i really want a new engine and transmission for my 305TPI as soon as i get about $3000-3500. ive been looking at either the B&M or TCI 700R4, both around $1600. I need advice for my engine though. First of all this car will probably never go to the track and will be driven 3-4 times a week, and im not concerned about all out power. First i want to get a brand new 350 short block (4 bolt optional even though i wont be needing it) already assemebled, i dont want to pick up some junk from a yard and have it rebuilt. I want to keep all the TPI stuff because im cheap. Basically i want a good solid bottom end with all the stock TPI stuff up top that i can upgrade later. Will 305 heads work with a 350 block? I want to put in a TPI friendly cam before i swap the engine in also. Where should i look for a short block? how much should i expect to pay? i know im going to be choking the motor with stock TPI junk up top, so i eventually want to get better heads (maybe TPI compatible vortech heads and bottom intake) when i have the money. What im really seeking here is a new engine and drivetrain so i can keep the car longer and not be worried about putting miles on the stock motor. My 305TPI has 85k miles by the way. Will 305TPI heads increase my compression? what type of gas will i have to use? Am i going about this all the wrong way?

sorry the post is so long, any help is appreciated

 

you could port all your TPI stuff so it wont be putting such a "choke" on whatever you throw in there.

 

Talk to the folks at TPIS. This will give you an idea what you need to do to get what you want. They used to have dyno curves and engine specifications on their website but I just checked and don't see it any longer.

TPiS

 

The GM L31 shortblock (p/n 12556121) is about $1500 plus tax & shipping. It has 13cc dish pistons, which with 58cc heads and shim head gaskets will yield about 9.5:1 compression - a good regular to mid-grade gasoline CR.

Are you going about this all wrong? Well, you seem concerned about longevity, and with 85k miles on your 305, you're not even at half life, assuming it gets regular maintenance.

I would recommend saving another $3500 or so and getting the SDPC Vortec TPI crate engine 360 HP TPI Vortec Custom High Performance Series Street and Strip Engine :: SD360VTPI - SDPC . You'll get everything you're looking for (after you add 350 injectors and aftermarket runners, TB, and headers, and do PROM tuning) in one shot.

 

i dont think i will be able to save enough money for that SDPC engine plus a new transmission. the L31 looks like a good idea though, but im going to need a lot of parts....how much of the 305 stuff will fit on the L31...like oil pump and timing chain etc

i dont know anything about prom tuning or where to get it done. What all needs to be done to the prom

 

whatever does fit dont put a old timing chain and oil pump in a brand new motor. there not that much 100 proably buys both that is money well spent.

 

what am i going to have to do with my prom? where can i get this done? what about an off the shelf chip?

 

anyone know where i can find a cheaper short block? it doesnt have to be a 4 bolt.

i still dont know what kind of PROM work i will need to get done...

 

SOMEONE HAVE TO TUNE IT WITH A LAPTOP OR JET CHIP .COM

 

now how does that work? how is the chip physically "burned"?

 

PACE Performance - GM Parts, Crate Engines, and Aftermarket Accessories has a couple of short blocks that you might be interested in... #12510735 L98/L05 350 $1483.55 w/free shipping and #12556121 $1153.95 +shp.

I had a couple of chips made for my TBI and TPI Camaro's since I dont burn my own and am satisfied with the results. TBI CHIPS and TPI CHIPS

 

thanks for the links guys!

im thinkin about getting my chip done by tpichips.com. so do i tell them what kind of engine, cam, heads etc i have and then they burn me a chip accordingly?

 

Yes, but a ruff estimate at that. If you really want ur motor to be effective you will need actual laptop/dyno tuning(custom chip). This is like ur header install all over again..cept ur talking a lot more work then headers install.

Go read...go search you can read for days and days on all this its been covered.

Like said above ur worrying about longevity and you have a 85k mile 305? If you want more power and still still looking for a stock engine its not worth it to throw down $3-3.5k for 40-50 more hp then ur current 305. But hey its your money and whatever you want to do with it. Also...are you planning this install by urself?

 

its not going to be much of a power gain untill i can afford nice heads. I will already have a nice cam in there. I did that header install over a year ago after back surgery. ive learned quite a bit since then. yes im planning on doing this myself, and its going to be in a shop with a lift too. i found some connections

im tired of my creaky old 700R4 and the 305's going away with it. the car is getting too many miles on it and i figure im just going to keep it for a long time and get a new engine, drivetrain, and eventually paint as opposed to selling it

 

i wouldnt get a chip burnt over the internet because it's a tough thing to get right the first time. like it was said above, go to the board and read read read read.

 

now im thinkin about getting a 383. it might be just as cheap to pick up a junkyard 350 and have it rebuilt with a 383 kit from summit.

or would this be about the same price? Summit Racing - High Performance Car and Truck Parts | 800-230-3030 i could stick the tpi heads and intake on that until i can afford better heads and possibly and LT1 intake conversion. that shortblock doesnt come with a cam either so i can get one that best suits my needs

 

(NO, it doesn't.)

(Try posting the Summit p/n.)

 

damnit i tried it 3 times on my other computer wtf happened

part number NAL-12499106



i feel stupid now

 

That's a pretty good shortblock. A bit pricey, but if you can swing it, it'll do you well.

 

so do you think i could get a junkyard 350 rebuilt with a summit 383 kit (or similar in price, around $900-1000) for cheaper or just buy that shortblock? i dont have the space to rebuild an engine myself. im not a fan of boost or real high compression so i dont have to have a 4 bolt

thanks

 

JEGS High Performance - GM Performance Parts 350ci / 290hp Engine

GMPP "290hp" 350ci crate engine...part number 809-12499529 through Jegs. Would i be able to bolt the TPI intake to these style heads? how much power do you guys think this engine would make with TPI, appropriate injectors, and appropriate PROM tune? they say it makes 290hp with a 4bbl and headers. i have the headers lol. the cam is .450'' intake and .460'' exhaust. how would the TPI behave with this cam?

btw which is better, a one piece rear main seal or two piece?

thanks guys!