Hi Guys...

Well, alot of you might have helped me with the 305 to 350 swap a couple of years ago. When I did it, the $$$ ran out quickly and I cut corners on a few things. Mainly, I didn't replace the ESC or the knock sensor and just used the ones for the 305 "just until I got the $$$". Well, it has been a few years and I had actually forgotten until I started surfing here again. The motor seems to run just fine and has plenty (is there such a thing?) of power. My question is this: would I make even MORE power by replacing these or are there other reasons to replace them? THANKS guys! You all were great when I needed you before!

God bless!!

 

 

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I think the ESC/ICM is the same between 5.0 and 5.7 setups. As long as its 87-92 HEI for a SBC V8 then it should be the same. If you really wanted to verify you could try lookup the part numbers for replacement parts for each engine and see if the numbers are the same. For the knock sensor I believe they are different internally. Physically they are the same, but I think they are specific to each engine displacement in regards to the harmonics they pick up. Again, you could verify by checking part numbers. As far as seeing a gain its hard to tell. If the current knock sensor is causing the ECM to pull timing when it shouldn't, then its possible you would see an increase in power by installing the correct knock sensor. But it all depends on what the current knock sensor is reporting, a scantool could help you determine knock sensor counts and see if they are normal or high. On the flipside the wrong knock sensor could possibly not detect something which means the motor could be more prone to detonation. But if that was the case you would probably be able to hear the motor pinging and stuff.

 

No, they're not the same. The sensor that mounts on the block and the module on the firewall that sends the info to the ECM are different between a 305 and 350.

The ignition control module in the distributor is the same, but that's not what we're talking about.

The two conditions that would mean you would make better power with the proper parts would be excessive knock counts that retard the timing excessively, or detonation that is not being properly sensed that is reducing power output.

 

Thanks again guys! As always, you are a big help. five7, I think you were one that helped alot when the car was being put together, but since you help so many, I'm sure you don't remember. Anyway, I hope to take the car out this weekend. It has ben a few weeks since it has been out.