right now i have an L03 and I'd like to start building a 350 and I was wondering how much it would cost me to get one built up fairly nice, i would like to put tpi on it and want to know how much trouble it would be and wut i need to change it. I tried searching but i didnt find wut i wanted. Any help would be appreciated.

 

To start with, if you want to run TPI you will need to swap your computer and wiring harness. I suggest you try to find a motor, computer, and wiring harness from the same vehicle for simplicity. Aim for a 90-92 because it uses the Speed Density system. If you find and IROC or Z-28 it will have a TPI and 350 engine, look for vin code 8. That is the 350. If it has F then it is a 305. A well preped 305 TPI is not a bad idea either. IF you get the engine, wiring harness and computer then you will be set.

The hard and long part is going to be switching everything yourself. Expect to spend some time because you don't want to rush and make silly mistakes.

Obviously this is easier to say than to do, but it is not that bad. You can do it. Check out your local salvage yards and the internet for the parts you need. Again I strongly suggest you find one donor car in the yard to get the wiring harness from.

You may even want to see if some of the street rod companies offer wiring harnesses for TPI applications, I know some do but I don't know of any names. Good luck with your swap and I am sure you will be pleased with the outcome.

 

wut should i expect to pay for a full parts car?

 

I can't say what a parts car would cost. I can say that in S. Florida a complete TPI engine will sell for about 800-1000 dollars at a junk yard, or more. That is complete [I] from the oil pan to the TB. I am sure you could do better than this if you look around. Try searching the internet for engines. Try looking at the classified ads here at thirdgen for a donor car or some of the parts you need. I will be selling my entire TPI setup in about 6 months or sooner if everything goes to plan. I don't know where else to find your parts, just start looking, its all out there somewhere.

 

GreatAim

I was just looking at the classifieds here at thirdgen and found a few ads from people selling wiring harnesses and computers. Take a look and see if there is something useful.

 

wut would the first things i should do to the engine when i get it? tear it apart and reuild it with what?

 

wut is a good 383 kit and how much would it cost to build one with vortec heads?

 

The first thing I would do is find a GOOD machine shop. Take the block and whatever else you may want to keep to them for cleaning, inspection, and machining. You want to spend money on quality machine shop services. To get a kit check with some searches for companies online. I always use a local place to get my parts. My assembly is a Cola 4340 forged steel crank, Eagle 4340 forged H-Beam rods, with JE pistons. My block is an 80 corvette block with 4 bolt mains.

You can easily spend $3000 dollars on a short block. You can also get on together for $1500.

Are you thinking about nitrous, blowers, or high RPM power? What is your intended use of the car? This makes a difference in parts selection.

A good kit uses a steel crank, forged rods and forged pistons. Check around, like I said, to find out good prices. Maybe a local machine shop can get good prices on parts. Mine always can.

 

well, i sctually work part time in a machine shop that my neighbor has, about 20-30 hours a week, i would want the car to be more lenient to a daily driver, but would also like to have a lot of power, i was wondering if there is anything i would keep or replace it all, wut would i have to do if i get an older engine?

 

i dont want to put on nitrous or a blower or anything extravagant like that

 

Hey, you're cheating. You work at a machine shop, thats not fair!!
Just kidding, I wish I had a machinist friend. Anyway, if you are building a street/strip NA motor then you can use some less expensive parts. That does not mean they are not quaility, just not made of the super strength alloys found in race and some nitrous/blower motors. You can get away with a cast steel crank or you can splurge for a mild forged piece. Bascially I am saying you don't need the expensive parts because with a NA motor destined for the street, I doubt you will see the cylinder pressures or RPM that would require a 4340 forged piece. For connecting rods, get something good. I never neglect connecting rods because they really have a tough life when you think about and visualize their job. For pistons, you can use hypereutectic or forged, that is up to you in my opinion. Again you won't see the abuse on the NA motor to warrant the heavy duty pistons, unless you just want them. Ask your boss to teach you to balance the assembly. If you have not yet built an engine ask one of the guys there to work with you. I would set all the tolorances within factory specs unless you are urged otherwise by a professional.

As I mentioned before, I spared no expense when I put together my 383 because I was originally a nitrous motor in an old race car I had. After I sold that car I rebuilt the engine and took out the TH-350. Now the engine and trans reside in my 92 camaro. Good luck to ya.