HI All,

I am pulling out my broke LO3 and putting in an early '80s 305

I read the swapping EFI to Carb tech article and I still have a few Questions.

First off I am putting in a semi built 305 that was in an El Camino

It has a rebuilt TH400 tranny so I am keeping that. I Think All I have to do is hook up a vacume line from the Manifold to the tranny right? (just like to old one?)

The engine did not come with a distributor, what kind do I need?
Do I need one with a vacume advance unit or a mechanical advance? Whats the differance?

If you could suggest part numbers that would be great.

Also my friend said I need and Ignition box, like an MSD is that correct?

What kind/model should I get?

I am just using the car as a daily driver so I do Not need anything to high performance.

This is my first motor swap to a carb setup so any tips would be appreciated.


Also now that the computer is not running the motor will my dash guages still work?

Thanks

 

you dont need to change your ignition at all....

get an older non computer controlled distributor

the mechanical fuel pump will suck the gas right through your electric in tank fuel pump with no worries

and yes, there isnt a kick down cable on a th400

good luck

-bigarmzz-

 

Well, you do need to change you ignition, the whole system really. Minus sparkplugs and wires. Get an old style HEI distributor, you will be set. The vacuum modulator will need hooked up to manifold vacuum.

 

Thanks

I was given an HEI dist today. It is the Kind with the coil in the cap and a vacume advance. There is also an electronic module of some sort in it.

I am told the unit worked just fine when it was last used about 5 years ago.
It is real dirty and greasy inside under the rotor.
Should I clean it out? or get one of those complete rebuild kits.

So, do I need one of those ignition boxes?

What would be the advantage of using one?

 

what are you planning on doing about the torque arm since you are using the th400?

 

Torque Arm?

I am not sure what that is.

I think there is a TH400 in the car now.

When I got it the previous owner told me he swapped in a Truck motor and Tranny from a '90 suburban.

I changed my tranny fluid and filter once and I was given the wrong parts at the auto store. When I went back with the old ones so they could match them up i am pretty sure the guy said I had a TH400.

So if there is one in there now either I dont have a torque arm or they came up with a solution when they swapped the motor...I hope.

Now ya got me worried, I am gonna lift it up and take a look before the sun goes down.

It has always shifted "funny" but I thought that was because I had a truck tranny and the shift linkage was different. One thing is for sure it is a 3 speed.

 

my bad i didnt read that in your sig there you obviously already have a torque arm relocation bracket on it ....

 

I think I found it.

The arm is there. The bracket that it attatches to looks "home Built" so that must be it. I also noticed my shifter linkage is loose as hell and there are a couple of rusty worn out springs that is probably part of my problem. It looks like it was "back yard modified" to fit my tranny. I think I will need to pay it some attention soon.

So how about that spark box? Should I get an MSD 6A or the like?

 

No need for MSD. If the HEI works properly, it will be fine without it. Get some
good spark plug wires for it and You'r good. If Your distributor isn't too worn ( no shaft to housing slop) just clean it up
put a new cap and rotor on and try it out.
Make sure the timing advance works OK, check with a timing light...its all pretty straight forward. It is a bit of a hassle, and is not needed in every case, but most people also drop the tank and get the stock fuel pump out. I did it , it is a hassle, but You can always do it later when the rest of the swap is done. In a stockish application like Yours, its not as critical as
it would be with a built motor where more fuel volume is needed...