may know locally that can build the motor for ya. Also what kind of tools and skill do you have and how much of this can you do yourself? Do you have a complete shop at your disposal, or will you need to buy the tools needed along the way? If you have to buy them, that takes money from your overall budget.

These are all tough decisions that no one else can really make for ya. I recommend hanging out in the motor swap section and reading up as much as you can. Look at other peoples combo's and what times they are running...then decide if you can afford to follow their pattern.

I also recommend laying a solid foundation and not doing too much at one time. Find your motor and get it paid for. Then get it to the machine shop with your crank and have them work it over...but do it right. Perhaps it means you have to forget about the supercomps, but they can be added later on. Get the motor into the car and programmed accordingly...even if it's with the stock manifolds, etc. With just this, your car should be even with stock L98 cars (my '91 TPI 350 ran a 14.3 1/4 mile stock). From there, you can begin to plan the next phase as you see fit.

Hop this helps ya!!!

RAGEman

I can do most, if not all of the assembling needed myself. And If I cant do it, I have a buddy that can. I think I can find some used vortec heads somewhere, clean them up and get them flow tested and I would be ok, the SCDC intake is what is going to cost, the programming shouldnt be that different..seeing as tho I am keeping it tuned port. Im going w/ SuperComp LT's, so I dont know how different ther rounting is for that. If I am failing to see something, than let me know, but Im just not seeing the Vortec L98 topping 2k. If I am overlooking something let me know.

Thanks for the help guys. Keep the flow coming. I need all the help I can get!

DURTYBIRD

A rebuild kit for a 350 is approx $300 alone.
Add in the machine costs for the block...I'd guess at least another $300 for a 350 - add another $100 or so if it needs to go .030.

That's $700 for just the shortblock end of it...assuming you do the assy yourself and have all the tools needed including engine stand, etc..

Add another $400 or so for used vortecs. Add $ to that to have them inspected for cracks, etc...

I dont know how much that base runs - but figure at least $200 or so. Why go with vortecs and the new base if you aren't upgrading the runners too? If you are, add another couple hundred there...

Unless you go with a pee-wee LT1 cam, figure an LT4 HOT runs about $150 used. If you stick with an L98 cam, that will save you some money there both on the install and on the need for reprogramming. But why run LTs and vortec heads with a stock L98 cam?

Misc gaskets, etc...that runs over $100-$200

At this point, you are at approx $1600...and we've made several assumptions as to what things ar going to cost. You have not addressed any of the stock equipment on the car that may not be up to par and/or reusable. This can include things like your belts/hoses/engine mounts/head bolts/intake bolts/header bolts, etc...

How much are those LT's? Note: they will not bolt to your factory exhaust...so you have to have the Y-pipe modded at the very least. If you go with shorties, they will usually let you re-use your existing Y-pipe. Need to have an O2 sensor bung welded to them? Add more $ there...

Just trying to give you a ballpark idea on things. Your best bet would be to find a reputable engine shop in your area and just go on in and have a chat with them. If you've got a buddy that's done this sort of stuff before, have him go with ya to make sure you are getting all the answers you need. Start buying the parts as they become available and stash them in your garage...eventually you will have all the parts and be ready to go.

RAGEman

I was thinking somewhere in there, $1500-$2000. But I still have lots of questions.

The programming you speak of w/ the install of the hot cam....what does this intel? I've never messed w/ any programming on the entire car. Fill me in.

How does this sound...
Rebuilt Vortec L98...
Lt4 hot cam
Hooker Shorties
.......and leave it at that for now.

Do you think I can do that for >$2k? I know the block work and such will have a slight change in price, but ball park....do you think I can do it?