I currently have a 305 TBI 1991 Camaro RS. The rings are smoked Im pretty sure, Im burnin oil like crazy. Anyways, Im lookin to put in or build my own 383 and put it in. Somewhere around 350-400 HP I hope. Question is, what would I have to change as far as sensors or anything. Also, will my tranny and rear end be able to handle the power? If not, what can I do to the tranny and my current rear end to make them stronger. Can a good tranny shop rebuild and strengthen a stock tranny or reinforce the rear end. I am going to be switching to posi with 3.73's also prolly, what else should I do to the rear end to handle the power. Any info is helpful, or any expansion on what Id need to do to the car. Id like to do what I can myself, but think it might be smarter to have tranny and rear end work done elsewhere. Thanks in advance.

 

Are you planning on retaining the TBI? If so, I'd recommend going to that forum to ask what you should do to it to support the engine. Complete exhaust change-out is a must, for sure.

Sub-frame connectors another very good idea. Boxed lower control arms (or upgrade replacements). LCA relocation brackets. Adjustable torque arm w/rear tranny cross-member a plus. Our sponsor Spohn above is a good source for those parts. Poly bushings/mounts all the way around - got mine from PST.

For the rear, have the axle tubes welded all the way around, and get a cap support cover (solid metal instead of stamped steel, with set-screws to help support the carrier bearing caps).

You'd probably be best off getting a tranny from Pro Built Automatic rather than trusting a local rebuilder to know what they're doing. He'll help you choose a torque converter as well.

 

Not sure what to do...carb or TBI yet. Havent done much research as to which is better and how. Im guessing I'll probably switch to a carb. Im still just mulling everything over in my head. Wish it was as easy as swapping a motor in, but Im guessing if I put the kind of power I want in, Im just gonna rip everything up lol. What else do you need just for the swap? I think knock sensor and new computer chip...prolly would need one burned or would a regular 350 chip be ok.

 

http://www.pro-built.net/ - There are a good number of other reputable tranny shops, the Raptor700R4 is supposed to be good, no matter what your gonna pay 1k+ for a solid tranny with overdrive...I'm doing a 350 swap of around 350HP (tho im hoping for more) and I'm just gonna ride the stock 700R4 for what it's worth, not abuse it, when it blows, it blows, I'll buy an aftermarket one like probuilt and not every have to worry about it. If you can find a local tranny shop that is reliable go for it...it's still gonna cost you near a grand.

http://www.ws6transam.org/10bolt.html - A 12 bolt 9" is expensive, in the 2k area, the stock 10bolt will hold 350HP if you dont' put it all down. if you run slicks or semislicks, yea, your gonna destroy the rear, use regular street tires you'll be fine. Your 60' times may not be as nice, but it's that or shell out 2k for an aftermarket rear....to make a 10 bolt hold 350RWHP is still almost a grand as per that guide...and it will never come near the strength of a ford 9" or 12 bolt, I'm again just gonna make sure I don't put all that HP down, and not abuse the rear...it should hold....

EFI is expensive.....any way you look at it....carb it....save up for a good EFI setup and learn to tune it....

Hope some of this helped...i asked alot of the same questions before I started building my 350....in about a month ill let you know how my stock tranny/rear are holding up

 

Hey thanks for the great info everyone. Stealth, let me know how you hold up for sure!