Ok, so were pulling the camaro into the garage soon, and pulling out what we assume is a blown engine. Its been sitting for over 5 years now, and was seized when it was parked. Rebuild isnt an option, cause I dont have the time.

Engines Im considering:

The best price I found, at first, was $1333 from www.rhinoengines.com, $195 core, free shipping, tax included. It comes with a 3/100,000 warranty.

I think the best deal I found was from www.powerpro2000.com (their part number is DCM7). They charge $1535, $195 core, with a 5 year/100,000 mile warranty on parts and labor. They said "comes with oil pump and gaskets". Free shipping.

Of course, these are not GM engines, the best price I could find on a GM engine was $1499, from crateenginedepot.com

Then I found this:

http://www.chevy-gas-diesel-engines....ngine-225.html

Looks like I can get a 305 or 350 for around $1000?

So I have a couple questions.

First: 1991 z28, Engine Code F, factory 305, TPI. GM replacement part # 12518296

If I wanted to go with a 350, can I just buy the GM 350 that would have gone in this car, if it had come with one? (I think, Vin code 8?)

Or, if I decide to order a non-GM engine, can I do the same thing?

I mean, its essentially the same engine, right?

I dont really want to go with an older type, with the carb and all, id rather just have the stock 305 or 350 that would have come in this car originally. Then I can beef it up later when money and time arent so tight.

I know....go to a junkyard and get an engine for $100, then take it to a machine shop, blah blah...problem is, I dont have the time. I need a car now, and dont have the time or the patience to buy one at a salvage yard, and go through the whole process of rebuilding it. I need an engine in a box, that will take a day or 2 (or 3, I have an uncle whos very good at these things) to drop in, and drive it away.

Thank you for your input!

 

You can't buy a replacement '91 350 from GM. You can get close, but it won't be quite the same thing. It will work, just won't have the same potential if you want to mod later on.

Yes, you can get a rebuilt 350 from one of these places that will essentially be like a '91 350 from GM. It's probably your best bet. It will bolt in, but getting it running right will require some changes: 350 knock sensor & module, 350 injectors, 350 PROM (chip) or tuning.

 

Thanks for the prompt reply.

Are those the only considerations to be made?

When you say PROM chip, I know youre talking about the computer chip, so if Im having to buy a new chip anyway, I may as well get the performance chip, right? Is it the same thing? Like hypertech and JET chips? Or are we talking about 2 different things here?

Like these chips?

I found this page as well:

http://tpiparts.net/305_tpi_to_350_tpi_conversion

 

Actually, I would recommend chip burning equipment & software. Speed density is pretty sensitive to configuration, so if doing anything other than a stock-like set-up, it would make more sense to do personalized tuning.

Check out the DIY PROM forum for more info.

 

Thanks again.

I dont think I need the ability to custom program, dont really have the time or desire to get into all that, not to mention the extra expense. Maybe someday

For now, Ill want to buy the part, drop it in, and drive home. Perhaps soon, Ill get into more fine tuning and tweaking, but this is a daily driver, so I dont need to be tuning an extra HP here or there, or shaving a tenth of a second off my quarter mile.

I just need the proper "computer" to go in after the swap, per your suggestions.

The engine will be stock, at least originally.

Nothing fancy just yet.

So, you said Id need:

350 knock sensor & module. Should be easy enough.

350 injectors. Pretty straight forward there too.

350 PROM (chip) or tuning. Is this a GM computer chip for a 350 (GM part # 1227730)? or (for a little extra kick) I can get one of those chips from an after market company, like JET and Hypertech?

Thanks again for your input.

 

Ok, let me try to simplify the question...

Do I need this:

http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/inc/sdetail/24744

or just the chips that go in it?

 

Just the chip, AKA "PROM".

 

depending on the year the knock sensor is the same for 305 or 350. injectors will work, bump up fuel pressure

 

OK, so how does this sound...

I looked up the engine codes on this page:

http://www.iroczone.com/specs/camaro/camaro91.html

(something you mechanic/modification types are well familliar with) and made note of the vin code listed for the 350s:

Eighth digit is engine code: F = 305ci V8 (LB9), E = 305ci V8 (LO3), T = 191ci V6 (LH0), 8 = 350ci V8 (B2L or L98)

So, if I were to order an engine, I could tell them that I need a replacement engine for the 91 z28, vin code 8 (mine is actually F), and that would get me the proper engine im looking for, an L98 350. With the roller cam, TPI, etc.

I think its this engine:

http://www.chevy-gas-diesel-engines....ngine-246.html

Correct?

Thanks again!

 

That's exactly how you play the game.