I recently got my grandfathers 82 Berlinetta, and it's pretty worn engine wise. I've been told that for about the price that I'd have the 305 that's currenly in it rebuilt, I could probably purchase a new 350 w/ a warranty. This is my first RWD non 4 cyl automobile so I pop the hood and don't really understand what I'm looking at (I mean, I have a general idea and all). Any case, I'm trying to get my ducks in a row, here's the info I'm after.

1) I've heard a 350 will bolt into my stock engine mounts 'cause the block is the same (small block). I've been looking around and seen crate motors going for $1700 - 4000+. I want something that is fairly powerful, but I don't need it all tuned from the factory (I wanna do some myself). My ultimate goal is something that will do a decent job of keeping up w/ the current Mustang GT and being close to a Corvette. What kinda 350 should I look for, from whom, and about how much should I look to pay (I'm going to install the engine myself w/ my father-in-law, labor shouldn't be a cost factor)

2) I got a 3 speed trans I wanna ditch. I'd like a 4spd w/ OD or something that has more than 3 speeds and will make good use of the 350's power.

3) Electrical. I wanna change to fuel injection. I'm going to have to nearly rewire the car due to whomever was in it last pretending they were an electrician and had a roll of duct tape. Any ECU change or anything like that I'd prefer to know about in advance so I don't have to do a pain in the butt thing twice.

That's really about it. I intend to (but may not) put a supercharger on the 350 I get. I've read that for this I should get forged components.

Basically, I need to know everything . If I could get a lay out of what I'll need to get the job done and have that thing running, I'd greatly appreciate it. Also, I don't have tons of money to do this, but I also would rather spend a little more for quality than a lot more later in repairs.

Thanks in advance for all suggestions and input.

Current set up (what I know)

82 Berlinetta 305ci
Carburated (I think it's computer controlled, pretty sure)
3 speed trans (auto)
as far as I know, it is 100% bone stock

 

Welcome aboard.

You're basically thinking the right way. The only thing I would caution is that you should have the end goal in sight before you start out on this journey. Specifically, the type of engine you get will be quite different depending upon whether or not you end up supercharging it. So, decide now what you want to do and act accordingly.

Assuming you don't build for supercharging:

If you go with the fuel injection, and I'd recommend TPI if you do, you are looking at some involved parts change outs. Computer, harnesses, sensors, plus fuel pump (which goes in the fuel tank), relays, etc. The best way to go about that is to buy a "donor car", which will have all of those things that you want.

The carb setup you have really isn't that bad. People give up on them rather than try to understand them, but they will produce decent power while maintaining liveable fuel economy.

As to the engine, you should go for something that has a reasonable cam in it so it will keep the computer happy. Most factory crate engines fit that bill, so that's not too big a deal. Getting a custom crate engine from Jegs or Summit could be a different matter, though, so let them know what you've got planned before you get out the plastic.

This engine from Scoogin-Dickey is fairly decent, in the lower price range for new engines http://www.sdpc2000.com/cart.asp?act...id=128&pid=105 . Only issue with it is it doesn't have the fuel pump mounting boss, so you'd have to rig up an electric pump. Otherwise, it would bolt up (with a new flexplate) in your car.

You really need to do something about the exhaust. The factory 305 stuff is terrible - throw it all out. Get headers (mine work pretty good), and 3" high-flow stuff all the way to the muffler. The factory air cleaner is just as bad - doing those two things alone will wake up a factory 305, and should be considered must-do for a larger engine.

If you go with an automatic overdrive, one issue you will face is a longer transmission with different crossmember mount locations, and shorter driveshaft and torque arm. Again, a donor car is a good idea to get those pieces.

If you look for an '87-92 350 TPI donor car (one that has been rear ended or rolled, for instance), it will have all these goodies that you want. Just a thought.