Last summer I had some fun with my car by rebuilding the top end (first time doing anything that extensive). Since Ive realized that engine work wasnt all that hard ive wanted to get rid of my 305 and go to a 350, but of course i have questions. heres what i have:

85 iroc TPI
416 ported and polished rebuilt heads (last summer)
Compcams 12-402-4 Cam (212/218 @ .050 In .444/Exh .444 lift 114 lobe sep.)
110hp wet shot of nitrous

Now I was wondering if id be ok with just using the same top end on a 350 short block? Im looking to stay as cheap as possible but make decent power. I was also wondering if while i was swapping out the motor if id be better off going with a carb? I currently dont have the stuff or the knowledge to burn my own chips.

 

Carb would be easy to do, and like you said, no chip tuning - assuming you don't have an emission **** issue with switching to carb. You'd need the torque converter lockup kit installed in the tranny (if auto), since you'd have to ditch the ECM for the carb setup. You'll also need a nice bracket for the throttle cable/TV cable, and make sure to get the geometry correct for the TV cable so the tranny doesn't burn up. And a vacuum advanced HEI distributor. The 416 heads would make power for sure, especially if you had 1.94 intake valves cut in when you did the heads. They'd also increase the compression ratio so expect to run premium gas, and it won't be the best mileage in the world for sure, but it would have some go-fast. You'll probably need spark plugs with shorter (fewer) threads, so that they don't get slapped by the larger 350 piston on those heads.

And if you are careful and remove the TPI setup (wire harnesses, etc.) intact and in it's entirety, the sale of it alone would easily pay for a good 350 block.

 

one of my biggest concerns was that bracket if i did swap to carb. would i be able to just pick one off the many carbed 3rd gens that are at the bone yards around here?