I am right in the middle of pulling the 305 out of my '88 convertible to swap in the new ZZ4.
I can't see a way to remove the air management tube (the one thats connected to the cat) from the engine assembly.
I can see where the bracket that holds it is bolted to the back of the block, but I cannot see a way to get a wrench on it.
Any suggestions?
I don't want to damage the tube to get the engine out, or are these things cheap to replace?

 

Never mind...
I saw that once I had all the a/c crap removed the bracket was fairly easy to reach,

 

hey stargategfx-

i also have a 88 convertible with a 305. could you provide specs and prices on the motor and accesories. also hp rating. i plan on swapping out my 305. Thanks in advance.

 

Specs so far...ZZ4 crate direct from GM, Edelbrock TPI baseplate runners, reverse rotation water pump and headers, Holley adjustable fuel pressure regulator, Ford SVO injectors, air conditioner delete pulley, and all new gaskets and o-rings.
As far as prices go, I'd have to remember where I hid all the receipts so my wife would'nt find them.
But then I do live in Canada and we generally pay a bit more for parts than our brothers to the south with shipping and the exchange rate on the Canadian peso.
This car is not my daily driver so I'm taking my time on the build.
While its apart I'm also swapping the slush-box for a new 5-speed and I've just ordered my new Air Ride suspension setup.
Oh yeah...I also built a new garage to do all the work in.
Best of luck on your swap, I will post pics as the project moves along.

 

Looks awesome keep up the good work. Did you change the cam or heads? or are you just doing a direct swap without modifying the ZZ4? When do you anticipate having it running? Also is your new tranny a T56?