Due to an accident invoving falling off the jack, i need to pull my engine to fix the oil pan. Since it has 130k miles on it, i figure i might go ahead and put at least rings and bearings in it. But then, its just a 305, and i'd like to swap a 350 into it. However, since as soon as the swap is done, it needs to go to the smog shop, it needs to look as stock as possible. What is needed to swap in a 350 TBI? i got a pair of 350 injectors. i know i need the 350 knock sensor. At our local pick n pull yard is a 1992 van with a 350TBI, and its all there, computer and everything. Can i just use the van computer and my wireing harness? I dont really have time to get into chip burning right now. I only have till the end of august to get it smogged, or i have to get back to DMV for another temp. sticker. So, how hard is it, is it worth it? Im talking an all stock 350 for now, untill after i get it smogged. Then i'll look into chip burning and mods.

 

Van computer will plug into your camaro harness and run fine. The IAT sensor, the PS pressure switch, and the VATs will no longer function. You will need the 350 injectors, 350 ESC module, and 350 knock sensor.

The stock van engine is probably a roller cam (305 TPI Peanut) engine already and is almost certain to have the 193s on it. Great combination for driving around. A LT1 cam in a Van 350 TBI runs decent even on the stock tune and can pass a smog check (in my experience).

The 1992 G20 engine that I got, had the 65 lb/hr cop car/van injectors on it, the 305 peanut roller cam, 193 swirl port heads, the better intake, a front pull TBI, flattop pistons, and 4 bolt mains. It made plenty of power to suprise alot of cars even in my 1983 G20. Then I swapped in the LT1 cam. Made more power. Then I ported the 193s. I had to reburn the chip to deal with the ported heads. After that it screamed.

A stock 305 and stock 350 are almost identical on the outside. The difference being the casting numbers. All the externals can be swapped from your camaro engine onto the 350 van engine.

 

Ok. im down to the wire, going engine shopping tomarrow at P&P. I know at one yard there is a 87 3/4ton suburban with a 350 TBI, low miles that had a minor engine fire. Everything from the intake down if fine. A couple of the other yard have some vans ranging from 89-95. But im not sure of the conditions of the motors. Am i better to look for a van motor, or the suburban motor. The suburban motor will be easy to have, tranny is gone, rad. is gone, most acc. are gone, so like to bolts to have it out. Sugestions?

 

Assuming it isn't too late:

Get the engine that is in the best condition. There are a few hints to determine that, such as odometer reading, oil residue build-up inside the engine (pull a valve cover if you can), compression test if possible.

All of those things being equal, then go for the one with the fewest bolts required for removal.

 

I acctually re-aquired a what was running 4 years ago 68 360hp GTO motor for free. Its been covered since we got rid of it 4 years ago. So, thats going in my car.

 

Daring to be different, eh?

Well, with the help of the purist at the top of the forum, you should be good to go.

 

Oh, one other ?:

Smog?

 

Smog only happens once every 2 years....
I figure an engine swap every 2 years is within reason to have a pontiac motor in my pontiac. With a 1000sq ft shop and all sorts of tools at my disposal, its no big deal for me. Not to mention having more than one car, and no daily driver. And i've yet to see a cop ask to look under the hood.