I got a quick question for you guys here. If I wanted to swap out my 305 ((Which I do and will in about 2 months)) to a 350. What will I need to go along with it. Now the engine I wanted to swap it out for was the GM 350 that has 260 hp and a 3 year warranty on it. Now the reason I was thinking about going with that one is no just because of the price but also freaking gas prices here in CA are arm and a leg specially here in the bay area. So if there is any suggestions on what I would need let me know. Thanks for the help

 

I assume from your username you have an '88-later RS. If that's the case, the Goodwrench 350 is of the older '85-earlier design for the rear main seal and intake bolt pattern. That means you'll need a 153-tooth 12-3/4" flexplate (or flywheel if manual tranny), and the center two bolt holes on each side of the intake manifold will have to be elongated for your manifold to fit the heads. Otherwise, everything will swap over from your 305 to the 350.

If you want it to be a direct swap, consider the Caprice crate motor from SDPC.

Most likely, your TBI won't be very happy with you, but the guys over on that forum will help you through that.

 

Thanks for the help.....Well that dosn't sound to bad on the switch. The reason why is because i may have to pay for my valve seals. So instead of paying for that work to get done I might as well put in a new engine. That is just me though

 

Hey five7kid,

What would you recommend for an engine swap out of my 88 Iroc 305 TPI. While retaining the TPI and a budget of 3k for the complete motor itself. Please advise.

Thanks,
Joey

 

The Caprice crate is about the simplest. Beyond that, you're looking at a rebuilt long-block or piecing together shortblock, heads, etc.

 

Is the Caprice motor a performance motor?

 

No, it's intended to be a replacement engine.

It'll have a little more power than the 305, like the Goodwrench.

 

ahh....well I have reconsidered and I will be probably going with the 350 I think it is the H.O one. It puts out about 330 hp I belive. Cost a lil more but would be worth it.

 

Let me know what motor you decide to purchase.

 

Not an emissions-legal choice in your location.

You could sneak the Caprice crate by, since it looks externally identical to the 305. The Vortec heads on the 350HO are a dead giveaway to an aware inspektor.

 

Hey Five7Kid,

If I don't have to worry about smog checks what motor would you recommend to purchase with a budget around $3k?

 

Damn Cali and its emissions laws.......ok here is the question is there any 350 that I could get that would be emissions legal here. Even if I go with a setup that will let me be legal with out paying off the inspector lol

 

Drew, the only legal way is to switch to TPI of same year or later than your chassis. Or, if you really go nuts, LT1 from '93-later.

Iroc, the 350HO Deluxe includes all needed to get going. Short of used parts, you aren't going to do much better than that price-wise.

You could piece together an engine using a 350 shortblock & aftermarket heads. It'll run you about what the HO runs, or Deluxe by the time you get it running.

Or, buy used.

 

ok now I know you probably answered this question but amuse me for a min ok. What about the 350cci that I was wanting orginally that I Saw in jegs for 1299. Also how much would that LT1 Cost me.......I am pretty much hell bent on changing out the engine in a couple of months. No matter what the price....well I take that back close to no matter what the price is. Since all the rest of my mods will be going from there. Now from what I have read about CA laws. If it has a ceritfication that it can run in CA then it is fine am I right? The reason why I ask is because I Read this on the boards.....I forgot where I found it but I know it is a sticky some where around here. Thank you for answering my questions though......sorry about some really dumbs ones I have. I just want to fully understand

 

i got another ? also, if im going from a 305tpi to a 350 tpi and am going to retain the tpi from the 305, is all i need bigger injectors and a new prom?