my car is a 1989 formula firebird, 305, 5 speed, ws6 package, carbuerated. i was looking to take out the 305 and put a 383 in, or maybe even a 350 if i have to, im just looking for more power. this is going to be my everyday car. i was looking for suggestions on what motor i should put in, and advice on a couple mods. the only problem is, im gonna have to have a shop do the swap for me, becuase i do not have the know how to do it myself yet, and i dont know anyone who can do it for me, which pisses me off cuase im gonna be throwing money away. i have a 6,000 dollar budget

any help with this would be greatly appreciated

 

Id shop around for a LT1-T56 combo
great platform for later plans ...

 

yeah look around for a 350, also I myself personally would go with a carb, cheaper since you have a 6k budget. But its up to you....... i need a t56

 

Let's take this one first.

That would be just about enough to have a shop put in a nice LT1/T56 combo. Check some of the sponsor buttons above.

A basic 350 or 383 could also be done that would easily destroy your T5 (although they can live behind such engines if you don't do clutch dumps and speed shifts).

Okay, let's start with "i do not have the know how to do it myself yet" - How are you going to get that "know how"? Well, there are two ways: Go to school, and hands-on. They really aren't that different, really. With the former, you get someone to tell you what to do next. The latter comes with the former, typically, but the real learning comes with hands-on. So, what is really left is finding a place to do it (you didn't mention that aspect), and the extra time required because you will be learning as you go. Do you need the car to get to school/work? If not, that's a big plus right there for learning as you go.

We aren't talking rocket science here (and I know about rocket science). We're talking about some pretty basic processes of disconnecting and marking parts, draining fluids, lifting heavy objects (as in, renting an engine hoist), and putting things back together the way they were. You'll need a torque wrench as well, which you could either buy or rent (or borrow from some parts stores). The most complicated part would be the clutch alignment, which is another simple tool to get.

With a shop manual (a Haynes or Chiltons would do), time, patience, digital camera (film will do also - even those disposible cameras), masking tape & permanent marker, basic and a few special hand tools, this really is a do-it-yourself project.

Assuming you buy a complete engine, which a $6000 budget will easily support.

 

By the way, a belated "welcome aboard".

You mentioned not knowing anyone that could help. Check out the Regional forums, you just may be able to get in touch with someone in your area that would be willing to help you out. Anywhere from coming by to get you started or when you get stuck, to actually taking your car and doing the job for you. Or, they may know of a good place to do the work if you really don't want to tackle it yourself.

 

yeah, i'll be going to school in the fall. and ive done hands on things to start learning, but i dont know, i feel like an engine swap is a big deal, and i was scared to wind up screwing my self over some how. the getting it done part is the least of my worries. ive been trying to think of a good setup. im gonna look into the lt1

anyone hear good things about supercharging a 305, or is it just not worth it

 

That's not a bad option, actually. You'd have to watch the boost you give a stock lower end, but the power gain would be substantial. And, it would transfer over to a larger engine later if you decided to go that way.

 

If you boost, you'll have to shop around for a carburator package if im not mistaken, and you'll need a blow -thru carb.

And you'll frag that 5 spd and/or rear end sooner or later.

Id first get the LT1-6spd combo, get the alu DS if you can, be nice .. and later get a good rear end asse, like a 9 bolt, 8.8 F*rd, or mod the 10 bolt.

While the engine's out, clean the heads, swap a XR276HR ... LT's ...

Why invest in add-ons, when the driveline isnt "bullet proof" ?

 

Hooking a supercharger to TPI would be a lot easier than doing the same with a carb.

The drivetrain may not be bulletproof, but that doesn't mean it won't hold up if not abused. A stock transmission/rear will last a long time behind upgraded power and can even be fun if you don't shock it.

 

yeah ive decided to go with the lt1 6 speed combo
a friend of mine, his neighbor is selling an lt1 out of an impala i think he said, for 100 bucks. so i was gonna pick that up and try to rebuild it, and put performace parts like crank, pistons, heads, and intake manifold, then id get the trans, build up the rear and if there was extra money i would try to supercharge it.
well thats my plan anyway, now i just have to get started...

i mean im not sure on anything specific yet, so im probably gonna be asking for a lot of questions in the near future

 

The crank isn't a performance part, unless you're talking about a 3.75" stroker. The B-body heads are fine, just some clean-up porting and you're on your way. Pistons are rebuild parts, although you should go forged if you're considering a supercharger down the road. I'll defer to the LT1 'sperts about the intake, but I doubt that needs to be replaced.

Use your money wisely, where it makes a difference. You'll be much more satisifed with the results.