Engine Troubles.....
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 11
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From: east coast
Car: 1985 z28 camaro
Engine: 305 tpi
Transmission: b&m 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 posi
Engine Troubles.....
So, i swapped a rebuilt 305 tpi with a couple of goodies about three years ago, with minor troubles getting it in and running. So it's time for something newer and bigger.... Which motor keeping the T.P.I setup would be the best to swap, to be the triple threat, Straight line fast, highway and backroad fast, and daily drivable. I was thinking either the Gm 350 or 355 crate motor, or the GM blueprint 383 crate motor. So the question is Which would be, the easiest to install, would have the best performance and the best daily driver? Any thoughts? Suggestions?
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 42
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
You got deep pockets??? 
Fast TPIs are expensive. Everything you need seems to start with a $400 pricetag. But, if you're willing to suck it up, you can achieve your goals.
Did you plan on a complete exhaust change-out? Hope so.
Personally, I think this is the best TPI crate engine out there http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/1578...rip-Engine.htm . It's going to cost you about $4300 or so to get it to your door. Then you need aftermarket runners, 52mm TB, and 22 lb injectors unless you already have them. Ported plenum is a good idea as well.
But, it will be straight line fast, highway and backroad fast, and daily drivable. . .
(Oh, I wouldn't expect the '85 ECM to handle this well. Good time to upgrade to a later system.)

Fast TPIs are expensive. Everything you need seems to start with a $400 pricetag. But, if you're willing to suck it up, you can achieve your goals.
Did you plan on a complete exhaust change-out? Hope so.
Personally, I think this is the best TPI crate engine out there http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/1578...rip-Engine.htm . It's going to cost you about $4300 or so to get it to your door. Then you need aftermarket runners, 52mm TB, and 22 lb injectors unless you already have them. Ported plenum is a good idea as well.
But, it will be straight line fast, highway and backroad fast, and daily drivable. . .
(Oh, I wouldn't expect the '85 ECM to handle this well. Good time to upgrade to a later system.)
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: east coast
Car: 1985 z28 camaro
Engine: 305 tpi
Transmission: b&m 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 posi
Thanks... i already have full exhaust, aftermarket slp intke runners and have my plenum ported too. What Ecm would you recommand just a later model? Also is this the only motor i could directly bolt in, or no. But thanks alot for the info, the motor look great. Also would you suggest any other setups besides the carb setup?
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 42
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
I'm no expert, but I believe any '86-'88 MAF would plug in. A 350 PROM would be a plus. The '90-'92 speed density system would have more capability, but would require more hardware changes and PROM tuning.
That isn't the only crate that would bolt in. Most any '86-earlier type engine would (the heads being the main factor). How well they would run is a different question. You could bolt in the 260 horse Goodwrench 350, but it wouldn't be nearly as fast as the Vortec TPI crate. Anything that would be faster than the Vortec TPI crate would be more difficult to accomplish.
That isn't the only crate that would bolt in. Most any '86-earlier type engine would (the heads being the main factor). How well they would run is a different question. You could bolt in the 260 horse Goodwrench 350, but it wouldn't be nearly as fast as the Vortec TPI crate. Anything that would be faster than the Vortec TPI crate would be more difficult to accomplish.
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