86 T/A Lb9 to 350 swap, revisited.
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Joined: Jul 1999
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From: Salina, KS
86 T/A Lb9 to 350 swap, revisited.
The motor is finally out of the donor car, so i'm getting back to working out the problems with this swap. First problem is the drivers side dipstick. My stock 305 exhaust manifolds dump right where the dipstick tube is on the 350. So, what can I do? Can I tweak the tube to clear? Anyway to convert to a passengers side dipstick?
Next problem. Heads... The heads on the motor are 458642 castings. I can't find any specs on these heads. I'm assuming they're junk, but before I make a decision to junk them I've gotta find the specs.
I've got access to a set of 92 L98 heads, but my 86 Lb9 intake won't bolt up without modifying the bolt angles. So, my next question, are the 89-up intake manifolds any different then 85-88 in regards to the cold start injector? I've got an extra 90-92 intake laying around, will the 86 runners and hardware all bolt up and function correctly? Aside from the cold start injector I can't think of any reason why they wouldn't.
I'm also planning on using 89-90'ish Ford 5.0 injectors. From what I've read they should work out to 21lbs in the Trans Am. For now I think I'm going to use the stock chip, computer, and knock sensor. Are there any flaws in my ideas here so far?
Also, is the ECM in my 86 the same as say an 89 tpi? One reference I have says they're different.
As far as other things that will be different on the car, I'm going to be running an aftermarket computer friendly camshaft, 88-89 tpi firebird intake ducting, K&N filter, and an airfoil.
Anything else I should keep in mind?
Next problem. Heads... The heads on the motor are 458642 castings. I can't find any specs on these heads. I'm assuming they're junk, but before I make a decision to junk them I've gotta find the specs.
I've got access to a set of 92 L98 heads, but my 86 Lb9 intake won't bolt up without modifying the bolt angles. So, my next question, are the 89-up intake manifolds any different then 85-88 in regards to the cold start injector? I've got an extra 90-92 intake laying around, will the 86 runners and hardware all bolt up and function correctly? Aside from the cold start injector I can't think of any reason why they wouldn't.
I'm also planning on using 89-90'ish Ford 5.0 injectors. From what I've read they should work out to 21lbs in the Trans Am. For now I think I'm going to use the stock chip, computer, and knock sensor. Are there any flaws in my ideas here so far?
Also, is the ECM in my 86 the same as say an 89 tpi? One reference I have says they're different.
As far as other things that will be different on the car, I'm going to be running an aftermarket computer friendly camshaft, 88-89 tpi firebird intake ducting, K&N filter, and an airfoil.
Anything else I should keep in mind?
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 43
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
Yeah, it's on.
Dipstick is best handled by installing headers. Better for performance, better than bending the tube (and you can't convert to passenger side - easily, anyway). I've heard of guys using a Lokar dipstick w/manifolds, though.
'75-'84 350 heads can be assumed to be smog junk. I don't know chamber size, flow, etc., but early unleaded smogger motor should tell you enough. I'd go for the L98 heads and later intake (the cold-start injector is in the plenum).
'86 wasn't the hay-day of TPI ECM. The guys on the TPI board should be able to give better advice on what to do there.
Dipstick is best handled by installing headers. Better for performance, better than bending the tube (and you can't convert to passenger side - easily, anyway). I've heard of guys using a Lokar dipstick w/manifolds, though.
'75-'84 350 heads can be assumed to be smog junk. I don't know chamber size, flow, etc., but early unleaded smogger motor should tell you enough. I'd go for the L98 heads and later intake (the cold-start injector is in the plenum).
'86 wasn't the hay-day of TPI ECM. The guys on the TPI board should be able to give better advice on what to do there.
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