Alright, I've done some searching around, and I still have a couple of questions.

I currently have a 1985 Camaro. LG4, 700R4 Transmission. I've come across an L98, and am looking to swap it in.

Can someone please explain what "2 bolt main" means. I know that having "more bolts" is good, but what exactly are these bolts.

My LG4 is carb'd. Would you recommend keeping the carb'd setup with the l98, or switching to TPI. I've seen different members say different things, but how much work is it to switch, how much tuning needs to be done after, and is it woth it?

I know from searching around that there are no stock 350's with manual transmissions. I assume that the L98 typically came with the 700R4 that I have, and as such my transmission would be fine. If I wanted to put a T5 transmission in later, would that be ok?

Thanks for the help! I'm not a complete noob, but this will be my first engine swap and I want to make sure I get it right! Any other help or advice you have is much appreciated, and if you think I'm an idiot, please say so! haha.

 

Four bolt main refers to the type of main bearing caps the engine has. Four bolt main caps have two bolts on each side of the center of the bearing cap, a two bolt main style motor would only have one bolt on each side. Typically, four bolt mains are more desirable for high RPM, high horsepower, high torque motors because they provide more stability for the main bearings and the crankshaft.

That being said, there are a LOT of guys on this board running high horsepower on 2 bolt mains with a lot of success. The 4 bolt is gonna cost you, so think about your application. I'll probably just go with another 2 bolt when I build mine. Money's always a factor

 

The LG4 induction/ignition system will work fine with the L98 longblock. You'll have different angles on the center two intake mount bolts on each side - you can either modify the stock intake, or get an '87-up pattern aftermarket intake. No major tuning, perhaps secondary rods/hanger (even a stock LG4 benefits from that). HP/$'s is going to be higher with the stock carb than it will be with TPI. FWIW, my car is basically an upgraded L98 longblock with LG4 stuff running it.

Exhaust upgrades are a must, if you haven't done that already. Aftermarket headers, cat, and cat-back for the '86-'90 TPI single cat application are the hot ticket there for decent performance and ground clearance.

I wouldn't bother with a T5 conversion. They aren't particularly strong, although the reason no 3rd gen 350 had it had more to do (in my opinion) with making sure our cars wouldn't outrun Vettes of the time. If you want to do a manual tranny conversion, look into getting an LT1 T56 set-up - much better transmission, not that much more than the T5 parts.

 

will a t56 link up to an L98? I was going to get an LS1 but college is important to me as well, and I came across the L98 real cheap and I figure it'll be enough fun through my college years.

 

Like that guy said. . .

Find a T56 that was behind an f-body LT1. They are available with everything needed - flywheel, clutch, hydraulics, transmission. You will need a conversion crossmember, available from a couple of our Board sponsors.

 

Thanks Brandotron and five7kid.