thafaz

G'day all,

I have finally decided to get back to my IROT...it's been sitting in the laneway for 2 years. Amazingly, that coinsides with how long I was engaged....FREEDOM!!!!!

So, first matter of business is get it rolling under it's own power...the sticker says it came with a 305, but the block stamping says 350. The injectors are wrong, as is the computer, and probably some of the sensors.....in the end, I don't want TPI anyway.....so to carb I go....and no more automatic.

What I need are some recommendations on how to proceed....

1) Pull the engine, rebuild/convert or just buy a crate? I figure the cost is the same by the time I get the machine work done, so why go though the hassle? Then again, I need to earn my street credit...can you really call yourself a car guy without rebuilding a 350 at least once in your life? I think not.

2) Where do I buy performance parts in Ottawa? Man, the guys in the States have it all....either the shipping or the duty kills you.

Happy new year to everyone.

FH

kaptinkafeen

iTrader: (2)

IMO,
It all depends on what you want to do with the car. Daily driver, weekend warrior etc....
You can go out and buy a crate 350cid - but then you are in a way limitted in what you are getting, and you didn't really do much except the swap one out for the other. If you are after the thrill of learning as much as possible, then building your own powerplant will be more rewarding.
That said, if time is a problem, your location to a machine shop and speed shop is not convenient; building your own will be a hassel.
But,
If you build your own - you can put together what YOU want. You can build it up in stages, or go all out right away.
That's my
-Andrew

The Project

iTrader: (6)

I can't help you in Ottawa but there are some good engine and performance parts shops in Toronto. There are some good companies that can build you the negine of your choice or dreams. Also the CDN distributor for UMR is in Toronto. Put a list together and it might be worth the drive down. If you want companies and phone numbers let me know. I used to drive to Ottawa (Napean) every weekend so I know the drive.

6speedIROC

iTrader: (3)

I was in the same predicament as you and went with an LT1 swap that started with the T56 a few years earlier.
I'd go LSI now if I had to do it over as they are getting more affordable. If you're not up for that swap I'd likely go GM crate short block (or complete) with some of their Vortec heads with a Holley stealth ram. If not, get a carb set up on there for cheap.

As for performance parts in Ottawa, I use www.ezpartstrader.com. Trevor is the owner. Or order from the US and have them shipped to here:
Company in Ogdensburg called Roethel Parcel Service. They charge $5 to receive and hold a typical package. Pay the taxes when crossing the border and no duty if made in the USA. Easy to deal with, but I don't think they are open on weekends - M-F, 9-4:30. Their address is 1801 Ford Street, Ogdensburd, NY, 13669, phone #315-393-4770, Talk to Bonnie.

The Project

iTrader: (6)

Do you know anyone in Niagara Falls/Buffalo like this. I'm surprised that there is no one like this for us in the GTA can go through Niagara Falls to get parts on the other side.