Wanna yank this tired old 305. ZZ385? Any special considerations?

 

Money.

Seriously consider suspension upgrades, such as sub-frame connectors, strut tower brace, poly bushings, boxed control arms, etc. Your tranny would also benefit from a Transgo kit and higher stall converter (look up Dana of Pro-built on the tranny forum).

Exhaust upgrades a must - headers, high-flow all the way back at a minimum.

Are you keeping your current computer-controlled induction? If so, I believe that engine comes with a square-flange carb mount, so you'll need a Vortec-type intake with a spread-bore mount.

The engine you're talking about costs more than your car is probably worth. What it will take to properly support that engine will cost almost as much as the engine (for instance, a properly prepped transmission and torque converter are about $2k, exhaust about $1k, and you haven't started the suspension yet). And, your car won't be worth 3x current value when you're done. But, if you plan on keeping it, those things don't matter so much.

 

five7kid pretty well has it covered. Don't forget to upgrade that pathetic rear axle (if you haven't done so already). I guess most people like the Dana 44 (if you can still find one) but I've been told they tend to howl. I've also been told an Australian 9 bolt is good to about 400 horses.

 

Hey guys, i thought i understoord the zz 385 was an easy swap for a 305 in an 87 iroc... from what youve told me, your right, the cars not worth all that.
What would you guys recommend in crate motors to be an "easy" swap to the nicest engine with the least amount of extra attention?

 

Okay, ...hot..., you've got two different issues.

The swap is easy (as swaps go, anyway). That doesn't mean it is also going to be cheap, especially with the engine you've chosen.

I'm editing this to add a little bit more info.

Consider that you are going from an engine that puts out what, 160 horses or so (the original 305), to one that's rated at 385 horses. The original components weren't really designed to handle that kind of power. You may want to either consider rebuilding the original engine or going with a cheaper (lower horsepower) replacement engine. Or, start doing the work in stages. Upgrade the various components that five7kid identified as you get some money. Then you can invest in that Fast Burn 385.