Hey everyone !

I have been lurking for quite some time , reading all this info and soaking it all up . I have a 1986 tuned port Trans Am that i want to swap the motor out of for a 350 . First off , i dont want to do the LT1 swap because my life is too busy with the wife and kid and everything else to deal with the headaches of getting everything to fit correctly . What i am looking at doing is swapping out the long block assembly with a 350 that makes between 300 and 350 HP , use all my stock accessories , and possibly my stock computer if possible . I want to use the TPI setup because its what i have available even though i know i will have to change the injectors to feed a 350 without leaning out .Also , this will be a total street car , no trips to the drags at all , just something for me to toy with while taking my butt to work and back . LOL !Do this sound feasible ? If not , any suggestions will be appreciated . I havent bought the first part yet , im gonna get info first !

 

Chupa,

I'm glad you started this thread... I've been perusing these boards for some time and finally have an idea of what I want. I'm basically in the same boat as you and will follow this thread with interest. I have an '88 Iroc 305 tpi w/5-speed and am looking drop a 350 in it.

Based on what I've read, I'm looking at the following basic configuration:

Original tpi induction, 24lb injectors, zz4 cam, vortech heads, scroggin dickey manifold, and afpr. Possibly custom chip, but I hope not. I need to pass California emissions!

Someone sound off if I'm off track here...

 

To both of ya (especially with the 86), running a stock chip is possible, but IMO not a great idea. None of the smog guys will know about it anyway. And if you change injectors you have to change the chip, at least if we are doing things the right way here.

The most hassle free way with an 86 is to get an 87-up block, but you want heads from something older, 86 or older. If you use the 87-up heads, you have to either modify the center 4 bolt holes on the intake or get a different intake. If you go to the older than 87 block you will most likely need to change the flexplate and have to use the oil pan off the older engine as well, unless you find one of the few 86 blocks. 86 is really a stupid year as far as engines go.

For the 88, just get an 87-up engine, and drop it in.

 

Hey how about using the 305 TPI heads ?( with a port and polish job ) I have heard they flow about the same as the 350 TPI heads and then the TPI intake would bolt up fine . Sound reasonable ? or maybe a set of aluminum 1986 corvette heads ?

 

Hmm, I've read that you can use the 305 heads on a 350, but they don't flow the same. I'm sure you'd be better off with the vette heads.