Here's my engine swap story: OK, so when I bought my 88 IROC, the original 350 spun #3 and pretty much gutted itself. As of this past week, my brother and I have put in a 350 TPI out of a 92 Z/28 (much thanks to Hawk's for supplying the engine & tranny). Needless to say it didn't go in without a fight (4-5 hours and plenty of swearing before finally lining up right) and FYI if anyone else is going to attempt this, you WILL have to repin your wiring...found that out when we almost fried the ecm and fuel pump test-starting it (dumb move on my part, I guess). Installed Summit 2 1/2" shorty headers, msd distributor, accel spark wires, AC Delco plugs, oversized radiator (installed by previous owner). Soon will have TPiS airfoil (Holley 52mm TB someday), 2 1/2" true dual exhaust w/ 40 series Flowmasters (once I find a way to fit the darn things under the car). I'd like to do more like better heads, cam, whatnot...but being poor sucks. Just gotta do alittle at a time (hence it will always be a WORK IN PROGRESS), of course if you really love your car, it's always gonna be one. So, if anyone actually took the time to read all of this, feel free to leave your thoughts, ideas, comments, suggestions, opinions, advice, random info, whatever. Oh and visit my vBgarage to see pix of the car & the original engine. feel free to comment on those, too. Also, j/w, in your opinions, how much power do you suppose this setup should be making? I'm hoping to have at least enough to smoke the rich kids and their 5.0 Mustinks at my highschool (and all over this horrible town) ok I'm done. Peace.

 

why did you have to re-pin the wiring? did you switch from MAF to speed density? I would have thought that you would have just used the long block 350 and then put all of your original accessories from your MAF engine back on it...

What computer chip are you running? How does your setup work for you? Everything running okay? A/C working?

 

well the 88 was maf, but the 92 is speed density...I didn't swap anything over from the old motor, since Hawk supplied me with the entire engine, wiring, everything. I guess I forgot to mention that we also swapped the computer and chip from the 92 into it too. I'm having to repin everything because the 88 won't accept the 92 wires. she turns over, but until I get the repinning done, it definately won't start. OH! also, I know someone may read this and think "well what about VATS, dummy!?" ha, thought of that... already bought and installed a VATS bypass module, so, while my car won't have a security system (for now), it will be able to start using my 88 key and ignition. So, I won't know how it runs until I get that repinning situation taken care of. The replacement engine has the A/C equipment on it, but I think it just needs to be recharged (don't plan on using it anyway). Dang, also forgot that the smog crap has been removed (except the pump, don't have the 1LE smog pump delete pulley yet so gotta leave it on since its a dang serpentine setup). OK so, thanks, Kris, hope I answered your questions, and I'll be sure to post as soon as i get her up & running...maybe find a way to get some video/ audio on here, too.

 

Switching the '88 TPI system over to the '92 longblock would have been the simplier swap. You do have a slightly more capable system with the SD, though.

You really haven't done much to increase power over the best of the '92 L98's. You need some serious TPI mods and a cam change (which will require PROM tuning) to do much better. Until you go radical with TPI aftermarket like Super Ram or Stealth Ram, L98 heads are all you need. Of course, porting them would be the ticket.

 

just wondering if you had any more info on your swap. i know that you did this a while back but i can not find anything else to help me. i have an 87 camaro that had a v6 in it but i have taken that out and i am now replacing it wiht a 92 350 sd system i have put a lot of money into this project 3k or 4k im about ready to send all my parts and have the engine machined and put together. my question is about the wiring. i found some diagrams on austinthirggen but they are very vaque. there are a lot wires on the 92 c100 than on the 87. also what do i do about the c207 connector do i leave it since i have a 92 ecm? alright thanks a lot any info could help thanks, jarid

 

wow, i have not checked this in a loooong time. I don't even own the car anymore; had too many problems and I didnt have the time or money to restore her like she needed. I'm afraid I can't really help you, redltcamaro. My brother and his incredibly automotively skilled friend rewired everything and got it to work without my knowing( I was working and going to school at the time) as a present for me of sorts. They, too got a VERY vague wiring diagram from some site which did little good; that and the fact that both my original 88 diagram and the 92 one were hacked up before we ever got a hold of them. I believe he and his friend just had to "jerry-rig" all the connections that were screwed up--definately wouldn't recommend that--that car never did run like it was supposed to. Then again, I didn't have any machine shop work or anything, so you might be better off than I. I'm really sorry I can't help you...hopefully someone can get you straightened out. Good luck on your project and ENJOY YOUR CAR!!! I hated that I had to work on mine all the time, I would've restored my IROC if I had the means at the time. They're such beautiful cars if you got the time and money to keep 'em up to par. Well, good luck again, and sorry I couldn't help!