I was wondering if I could get your opinions regarding swapping either the tranny or engine in a third gen.
In your opinion/experience, was it/is it easier to pull for example a 305 and instal a 350?
or pull out an auto trany, and swap in a T5 or even a six speed.
Cost considerations?
P in the A** considerations?
Thanks
-Andrew

 

definitely a trans swap is easier. Much less to consider when doing it. And I would definitely go for a T-56 if you can get one for a good price

 

Texas LT1 - thanks for the insight, but
When you say easier - do you mean that things like A/C lines are a pain - don't the chevy 305 and 350 have many similarities? engine mounts, p.s pump etc...? In TPI car's aren't the electronics (sensor location and ecm very similar?)
With the tranny swap, crossmember, bellhousing/clutch and hanging the clutch pedal, consul for shifter etc... - aren't these more of a pain? - especially if the car was an auto in the first place?
I'm reflecting back on a previous project, and IMO the engine swap was more of a pain..especially since the car was already equiped with a standard tranny.
Can anyone be more specific when it comes to the third gens?
Thanks for the feedback,
-Andrew

 

The pedals and cutting the firewall and floor for the MC and shifter were a bit frustrating, but overall there isn't much complexity to a trans swap. It more measuring, cutting, measuring, test fitting, cutting, measuring.....measuring. You get the idea. Very little in terms of wiring and nuts and bolt to screw with. An engine swap isn't necessarily more difficult, its just harder in some ways and easier in others. Going from a 305 TPI to a 350 TPI for example, would be a lot easier than going from a 305 TBI to a 350 TPI, because that would involve a lot more of the changeover and altering stuff you get into in the trans swap.

Best bet is take it slow and don't be afraid to back off and re-try if you mess something up. It took me two extra cuts after the first one to get the MC lined up properly on my 5-speed conversion. The pedals also took forever and dropped on my head twice. When you get frustrated, go have a snack and a cold drink and come back and start over. It really helps, and its definately worth it in the end

Neither swap is all that hard, it just takes a lot of patience and a fair bit of time.

 

I'm inclined to think changing the engine is easier; because it's EXACTLY THE SAME on the outside. You don't have to modify ANYTHING ELSE to get it to fit. No cutting, no getting little obscure parts out of a donor car, no wiring changes, just unbolt and re-bolt. Lotta bolts, but easy.

Plus, if what you're really asking is what I think you're asking ("Should I buy a 305/T-5 car and swap in a 350, or buy a 350/auto car and swap in a manual?"), you'll find that the stick shift cars come with better gears to start with, which is a big plus; especially the ones with G92 or L69.

So to answer the question I'm guessing you're really asking, I'd recommend looking for a L69/5-speed or G92 TPI 305/5-speed car as your starting platform.

 

You read my mind RB83L69!
I guess I'm starting to get impatient. I'm looking for a 5sp 91-92 Fbody - hardtop 5spd - but as we all know so are alot of others - hartop Z are getting hard to find in the 5spd with JB4 and G92 - especially if you want to start with a factory car and convert/modify at your own pace.
-Andrew