I posted this topic under general engine then saw the motor swap catagory and realized this would be the place for my post!


Ok, I've had enough of this 305 and 700r4, shifts are too slow and the 305 has no *****, however I have a 80 z28 that I totalled and it has a freshly rebuilt (top end) 350 with a little bigger cam high rise intake, 650 cfm carb, new lifters etc...I also just had the TH350 rebuilt w/ a shift kit, its a night and day difference between the two cars obviously. I'm getting ready to rebuild the 80 and I was thinking of putting a big block in it and taking the 350 and tranny out for my 88 camaro. My questions are first off what if I was to say rebuild the 305 with essentially stock parts (heads rings cam etc..) and maybe a holly tbi, and have the 700r4 rebuilt also w/ a shift kit? would it be anywhere close to my 80 performance wise? or should I just put the 350 and TH350 in. If I do the swap what kind of obstacles am I looking at? will the headers work from a 305 to a 350? will the drive shaft have to be modified? will the tranny and engine mounts line up? the high rise intake probably wont work either. If anybody has any opinions suggestions out there I would appreciate it.

 

What is the info on your car? Year, make,model, is it fuel injected?

 

The answer you're going to get is "Don't waste your time/money on a 305"

Brandon

 

I second that... go w/the 350 unless you are just hell bent on saving gas or something.

 

yeah thats what I wanted to hear anyhow...will the mounts line up? will a high rise intake fit under a stock hood (I'm thinking no)? will the headers off of the 305 fit the 350? any other surprises I should be prepared for? thanks for all your help

 

i'm 90% sure your headers will fit since the heads are the same. I think the only possible problem you will face is a part of the chassis/engine compartment or other stuff getting in the way.

Good luck!

 

HITHERE

If the headers are already on the 305 in the car then the swap will be as easy as a 305 to 305 swap. The 350 will bolt right in where the 305 was no problems (But so will a 400 ). If you have headers that are already on the engine leave them in the car when you pull the 305 and then bolt them on the 350 (if you take them out there are some clearence issues).


Good Luck, Later, Garrett

 

I also agree, dont rebuild the 305, but why stop at a 350? I am another to say why not a 400!
I guess some of us are never really satified though, I have been through modded 305s, 350s, and now I am in the process of further modifying my 400. Once the engine gets back in the car again, Ill probably drive it for a few thousand miles and then find the need to stroke it or something.
Good luck!

 

350, definately. But I might be inclined to keep the 700R4 tranny...its got a much lower first gear than the TH350... and while they're not bulletproof, certainly with a rebuild its more than adequate for street use. Let's ya keep that high rear end and still get decent moves off the line. The headers should fit if they're in the 88 now..if they're in the 80, I doubt you can put them in the 88. How high's the intake? You probably can't fit more than 2 inches or so under the stock hood..at best...using the drop top air cleaner (I have a cowl, so I dont really know for sure...). Also ,do you have a computer in that 88?

 

A 400 would be nice, but the 350 is just sitting there in my 80 doing nothing, and the 80's gonna be a frame off restoration with a big block put in it but, your right bigger is always better when it comes down to it. as for the intake its the edelbrck performer high rise with an edelbrock 650cfm carb, the headers in 88 are the ceramic coated hedman shortys so if they can stay that makes me happy. as for the computer yeah its still in there but it wouldnt break my heart to see it go. as for the tranny im out for performance not mileage

 

Might as well just swap everything over, then. The headers will fit fine...you don't need the computer for a carb, and if you use the TH350 instead of the 700R4, you don't need it for the tranny either. And if the intakes too high for the hood....just cut a hole in it

 

so I guess now I start looking for a kick*** cowl hood!!!

 

definitly go with the 350, theres no replacement for high displacement. i swapped my LB9 305 for a BADASS 350, it makes all the difference in the world. the swap is easy dont worry.

as for the clearance, if youre going to cut your hood just go ahead and get yourself a nice roots blower. nothing like a nice big chrome supercharger scoop sticking out of your hood to say "i mean buisness"

 

Yeah it was a real let down having to settle for what I have now after having my 1980 Z28/350 for so long, I guess I was spoiled there for a bit, this is my third third gen camaro, I really love these cars...second and third are my favorites I know theres alotta opinions of second gens on here but until youve had one thats built up and not stock you cant judge em cause that car was sweet as f@#*%, and I aint stoppin til I have one of each generation you can see my totalled 80 at www.geocities.com/fullstackattack it shows that a good old metal car can take a wollop...t-boned at 40 mph, even ripped out my seatbelt. it was still runnin and driveable too i know its not a third gen but its a camaro nonetheless and her power train is gonna make my 88 a live ride.