I tried searching, but couldn't find the info I need. Here's the story, I have an 86 Carbed Trans Am. I now have a 1989 L98 350 TPI engine. Here's my question, long and multi-leveled.

1. What kind of cam should I go with for a nice streetable setup? I was looking at the GM Performance Parts LT4 Hot Cam Kit with Rockers.

2. Would this engine be stronger carbed or EFI? I understand the reliability aspect with Fuel Injection, but if I went with carb I wouldn't have to worry about the computer...or would I? (I really don't know)

3. I do not want to run emissions, do you suggest getting a custom wiring harness or would it be just as easy to trim original harness and get a prom?

Also, is there anything I should also be taking into consideration? I've been dealing with Carb cars for most of my experience time, I am not too familiar with neither EFI nor Hydraulic Roller Cams/Lifters.

Thanks in advance, and sorry for sounding like a noob but that's what I am unfortunately.

Rich

edit: Also, is it difficult to change piston rings? Would the engine have to be honed for that? Can crank bearings be changed without buying extra things?

 

Whatever you do, you're going to need to do something about the exhaust. The stock stuff is too small and restrictive, even for your current 305. Headers and free flowing exhaust all the way back is the way to go.


The engine would be the strongest, and the easiest to install, with your current carb setup. See the sig, pretty much started with what you've got.

Keep the computer carb, there's nothing wrong with it for street performance. A simple rebuild to freshen it up would be a good move.

A good and relatively inexpensive cam is the ZZ4 crate engine cam. They are plentiful as take-offs on eBay. Ditto with the ZZ4 carb intake. While you're at it, new valve springs, retainers, and valve stem seals should be installed. As long as the L98 hasn't been severely neglected, you can reuse the factory roller lifters (I did when I built my 350).

You should also do something about the stock air cleaner. Your member info says "HO", but those were extremely rare in 1986. However, the carb HO air cleaner is a very good piece.

When you replace the rings, the cylinder walls should be deglazed. That's often referred to as "honing", but it really isn't. If the crank journals aren't damaged or worn, all you need to replace bearings is an oil pan gasket.

 

Thank you very much for all that information, it is very helpful.

 

The LT4 Hot Cam Kit isn't a bad choice. But, you'd need a slightly better intake manifold to get the most out of it, such as a Edelbrock Performer RPM Spreadbore.

Also, the rocker studs should either be pinned, or replaced with screw-in type studs, and you also may need to get the guides cut to get adequate clearance between the top of the guide and the spring retainer. Those are all operations that would require the heads to be off the engine. (This all applies for a ZZ4 cam as well.)