I am thinking about a 350 swap into my 92 T/A vert.

I have found a 350 out of a 72 Nova that I would like to use.

I've hear that there are issues with putting a pre-87 motor into a later-model car. What are these issues?

Thanks!

 

'86-up: 1-piece rear main seal.
'87-up: Roller lifters (passenger car), center-bolt valve covers, center 2 intake mount bolts on each side at 72 degrees instead of 90 degrees like the rest.
'79-earlier: Dipstick on driver's side.
'68-earlier: No accessory mount bolt holes on the ends of the heads.

The roller/flat-tappet lifter part is a non-issue. The rest depends upon what you do - what induction you use, what heads you use, what exhaust you use.

 

Since you have a '92 car, find yourself an '87+ roller block engine to use in your car. The benefits of a roller block engine far outweigh the extra cost, in my opinion. There will also be a lot less hassle and your current parts will bolt on a lot easier with a newer engine.

 

Kevin91Z makes the best point for using the later model 350.It simplifies the installation where you can spend money(not having to buy different brackets etc.)elsewhere.


One side note if the 350 you are looking at is still in the Nova,and it's the original motor to her,that would make a good companion project to your Camaro.Most V8 Novas after '71 came with 307s and later the 305.

 

The quality of the castings was also better in the mid-late '80's than in the '70's.

Accessory mounting really isn't an issue. The '72 heads are probably not the best thing out there, either (most 3rd gen 305 heads are better).

 

Thanks for the advice, guys. No, the engine is not in the car. I thought the heads from a 72 Nova would be good heads

Guess I have a lot to learn about this engine swap.

 

Very few SBC heads of that era were "good" heads. LG4/LB9/L98 heads are superior to them in every respect.

Another issue: Pre-'75 heads didn't have hardened exhaust seats & valves for unleaded gas.

 

I may have found my engine but I wanted to run it by you guys first. It is out of an '87 Chevy van ... actually it's still IN the van, but you know what I mean.

Guy is wanting $300 for van and all. Said the engine smokes real bad and compression is terrible. I'm planning a full rebuild, so I think it might be OK.

Is there anything specific I should look for? Is there any issue with this motor since it is mounted sideways in the van? Should I use my 305 heads with this motor, use the ones that are on it or buy new (or good used heads)?

Thanks again, guys.

 

#1: Truck engines didn't get roller lifters (with some very rare exceptions), if that is important to you. The block casting is the same, but most often the engines bound for trucks didn't have the roller provisions machined.

#2: Truck engines never got good heads until the Vortec engine came out in 1996.

#3: Van V8's were not mounted sideways.

#4: $300 is too much to pay for a 350 core.

 

Thanks again.

I'll keep looking.

 

How about a L98 out of a C4 Vette with 93k. The guy is asking 900 ... it's a complete engine with intake, plenum, runners, etc. I can sell the TPI 'cause I've already got the polished TPI on my car.
five7kid ... thanks for all the input. You're a life-saver.

 

You'll have to change the oil pan and oil pump & pickup to 3rd-gen type, but that's no biggie (your 305 parts will fit, although I'd go with a new oil pump).

If 86-1/2 or later, also will have aluminum heads. If so, the EGR routing will be different, but again, no biggie.

Best option I've heard so far.

 

It's from a '90. Think that's what I'll get.