'81-- '89 engine swap...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
'81-- '89 engine swap...
I'm looking to buy an '89 IROC with a blown up 350... I have an '81 Z28 with a fairly new 350 that I put in a couple of years ago... My question is, would the engine from my '81 be a direct replacement for the 89 IROC?... I plan on reusing all the TPI etc... and equiptment off the '89 and just using the block/heads from my '81 engine.. Will this work without any problems?
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 42
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
Welcome aboard.
It's not exactly "direct", but it is doable. The rear main seal type changed between those years, and so did the flex plate. You'll need a 153-tooth unit for '82-'85 3rd gen V8 application.
The intake mount bolt angle changed for the center two bolts on each side. Either elongate the bolt holes in the intake base, or get an '85/'86 or Vette version.
Otherwise, it's just a matter of changing over everything that bolts to the engine. The only other issue is not having too radical of a cam in the '81 engine - TPI isn't known for being too friendly with high overlap cams.
It's not exactly "direct", but it is doable. The rear main seal type changed between those years, and so did the flex plate. You'll need a 153-tooth unit for '82-'85 3rd gen V8 application.
The intake mount bolt angle changed for the center two bolts on each side. Either elongate the bolt holes in the intake base, or get an '85/'86 or Vette version.
Otherwise, it's just a matter of changing over everything that bolts to the engine. The only other issue is not having too radical of a cam in the '81 engine - TPI isn't known for being too friendly with high overlap cams.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
84z96L31vortec
Tech / General Engine
7
Aug 20, 2017 12:16 AM
