I want to do an engine swap from a 305 to a 350 on my 1991 RS Camaro. Does anyone know of a reputable shop that will do the work in the Los Angeles area?

 

Sounds like a 2-strike situation. 1) A reputable shop in the Los Angeles area, and 2) a shop that would do the work (it's technically not a legal swap - you'd have to convert from TBI to TPI; LT1 or LS1 would also be legal).

Strike 3 would be what they'd charge you.

 

Would it be legal to swap in a 350 and keep the TBI and only the change the chip so the engine doesn't run too lean?

 

If you're the type to worry about what is legal or illegal then you may also want to notify your insurance company of the engine upgrade

 

If you put in a 350 with the TBI, it will need a chip change or it will run horribly, and probably fail emission in the process.

I suppose I over-stated it a little. 350 TBI was available in Caprice full-size cars, so as long as you equipped it like a 350 Caprice of '91 or later vintage, it would be fine. Of course, you will have to go through the California "engine change" process.

This is a hobbyist car. Things like you are proposing are done as a hobby project. To have someone do the work for you takes it out of the realm of "hobby". That means "expensive".

To find someone willing to do this, who knows what they are doing, and will do it in an emissions-legal fashion, is going to be quite a chore. But, you may get a better response in your Regional forum.

 

The last thing I would do is tell the insurance company. That will only give them an excuse to jack my rate up. It will pass smog with the right chip, the problem is getting a good shop to do the work.

 

i bought my rs in tennesse. It cost me 1800.00 for the swap (305 to a 350cid 350hp). AND even that was sh&&ty job they did. Beware of where you go. I paid 1800.00 for the work and im still "FIXING" little things here in utah. oh yeah i forgot. i bought the motor brand new! lol

 

Be sure to read up on the TBI post about everything u need to do the swap (TBI FORUM).
And five7kid is RIGHT about the TBI running terrible with stock 305 components. Also if u got the bucks i highly recommend the t-56 swap or do the 700r automatic. Its only a matter of time til the t-5 screams "I QUITTTTTTTTT!"- if thats what your running

 

I have a 700r4 and it works fine with 260,000 miles on it. The valves are starting to wear out, white smoke when engine starts cold and carbon build up on the spark plugs. So I don't know how much time I have before I need an engine swap.
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Did you use the GMPP 350 H.O. crate engine? That's supposed to be 330 HP with all the mods already on there. How much did you pay for the engine brand new?

 

NOT the GMPP motor. The motor was built in PHOENIX,AZ.....total with shipin was 2600.00

i dont remember which trucking co. did the Ship (AZ to nashville,TN). But for that price I got an edelbrock TBI performer intake, not to big of a cam, roller rockers, shinny chrome valve covers, etc.....Im really not that knowledgeable on engines. BUt im not to shabby for an airline pilot.

 

I have a cloud of white smoke on cold starts....even with a brand new motor. I did put in some fuel cleaner in the tank because my car sat in TN(life-less) for about 2yrs before I got it.

The gas in the tank was WAY old. I've only driven 37miles since motor install. Poor fuel delivery (stock 305 stuff just CANT KEEP UP). I had a few knocks and backfires beacuse its wayyy to lean. COMputer retards timing and the car is ULTRA slow. All my Fuel parts are from WWW.TURBOCITY.COM. They HELP u WAKE up the LISTED HP on your motor.

Parts havent arrived yet but when i get then on....You will definitely her from me!