First, hi all - im hawk - looks like a great bunch here...

I'm working out a deal with a dealership here, and we are putting together a pretty nice car. Im getting an 85 camaro irocz. It already has been upgraded to the TPI, but i wanted a 350. Went to golenengineservice.com and want to get this 383-400 stroker (turn key) (its under chev carborated motors if you look it up). So I have a few questions about the swap.

1) Will the rad (with electric fan) provide enough cooling or should i just get a fan from the auto wrecker to bolt on the pump and/or also swap a rad?

2) Will the T5 transmission bolt onto the new motor? or do i need to get an adaptor or T56 (6 speed from gen 4)?

3) Engine mounts?

4) Has anyone else here put subframe connectors on a 3rd gen and have any advice on exaust clearance if it's an issue?

Within 2 weeks it should be back from paint, and ill get some pics happening asap - im running out of money in the budget for the car (ive already got 12,069.71 into it, and another 6000-7000 going towards the motor swap for labour and the motor), so auto wreckers/cheap parts sources and any fabrication hints would be best. (i have my own shop)

cheers,
trev

 

where are you located???

 

Welcome aboard TGO.com.

I'm not liking some things I'm hearing. Such as "upgraded to TPI" - TPI was available in 1985, 1st year, and it wasn't their best effort. To find out if it was "upgraded" or came from the factory with TPI, check the 8th character of the VIN. If it's "E", it came from the factory with TPI. Any engine upgrade is going to be troublesome. Probably require an ECM change. If "H" or "G", it was switched over to TPI from carb, and who knows if they did it right. If something else, it was originally a V6 and who can possibly know if it was done right.

Next, 383-400: TPI is not large-displacement-friendly. With some expensive upgrades, you can get it to handle more cubes, but it ain't easy and it ain't cheap. It can be done, sure, but forewarned is forearmed.

For subframe connector issues, search the Chassis and Exhaust forums. I've related mine there (last summer).

The T5 will mount up, but it won't last any serious application of power. T56 is the way to go if you want to retain manual tranny.

Engine mounts: one word - "poly".

 

The engine was originally a 305 carb'd (I'm 99% sure the TPI wasn't available for the 85, although im human too ) A doner car was used to swap over the plenum - intake ECM etc... I've heard it run, and it does work, but I didn't buy the car for the motor, and I like ECMs as much as I like mushrooms and brestle sprouts with my steak (AKK sacreligious!)

I'm not putting in a TPI 383. If you would have followed the link (after typing this i tried my link, and it was broken - so i fixed it - so sorry), you would see it's a 383 carborated engine (350 stroker - aka no computer). The motor also seen in the link has already been upgraded to handle the power (forged replacements for just about everything, etc...). The 305 originally had a 4 barrel on it, so putting this 350 stroker (383) would be a step back towards stock, except that the 350 wasn't available until 1987 except the 50 or so rumered prototypes from 1986 - good luck finding one of those

So, since my question wasn't quite clear, will the T5 transmission from the current 305 block bolt onto the 350 block without any modifications? If not, I'll basically be stuck rebuilding the 305, and putting it back stock, cause i dont want TPI, and I don't know if i have enough money for a tranny swap too (drive shaft, etc...)

What's poly? have a link for me to follow?

Cheers, Trev

oh, btw, I'm near prince george, british columbia.

 

poly mounts... meaning polyurethane engine mount inserts. try summit racing... brand names to be looking for are prothane (my fav) and energy suspension (good also). as for physically bolting up, I would need to know what engine you have, versus what you're getting. this is where knowing if you have a 2 piece or one piece rear main seal is important. if both motors are 2-piece rear main seal engines, than yes it will all bolt up exactly the same. if both motors are 1-piece rear main, they will all bolt up, using all the original parts. you won't even notice a difference. if the rear main seals are different, you'll need to get the flywheel and possibly the clutch that matches whatever motor you're installing. but the transmission bellhousing and transmission itself will bolt up no problem to any 350. 305 and 350 cid engines are the exact same dimension in every way externally.

 

I think the guy before me was just trying to warn you that bolting a stock T5 under those circumstances, you'll blow that tranny the first few times you get into it. Years ago, I had a 1993 Trans AM. It was a 305 carb'ed. At the time, I knew I had a 2 bolt main, 2 piece rear main seal. So I bolted my stock T5 to a freshly built 350, and within a week, I ripped out 2nd gear and destroyed the transmission. Later, the rear end went out. I went through clutches like you wouldn't believe. The people here at TGO are always trying to help, because most of them have done what you're trying to do and are willing to give sound advice.

Right now, I have a 1991 Firebird, that was totaled in a DUI chase. I purchased it for $250. Now I've got over $9000 invested into rebuilding it with a 383, Holley Stealth RAM (HSR as they call it), built tranny, BW rear end, etc., so I understand the project you've taken on. Plus, I know how much money is involved in doing something like this.

 

It's the last 1% that'll get ya.

https://www.thirdgen.org/tech-data , scroll down to the '85 section.

(They weren't available with M5, however.)

 

don't think about power shifting that t-5 with a 383!!! the trans won't handle that torque.....it will bolt right up, though....small block is a small block. see if the block is a two or one piece to match-up to whatever your flywheel is..( you need a flywheel for a two piece rear seal, if that's what your engine has )

 

All the info was perfect, the tranny "new to me" will bolt on no problems (of course I also ordered a stage 5 iron clutch assembely w/aluminum flywheel). The paint cost less than expected so I got a T56 from the auto wrecker, and I have a custom made carbon driveshaft on layaway (till next payday) from a great local gear shop in town. I should be wheelin by June 10th if everything stays on schedual

Cheers,
Trev