I have a 1987 Camaro with a 305 TPI engine and automatic trans. It was making a loud knocking noise which we were told was a flex plate. It was not the flex plate. We then pulled and disassembled the engine. We now believe it was a main bearing as one of was badly scored. We also saw a significant amount of sludge on one side above the roller lifters. The camshaft back end bearing was also badly scored. I sent the block to a machine shop to be bored and discovered it was cracked through the lifter area. It has been using coolant at about a cup a week for about 6 months.

Who makes a good rebuilt engine? What is involved in swaping the engine to a rebuilt 350? What causes a block to crack? We have been changing the oil using Valvoline 10W-30 since we acquired the car 2 years ago and have babied it since. Did the coolant in the oil cause all of this damage?

If I understand previous messages, if I buy a long Block 350 TPI, it will bolt right in with no problems. All I will have to do is change the knock sensor and maybe a "chip". Who do I see for a chip? Does the 350 block the same size and have all the same bolt holes?

Lots of ?'s huh? I would appreciate ANY input.


Joe

 

yes coolant in oil cant be good, fuel in oil isnt good either.

thats most likely why the bearings went, prolong exposure to coolant, just a guess.


cracked block could be due to the engine not being warmed up at all and possibly running the enigne to high revs, not sure on that though.


the 305 to 350 is a pretty basic swap like u said everything should bolt up fine, the only thins to change to become close to stock would be, get 22# injectors instead of the 19s u have with a 305, the knck sensor needs to be changed, and then try to find a 350 tpi computer used so save any chip burning.