Hello my name is Jim and I just recently purchased a 1985 Trans Am with a 350 sbc. The motor needs work so I am just going to fully rebuild it. I know my way around a motor and how to turn a wrench I brought my ('91 back from the dead!) What I'm looking for is someone to guide me in the right way to combining parts to use together. Since most of the TGO'ers on here have TONS of awesome knowledge i'm willing to learn.

My intentions are to make this a reasonable driving car with some nice streetlight-streetlight power, but also have a decent 1/4 time of something in the 13's - low 14's.

I just purchased a Holley 650 DP. I want to work with that any get any parts that are compatable to work with what the carb is capable of.

I'm thinking:
-Edelbrock performer. (Not sure EPS or not)
-Crane Cam. Not sure what lift to get or anything. Want something with a nice thump but not too aggressive.
-Looking to change the heads also for a complete bolt on set. Think Brodix but not sure chamber size
-and any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I want to stick with those brands too. I'm not looking to break the bank with the build since the car is going to be for sale once the restoration is finished. Either selling it or trading for a Solstice GXP. So, any buyers when the product is finished?

Cam
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/cr...make/chevrolet
Intake
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ed...make/chevrolet
Heads
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bro-1021004/overview/
Converter if a 700r4
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hup-22-30l/overview/
Converter if TH350
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hup-gm30/overview/
Gear
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rmg-4900461/overview/
Tire
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bfg-54462/overview/

Now go run 12.80's using your requested part manufacturer's

Wow thanks a ton! With me still being a "Young Buck" the whole combination thing still hasn't snagged o on yet. I'm trying my hardest and trust me i'm determined especially with two cars to work. With 12.80 that's plenty faster than what expected to get out of it. Once again thanks for such a quick reply.

There more to it then i listed of course, I was assuming a stock bottom end 350 with flat tops, the right chassis mods and suspension to handle it and make it hook, but i was just giving you a simplistic view of what's out there that will meet your criteria.
On a budget I would do things a little different and likely use a few different parts but everyone has their favourites from vehicle brand to after market parts. And crane as well as Brodix make very good products.

BTW Jim, I also have an 85 TA with a 350 (355) and out of everything I have owned, and there have been a few from cruisers to bruisers, this one is by far the most fun and the best compromise of "hot rod" that you can live with daily if you choose. I hope when its done you fall in love with it and skip the solstice plan lol
Dave

exactly, ofcourse i'm going to have to update suspension, reinforce a few things here and there but you gave me a great foundation to start planning. I don't intend on selling anyone junk i'm building it to last and when people hear brand names like that it helps sell. Especially of the flow right together to prove they are more than just names. And yes, the bottom end is stock.

oh trust me i'm not going to want to sell it lol it just looks so much more fun. I only picked it up for 800. So either way it's a great investment of I keep it or not. We'll find out soon enough!

One thing you didn't mention is if your 350 is a roller block or pre-87 block. It can make a difference with cam selection with regards to idle quality and low rpm response.

Yea you definitely don't want to get a head that will lower your compression ratio.

With a standard 64cc head it should be fine.
I did assume a 2 piece rear main non roller block. I'm going to assume an 85 TA would likely have ended up with a standard old 350. Especially as the OP paid $800 for it.
If you open it up and find a standard small dish piston, I belive they are around 12cc, with 64cc heads and a 0.027 compressed gasket you should still be able to hit close To 9.5:1 comp. That's enough to get the job done.
If they are flat tops then you can always shuffle around head gasket thickness to hit closer to 10.1:1

So with those bolts ons will the compression change drastically or will it pretty much remain the same? what would the compression be and could I just run a compression pump to it to test it now

would this be an appropriate distributor for it?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ms...make/chevrolet

I had one of those before, it did the job. But I went with the 8360 after a while.

lol as long as it gets the job done that's all that matters

I have a nice cam and lifters from Crane for you if you like the lumpy cams
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CRN-110592/

That's a nice little combo set.

The biggest problem I've seen with HEI distributors is using cheap rotor button from a parts store. They are very high in resistance and can cause ignition problems. MSD rotor buttons are one of the lowest in resistance on the market.

Well I should be pulling the motor in a week or two. I'll let you guys know how it goes and how everything is. Wish me luck!

Let me know if you're interested on that cam and lifters they are new

Camarito, Will let you know. Currently trying to get hold of a cherry picker to get this motor out so the rebuild can begin. Can't seem to find one cheap around here :/ Don't feel like buying new since it's only going to be used a few times. Once the motor is out and things get ripped off it i'll let you know. I am definately interested if the price is fair.

Where are you located?

South Jersey. Millville to be exact.

Too far or you could borrow my hoyst

Yeah, you're totally opposite of where i'm at lol. Looks like i'm taking a ride to Atlantic City tonight to pick up a hoist I found on Craigslist.

Hey guys. I've been slacking. Finally got an engine hoist and will hopefully be pulling the motor out this weekend and reading the casting numbers. Anything I should look for? I'll post the numbers on here in hopes you guys can help me identify them.

There is a sticky in the top section of the Engine Swap forum with a listing of the casting numbers.

I hear ya, I'm waiting for the doctor to release me from my lifting, pulling, pushing restrictions to get back to work on my 86. I had surgery the weekend before Thanksgiving to replace 3 disks in my neck. Can't wait to get my 350 block built and installed into the car.

Oh man sorry to hear that. Hope the recovery is going well man. The weather has been setting me back. Damn snow and negative degree wind chill. Cons of doing all your work in the backyard.

I'm not sorry, LOL The next day after surgery I felt 75% better than when I went in. I'm darn near 100% now.

I figured weather had a large part in it but working outside on a car in the winter is for the birds. Glad I have at least a garage to work in, I just need it heated now