Hi guys, I am now leaning more to this engine now. http://www.sdpc2000.com/cart.asp?act...=1577&pid=9009 Can someone tell me if this is a good bang for the buck? I have a buddy that is a mechanic so installation wont be a problem or costly. Since I dont want to change to LT1 or Carb, (I have the TPI system ported and Polished) I want to know if this engine has the potential it says it has by the numbers listed. Also since mine is a 86 IROC will the tranny be able to hold up since it is not the better tranny introduced in 87? Will I need a custom chip? Or will running a stock 350 chip like a 1987 IROC 350 chip be ok. If so will the 87 chip work in my 86 computer??? Thanks guys!!!!

 

"Requires the use of EGR kit SD3816, headers and 350 injectors."

"Dyno tested with Edelbrock runners, 52mm throttle body and 1 7/8” headers."

Don't forget to add those things to your cost list. Also, the 1 7/8" headers they used were long tubes, not our 3rd gen-required shorties.

No mention of ECM or chip. The guys on the TPI board should be able to answer your questions about that.

CHP had an article on that setup a few months ago, seems SD had a few "issues" with interference between the aftermarket runners & their manifold. The TPI was pretty weak compared to the HO 350 engine with a carb until they upgraded the TPI & cam. No mention of what they did with the valve springs or rocker studs, but that's a lot of lift for Vortec heads to handle if they didn't.

I believe it was the '88 model year that the TH700 was upgraded. But, the '86 can be made to handle it (talk to Dana at Pro Built).

It's one way to 350 HP w/TPI and LT4 Hot Cam. Whether it's the best or least expensive way - not sure. You could get an L31 shortblock, World S/R Torquer heads (that your ported base would fit), and the LT4 Hot Cam kit for less money. Wouldn't need the EGR kit (but you would need gaskets that would cost about the same, anyway). Some would argue that the Vortec heads make it worth it no matter what.

 

I just installed my SDPC Vortec 350. Used Edelbrock headers. Had to have the EGR tube welded to the headers. You need to install plugs in the intake manifold to stop water leaks, you need to mill material off the intate manifold to make the oil pressure gage fit, you need to relocate the coil if your distributor has a separate coil and the EGR vacuumm hookups. You need high temp plug wires for headers, you need some insulation socks for some of the sensor wires. My stock engine had a combination bracket to support the AC brackets (mounted on driver side) and act as an engine lift bracket. On SD engine I left it off.

The engine is in and it runs!! Sound great and strong. However, it will not idle and it will not shift the transmission. I will take it to a shop and let them do the final tune-up, timing and correct the tranny issue. The tranny worked fine before I took out the stock engine. I also have one plug with two wires I don't know where it goes. This could be my tranny issue. Anyway, last issue is the noise, I had no idea it would be this loud! Cool!

 

Forgot to mention that I have an '87 IROC and I did not change the computer stuff. I did not delete any of the emissions stuff either. I did put the AC back in. I did put in a new torque converter.

 

abcxo9t, what exactly came with this engine??? Like intake, heads, cam, etc...? Let me know when you get it up and running. So you are saying there is alot of modding that needs to be done then? Let me know in the end if thought it was worth it?? Thanks so far for the replies!

 

Bimma86:

It comes with the flexplate, damper, intake manifold. You supply the ignition, exhaust, and top end throttle, plenum, runners. It is running pretty good now but too rich. I need to put in 22# injectors, currently 24# or get a chip. I think I will get the chip anyway (TPISpecialties), but I still have my original 22# injectors to try. Just need new o-rings. It is worth it, but I also redid the entire suspsension and torque arm bushing and tranny bushing with poly, spohn, etc. The LCA relocation brackets are in and the SFC are Jegsters bolt in with the back end welded. Need to remove carpet to do the front. I put in edelbrock headers and may pick up the airfoil for the throttle this weekend. That should do it except I need to fine tune the TV cable. Don't know how to do that just yet, but will get into the manual this weekend too. Now I need to put on the hood and wash her. I may even put in a Corbeau seat next week. Just for the Driver. Too bad for the others. Oh yeah, I need to put in the blocking plate for the Borla exhaust, currently wide open and too loud for my neighbor. If you go this route, put in driver side header with engine. I had to remove steering shaft to get mine in. Not too bad, but took some time.

 

If you want a custom chip, i would recommend Ed Wright's fast chips. They are cheaper and just as good as TPIS. Don't get me wrong, TPIS know their stuff but they are pricey! The chip you are looking at will be $575 and it will still be off. I would check out fast chips first, they are $350 i believe and $50 for every change after that, i think. I got the miniram for my fastburn crate motor and have recently decided to burn my own proms! I will get better results this way. good luck

 

Ignorance is bliss (no offence just taking advantage of an old saying).

This swap will not stop costing you time, money and driveability issues for the foreseeable future.

Good luck,
RP.

 

:hail: :hail: I have the 350 HO motor from Scoggin Dickey (only 250 miles on it not broken in yet)...I have a fastchip from Ed Wright and it cleared up ALOT of demons I had with idle issues. I had to buy the Vortec intake base so that I could use the TPI!!!! I don't care what anyone says....I LOVE MY TPI!!!!! I will let you know when I romp it. I have alkot of the usual mods like headers,pullies,tb bypass,tb airfoil etc. etc. etc.

Later

 

I don't see how anyone can answer the bang for the buck question. YOU have to decide
357 @ 4200 RPM
Torque: 416 ft/lbs @ 4200 RPM is worth it for the price.
The core engine is pretty built. Nothing cheap will increase the power of it.

 

I'd like to second the custom chip suggestion.
It's not gonna run right without a custom chip, and like said above, Ed Wright at Fastchip.com is your best bet , short of burning your own.
I'm running an Ed Wright chip with my 300 HP 350 TBI motor.
-Rich-

 

I ordered my chip from Fastchip.com, Ed Wright's web site, and should have it next week. I can't wait. Then I can drive my Ohio car to California to see all the Camaros with 4 bangers and 150 hp. Ha!

 

Not all the Camaros in CA have 150 HP four bangers.
I live in CA.
-Rich-

 

Did you ever get the idle problem fixed? I just put that engine in last weekend and I am having a similar problem. It will idle when warm and in park but not when it is cold or when I stop at a light/sign after driving for a little bit. Mine will shift but won't kick down. Suspect I just need to adjust the cables on that though.

 

Did it ever get fixed! I had the TPS adjusted per the manual and the IAC valve adjustment got it to idle much better. The timing is set close to stock at 8 degrees advance, but that is easy enough to adjust later. The biggest improvement was with the Ed Wright chip at Fastchip.com. That made the best improvement. My fuel pressure is 40-43 psi, and the idle is steady at 750 +/- 25 rpm. Great engine, and Great response. The TV cable right now is at stock or all the way back with no teeth showing. I may start to move the cable forward next week to see how it changes. It runs great right now. If only gas prices would come down a little....

 

I forgot to mention that when I went to install the new chip I found out that the car had already been upgraded to a hypertech chip. So don't get a hypertech since that won't fix it. See Ed or John, they will set you up real good.