Hello everyone I have a 1986 Firebird Trans Am Gta. It originally had a 305 tpi engine with 700r4 tranny. I can get either (305/350) Engine, Trans, Wiring, Ecm, Computer,etc. at a salvage yard for $350

The salvage yard has both types of engine which 1 should I go with and how should I go about testing them cause they are still in the cars???


P.s. help with answers A.S.A.P. as I am going tomorrow to get out the engine and hopefully purchase !

 

If they're the same price, then without question get the 350.

 

Will I have to modify anything? And how do I find out what kind of engine it is since I probably won't a computer or conection for miles?

 

Testing: Start it if you can, compression check if you can at least turn it over with the starter.

Which engine: The 8th character of the VIN will tell you what was originally installed in the car - 8 = L98 (350), F = LB9 (305). It's always a good idea to look at the casting on the back of the block above the bellhousing mount.

 

I know what engine it was 305 tpi I'm just asking if I should go with the 350 tpi(upgrade) or not?? Will I have to change anything around before putting it in??

 

Shouldn't have to change anything. Everything is a direct bolt-in as long as you plan on keeping your v-belt setup and not going to serpentine.

 

I thought you were asking how to tell which engine was which at the junkyard.

The 350 has different injectors and knock sensor than the 305. Also, if the JY engine is '90-later, it has a different type of TPI and the computer and harnessing are different. Of course, you can put your TPI back on it.

If the engine is '87-later and has a serpentine belt set-up, the water pump operates in the opposite direction, so you need to keep the belt & accessories of the same type.

 

So would it be hard to change around wiring? Cause I have a rolling chassis '86 firebird with just the wiring harness in it for the engine compartment.
I'm a little confused since this will be the first time I'm ever going to try this

 

you should get the 350 block and throw in a 283 crank, it makes a chevy 302, and they have *****

 

The guy is looking to make an easy swap with as little complication as possible, so you suggest major internal work. And a TPI setup on a short-stroke, high rpm 302 is about the worst combo imaginable. *****, I think not.

 

Since 283 cranks were all small-journal, and 350's were all large journal, it doesn't make a lot of sense to try this.

Need 302 pistons, too. Can't change stroke without changing other things.

Having actually had a 302, I can attest to them having no "grunt" if they have "*****". TPI is a "grunt" system.