okay this could be somewhere on this site but i couldn't find it. What are all the engines that will swap into an 89 firebird w/o a big hassle. it has a 305 h.o. in it right now. also what would you reccomend to put in it, I'm very new to all of this but i really want to learn. would I be better off rebuilding my 305, or what I need feedback.

 

350 will drop right in
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a mild cam and new micro chip to ur 305 and new pipes new headers will give u what u might be looking for its cost is little and can be done in one weekend

 

Welcome aboard thirdgen.org.

When you say "rebuilding my 305", what exactly do you mean? Is it worn out and needs new rings/pistons/etc., or do you just want to make it faster? If it's worn out, then there isn't much justification for rebuilding a 305. But, if you just want to make it faster, cam and headers will do wonders.

For the record, there was no "H.O." engine in 1989 models. You probably have the LB9 (8th character of the VIN = "F"), which is the TPI 305. Changing to 350 will be fairly simple, although some changes to the TPI are required to get the most out of it. And, you need to be careful about what factory 350 you put in. Many people put in a 350 shortblock and reuse their 305 heads - some modifications to the 305 heads helps get even more out of the 350.

 

I was told when I bought it that the engine in it was out of a camaro, and it was tbi...

 

Camaro or Firebird, doesn't make any difference. They all got the same engines (except only the Firebird got the turbo Buick V6).

TBI certainly wasn't H.O.

Anyway, exactly what do you want or need to do?

 

well because their chevy engines wont a 400 drop right in also?

 

It will "drop right in" with regard to the bolts required to fasten it to the car and transmission, but that's about as far as that statement goes.

TBI is very sensitive to any changes made to the engine, including exhaust, cam, and displacement. It is also barely able to keep up with a 305, so going 350 or 383 or 400 will require major modifications. This is all covered on the TBI forum. There is a great sticky "Budget 350" on that forum, which gives you an idea what is required even on a budget.

383 and 400 introduce further complications with regard to harmonic damper and flexplate.

There's an old hot rod saying - "There's no such thing as a bolt-in." Double and triple true for 3rd gens.