I have a 1895 Z28 with a carburated 305 and I want to swap it out for a 350 that is also carburated. I would like to know if anyone knows where I could get information on making the swap. I am looking for a book or any information on how I should get the process started. I would also like to know what parts will be necessary to do the work, and weather or not I will be able to fit the new engine in without any major modifications. Any help on this subject would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

Welcome aboard.

Wow, an 1895 Z - that's a really old car!

Okay, 1985 Z with 305. Can we assume it is a VIN code H? (8th character of the VIN) Single snorkel air cleaner, etc. If so, figure on a complete exhaust upgrade and something to replace that restrictive sigle snorkel. Otherwise, your efforts will be in vain.

We would need more information about the 350 to say more. There may or may not be some details that can be sticking points.

In the meantime, get yourself a shop manual that covers your car. It will help with some of the general steps required for engine removal and installation. Read over this forum and the Carb forum for other hints and advice. Come on back in anytime you have a question.

Oh, this isn't too complicated of a job (I'm right in the middle of it, but I'm making it more complicated).

 

Where can I find a good shop manual on the 85 Camaro. I would also like to know where I can get a good price on a 350 short block assembly. Thanks for all the help.

 

Helms manuals are what you seek. Might also try some swap meets. I got my 85 Service manual for $45 at the T/A Nats in 03.

There are also some decent books over in Crown, barnes&noble, books a billion etc on the sbc & swapping/upgrades.

And then there's this place

 

For a short block assembly, you can try GM. Go to gmpartsdirect.com and browse the GM Performance Parts catalog. GM also has some very nice long blocks (the ZZ383/425 is one of my favorites) so, just out of curiosity, why a short block?

 

I have chosen the short block because there are several performance parts that I will be adding that are not availqable in any long block combination that I have looked at. I would also ike to learn a little more about building engines so I would like to buy something that requires a little more work to assemble and complete.