this sound like a good idea? 350 swap
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Joined: Nov 2002
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From: MD
this sound like a good idea? 350 swap
well, i have an 89 rs, 305 tbi with a 5 speed, and my motor isnt doin so good, so i planned on buying a nice crate engine..but i just dont have the funds..however..i know a company in virginia, that well sell a remanufactured engine 350(the direct replacement for the camaro 350 tpi) for like 750 bucks(and includes a year warranty) that i can afford, and plan on buying that engine, putting it in my car, and as i get more money, add the cam n heads i want....what do you guys think? sound like a good idea? will my tbi work with that 350 tpi engine well?
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iTrader: (1)
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,565
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From: Texas
Car: 1992 Formula Firebird
Engine: 305CID (LB9)
Transmission: World Class T5
Axle/Gears: 10-bolt, 4.10 gears
TBI will choke the 350. It should work a little better than the stock engine you have now did in it's prime. But don't expect it to be a rocket. If I were you I'd check out the Ultimate TBI mods in teh tech articles section on this site. Those mods will help you get the most out of your swap.
Seriously though I would convert to TPI. Or an aftermarket intake and or fuel injection system altogether. If not before the swap most definatley during or soon after.
Seriously though I would convert to TPI. Or an aftermarket intake and or fuel injection system altogether. If not before the swap most definatley during or soon after.
Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 4,969
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From: USA
Car: yy wife, crazy.
Engine: 350, Vortecs, 650DP
Transmission: TH-350
Axle/Gears: 8.5", 3.42
I understand where you're going with this... 
If it has a stock cam and stock heads it will work fine for now. You'll need a chip, injectors, and a knock sensor for a 350 out of a truck or a Caprice.
The stock throttle body was the same on those engines, just different injectors.
The chip is programmed for an engine that big in order to get the fuel map and timing tables right.
A 305 and a 350 have different size cylinders so when the engine knocks (when the piston slaps against the cylinder wall) it rings at a different pitch (kind of like a smaller bell is higher pitched than a big bell).
That will get you buy until you can afford more stuff.
BTW, expect about 30-40 lb-ft. of torque increase just from the larger motor.
If it has a stock cam and stock heads it will work fine for now. You'll need a chip, injectors, and a knock sensor for a 350 out of a truck or a Caprice.
The stock throttle body was the same on those engines, just different injectors.
The chip is programmed for an engine that big in order to get the fuel map and timing tables right.
A 305 and a 350 have different size cylinders so when the engine knocks (when the piston slaps against the cylinder wall) it rings at a different pitch (kind of like a smaller bell is higher pitched than a big bell).
That will get you buy until you can afford more stuff.
BTW, expect about 30-40 lb-ft. of torque increase just from the larger motor.
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