alright, after looking through some engines and figuring my budget, i set on the engine 350 HO crate from GM

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...19685_-1_10763

but then i started looking at this engine with the "engine components package" is about the same price.

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...26025_-1_10763

now, what i am wondering is would the second engine with the components package be an ok buy. i'm not looking to really upgrade besides some headers and the car will be all street with maybe one trip to the track.

i currently have an old '84 with an LG4 and am thinking that the components package will be better than the stuff i currently have.

also is there anything else i need to get besides a knock sensor for a 350 since i'm going from 305 to 350? and does anyone know which type of rear main seal i have and what i need to do if i get an engine with a different type rear main seal?

 

A key consideration for you: "San Diego, CA". Unless you are out-of-state registered military, whatever you do will have to pass muster of the Smog *****.

That said, you could probably get the 330 HO past the visual as long as they didn't notice the center bolt valve covers and different intake mount bolt pattern. Getting the EGR to work would require external plumbing, which is another thing that would probably tip them off. That engine has a one-piece rear main seal, and your current engine has two-piece. A $35 153-tooth flexplate takes care of that. I'd say you're taking a big chance going with that engine.

Forget the "engine components package". Your current computer-controlled carb and distributor are the only things that will pass emissions. Besides, they're very good street-performance parts, so why spend money on things that won't make the car faster, will decrease fuel economy, and won't pass emissions? The intake manifold is the only thing that makes any sense at all for your application from that package. The 290 HP engine looks like the LG4 externally (I'd get rid of any 350 decals they might stick on it), mounts up like the LG4 (also has a 2-piece rear main seal), and is mild enough to keep the LG4 computer happy. It's the better choice.

The '84 LG4 didn't have a knock sensor, so you don't have to worry about that.

If you aren't subject to emissions testing/inspection, then you could consider the 330 HO. I'd still use the computerized q-jet, though, based on the intended use as you described it.

Headers and complete exhaust, plus a dual snorkel air cleaner are must-do's regardless of which engine you pick. You may be limited on header choices if you need C.A.R.B. certified parts. The LG4-specific headers retain the horrible restriction of the EFE valve. You may be able to get the better L69 exhaust past Herr Inspektor, however.

 

well...thanks for the help. i wasn't aware that the HO engine would be a problem with the emissions. but awesome...it's going to save me a chunk of change

awesome about the knock sensor and the components package. would you recommend that i get the edelbrock performer intake manifold (since you said it was the only thing that makes sense) or stick with the stock one?

i am definitely going to make a dual snorkel intake, and also get an open element to see which one i prefer. and i know i cannot use the open element when taking the smog test.

i was going to get some hooker 2055, those are 50 state legal right? i'm pretty sure they'll fit the '84 even though they say like '86 and up or so...

is there anything else i'm missing since my list has changed a bit?

what about the arp intake bolts...aren't those supposed to be better than stock?

290 hp 350
edelbrock performance intake manifold (or other/stock)
hooker 2055-1 (might as well get them ceramic coated)
rest of exhaust

again, thanks for taking the time to help me out here.

 

The C.A.R.B. # for the 2055's only applies to '86-'90 TPI single cat applications. Yes, they will "fit" the engine and chassis, but don't have the EFE valve required for LG4 and L69 (carb'd applications). Edelbrock is the only company I know that makes California-acceptable LG4 and L69 headers, and as stated before, the L69's would be better because they would be less restrictive. I got mine through here with the 2055's and LG4 without EFE, but they also had "V6" on the printout (because they just scanned the VIN, didn't pay a lot of attention to the actual engine installed). It had the cat and the evap canister, that was all they seemed concerned about (along with the sniffer results). But, that's Colorado, not California, and I've heard plenty of horror stories about California.

As for the intake, either the Performer EGR or Weiand Action + EGR manifolds would be a step up from the stock piece. Not a big step, but a step up nonetheless. You could also look for a ZZ4 take-off on eBay, you might be able to pick one up for less than a Performer or Action +.

I found my engine didn't like the open element so much when the engine was partially warmed, or it was really hot in stop & go driving. I haven't had any problems with the dual snorkel.

I have contact through work with a guy in Sacramento who put the 290 horse engine in an '82 'Bird as a father/son project. They rebuilt a TH700 and installed it as well. He said it runs very well, was very happy with it. I don't believe they've taken it through smog yet, but shouldn't have any problems getting it through.

 

alright, so i found these edelbrock headers

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...0&autoview=sku

and when i click on the "see if this fits my application" it says "Fits carbureted high output vehicles with four bolt catalytic converter." which i'm assuming is the L69

but when i look at the other edelbrock headers that say "fits LG4 motors" i can't see a difference in their diameters. they're both 2.5in.

thanks again for the help.