Hey everyone,
I am thinking about buying a new crate motor for my camaro instead of buying a used engine. I found the 290hp crate 350 from GM Performance Parts. In its description, it says that you cant use fuel injection with it. Why is that? Is it BS? I would like to put my TBI on it if possible.

 

There is no reason that you can't use fuel injection. It's a chunk of metal; all it knows is fuel and air, it doesn't care how the fuel is introduced.

It's just not intended for fuel injection.

You might need to change the cam to get the best possible results however.

 

That was my next question. The engine comes with a hydraulic flat tappet camshaft. What is required to swap over to a hydraulic roller cam?

 

Cubic dollars.

Absolutely not worth it.

You might want to check the sticky at the top of the TBI forum about a "budget" 350 swap. You'll end up with a better system than the 290 horse crate, and probably for less money.

 

Probably because its has the 86 and older style perimeter bolt heads on it, while most fuel injection systems, including your TBI, have the newer style centerbolt heads on it. The intakes are not directly compatible between the two types of heads.

 

350/290 Goodwrench mts use old style pre '87 intakes so the TPI intake with the different angle center bolts won't line-up.

 

The budget 350 sticky isnt a new engine. The GM crate engine is. I dont have to have a new motor, but the price seemed right for the 290hp one.

 

You get what you pay for, and sometimes a little less.

The 290 horse engine hasn't been certified by the factory as an emissions-compliant replacement engine. Therefore they have to advertise it as '75-earlier carb replacement or off-road only. It's a legal thing.

What bolts to it is a small matter. It also has 2-piece rear main seal, so your flywheel won't bolt to it. You'll have to find a 153-tooth part to put on it (which is the '83-'85 T5 3rd gen application).

Even when you get everything bolted to it, your TBI may not be happy with it. Speed density systems are picky about little things like displacement changes. But, it may run okay. Just don't expect 290 HP out of it compared to the 170 horses that your LO3 is rated at - they're different rating systems. You might get 190 equivalent HP out of it when installed.

This engine http://www.sdparts.com/product/12513...cBDL0557K.aspx will bolt in - same intake bolt pattern, same rear main seal type. It is a roller block, most likely, so if you want to put a factory type roller lifter cam in it, most likely it will be possible (not all of these blocks are machined for the roller lifters, even though the casting is made for it - kind of a crap shoot - I suppose if you asked them to ship one that's been machined, they would accomodate you). The main difference between the 290 HP crate and any other replacement 350 is the cam, so put a cam similar to the one the 290 HP crate has, and you'll be there.