I have been considering a new engine as my next mod, since (although it is in fine running condition) the engine I have has close to 160k miles on it, and dumping the money into mods for it would be flirting with death, since it would most likely strain the engine too much. I came across a website (www.goautocenter.com) which sells new engines. I saw one that seemed appealing- a new 350 TPI built to the specs of 300 horsepower and 370 ft-lbs torque for $1955. Now, I presume since this engine is said to be made for the thirdgen era, the engine will be compatible with all peripheral equipment currently on my engine already, correct?
My next question is this- will I have to do any other modifications to the transmission or rear end, or is the stock equipment strong enough to handle this upgrade without any problems?

 

I bought one of those in December of 2001.
Been very happy with it and have logged over 25,000 miles on it since.
If swapping from a 305, you'll need the 350 knock sensor (#10456288) and ESC Module (#16128261).
It requires a custom chip and the 350 injectors.
All the sensors and everything in my 92 hooked right up fine.
As for the trans and rearend, well, I recently replaced my T5 with a Tremec TKO and the rear has recently been rebuilt.
If you have a T5 manual trans, you'll need to be careful- it won't take much abuse. A 700R4 can be rebuilt to handle the power just fine. (See Dana at Probuilt Automatics).
You can run the 160k mile trans and rear until you can upgrade, just don't beat on it too much. Drag racing with sticky tires will destroy one or the other.
-Rich-

 

The 700R4 is from '91 and was rebuilt when I got it...no problems so far. If I were to get a "performance" rebuild, what kind of cost am I looking at for that?

 

No, you do not need a different ESC. What you need is a 350 knock sensor for TPI on YOUR YEAR TPI.... and also the 350 Memcal/prom for your year tpi. You'll also need either 22lb injectors, or higher. I recommend 24lb SVO injectors... Don't except that 350 computer chip to make you run GREAT to get that 300 horse you'll need a custom chip burned.

Your stock stuff will hold 300hp just fine aslong as you don't beat on it everyday, and drag race with slicks.

The T5 and Rears are good to about 350-400 horse. Seen it done many times.

 

your motor will still run without modifications but you wont have the power that a 350 should. when iput in my 350 i kept everything the same. it just feels like a really strong 305. i have since gotten it tuned, but with stock 305 parts, at least it will still be driveable so youll be able to get all the routine motor swap "bugs" worked out. then you can worry about upgrades.

good luck