I want to know.. is there certain year 350 blocks I should be looking for ? I plan to take the 305 out of the 91 Z and replace it with the 350....and still keep my TPI but basiclly just swaping blocks,I do need a newer year 350 correct?? because of nock sensors and so forth?

thanks for any help!

 

Not correct. The knock sensor goes into a block coolant drain hole that's been there in small block Chevys since the 1955 model year.

Things to consider are rear main seal type (in 1986, they went to 1-piece - if you get an older block, you need a flexplate for '83-'85 3rd gen application with 153 teeth); dipstick tube location (in late '70's, went from driver's side to passenger side - if you keep stock exhaust manifolds, routing the tube around them can be a problem); intake manifold bolt angle (starting in 1987, the center two bolts on each side are at a different angle).

None of these is a very big deal. If you get a complete engine with oil pan, covers, etc., you can get it in with minimal problems. If you get an '87-later engine, none of these will be any problem.

There were some internal '87-later differences, but again, if you get a complete engine, no problem for you.

 

ok I just wanted to be sure I did plan on 86 and later but I guess now I'll look for 87 later and I have a 5 speed so I should be set!

I did run into a $hit load of problems with my 83 z when I went from a 5 speed to 700R and it all went good except for the dip stick like you said,and I had the Edelbrock headers and it was not a good fit for the dip stick but we did get it.......I think this one will be pretty easy Ive done tons of motor swaps but just wanted to be sure on the block type...and yes I plan to have it a complete engine so it will just be a swap not a long prossess, thanks for your help!

 

Yeah I'd stick with an 87-92 block for your application and you will be fine. 91-92 had the lighter and stronger hyperutectic (spelling?) pistons I think which I believe were supposed to be a little better than the cast pistons, but it's no big deal. I used an 88 350 block from a GTA when I pulled the 305 out of my 90 Camaro and was suprised to find the 88 block had 4-bolt mains. I'm sure that was a fluke though. Must have been a few that year that made it into the f-bodies.