This is my first engine swap, so i've got a few basic questions here:

-how many bolts are there supposed to be holding the trans to the block? I've pulled 3, and see many other holes, that look very hard to get at. I'm guessing the previous owner only put back 3..... how many bolts should I buy? all the same size?

-oil pan / dipstick. I guess this 350 that i'll be putting in has the dipstick on the other side. Do I use the oilpan & dipstick from the 350 then? For some reason I'm fuzzy here, is there going to be a clearance issue with the 350 pan?

-starter - use the 305 or 350 one? I heard a lot of bad things about the bolt hole locations so I wanted to be sure on this one

-motor mounts, what's the easiest way to do this? Can I just unbolt the one bolt going from back to front of the car, then remove the motor? Then once the bay is nice and clean, worry about removing the rest?

I think i've got a few more, but I can't remember now...
Thanks a bunch guys

 

There should be 6 trans to block bolts 3/8-18 -1 1/2" or so.
Use which ever starter fits the block.Some are across and some are diagonal bolt patterns.
Take the single motor mount bolt out on each side.

 

thanks!

how about the oil pan? use the 350 one? I think I remember checking the block #, and it came from a '78 caprice.... I can double check that...

oh yea, what about my T-10 trans? do I have to do anything with the clutch for when I pull the motor?

 

You can't swap oil pans between the two, you'll have to use the 350 one. Chances are it will fit.

 

excellent.


The oil pressure sensor on the 350 seemed to be a pretty simple little plug. The one on the 305 had a 90* bend, and an extra plug attachment (unused).. Buy a new one meant for a '78 caprice say?

 

Use the one from your 305. The sender matches the gauge, not the engine.

 

When you pull the motor the clutch and preshure plate will be on the 305 flywheel. You will need to buy a flywheel for your 350 and then bolt the preshure plate and clutch on. May as well get new clutch wile you do this.

 

I think I have the flywheel from the 350, may be warped though...
I can't use the 305 one eh?

I think the cluth is new-ish, ie 3yrs old, 5000miles on it max...

 

You may be able to use flywheel on from the 305. Do you know if anyone has changed the engine in your car. If they did and you have a 1 piece rear main seal engine in it then no you will not be able to your flywheel. If it is still the origional engine and the flywheel matches the starter on the 350 then i dont c any problem with you using it.