the main part that i am wondering is how much electronics and wiring and computers will i have to deal with? oh yeah, the car is an '84 Trans Am. My dad hates newer cars with computers and sensors and all that. so how much wiring and problems will i run into, or is this just a straight forward swap? thanks for all help in advance.

 

"...deal with"? Not sure what you mean there.

To change the engine, label everything as it is disconnected (which is normal practice). If you don't know what it's called, describe it on the tag ("black plastic box on top r/f corner of engine").

If you mean what needs to change with the displacement change, not much. Typical tuning things like secondary rods/hanger.

383's have their own "issues", but not related to computer controls. Check out the two magazine articles on the board that have "Stroke in the Desert" in the title, written by Steve Green. He put a 383 in an '83 'Bird that originally had a CC carb. He sent the carb & ECM to Jet for rebuild/recalibration, but that isn't absolutely necessary.

Tell your dad old dogs can learn new tricks. Bet he isn't much, if any, older than me.

 

"...deal with..." the ecm...you know...if i'll have to re-wire anything like sensors or re-program the ecm...i'm not too sure how much computer stuff is in the ol' TA...i know that my '92 f-bird with a 3.1 v6 has a lot of wires and sensors...its computer controlled things that my dad doesnt like to deal with...by the way...my dad is 42...and he doesnt like to learn new tricks too much...but thanks for your help...if i have more questions when i start...i'll be sure to ask them...

 

Everything on the 305 that needs to go on the 350/383 will mount/bolt on. There are detail differences, but if the 350/383 is '85-older, no differences (except which side the dipstick is on if '78-earlier).

Yep, your dad's a young'un. Tell him thinking old will make you old.

 

Oh, read those articles. I reread them this afternoon, they're entertaining if nothing else (and Steve Green is older than your dad, too).

 

thanks for all your help...i'll make sure to read those articles...homework can wait...

 

hopeing i could step in and ask a question
like he said whats is different?

i have a 84 305, what 350 block should i get, is it a pre 87 350? do i need to change flywheels for my t-5? what about the rear main seal, do i use a 2 piece or 1 piece depending on the block? so far all i know is i can simple change my 305 block for a 350 and itll run, then get the carb tuned as well as a burned prom, is that really it?
i just got my car dynoed and i want to puke! if i can really change out my 305 for a 350 that easy im doing it, and soon...