mikeye90

Ok guys, a friend of mine's father has an old ratty z28 camaro from 1980 that had a 350 in it bored .030 over. I could probably get the entire thing for about 250 bucks but the thing burns oil and has lots of problems. If i pay for a professional rebuild, does anyone know how hard it would be to swap this motor in to my current TBI powered car?

Are there any other parts off the car I could take and use such as the headers and exhaust?

What would be involved? I have mechanics in the family who may be willing to help me, but i would like to know what would be involved first. Thanks to everyone in advance.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

The '80 350 was a dog, and you're going to have to dump money into this one from the get-go just to get up to "dog" status.

Take a look at the "Budget 350" swap sticky on the TBI forum. Makes more sense to find a running truck Vortec engine and do the rest of the stuff listed in that sticky than to spend a dime on this friend's father's over-priced rebuild core.

mikeye90

Thanks for the input, but i believe the car is fast. It was my dads before this guys and he ran 12.5 on DoT radials

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Are you planning on keeping the TBI? If so, that engine, if it ran 12.5's, has had stuff put in it that would not make the TBI happy.

I'd want more details, such as heads, what all is wrong with it, etc. If it's stock '80 heads running 12.5's, it would be in the high-11's easily with Vortec heads. That's why the "Budget 350 TBI" makes more sense, even if you don't stay with the TBI.

TIMMYS89GTA

iTrader: (28)

Like many third gens,who knows whats been changed!
This car is a few years older and like many of our thirdgens,it has probably already seen at least 3 diff. engines.
Not trying to make any kind of argument here but you also can't just say the 1980 350 was a dog(which is totally true)without knowing whats currently in the car.

TIMMYS89GTA

iTrader: (28)

EXACTLY!!

mikeye90

I think id want to use the carb and all, i dont think id have a problem parting with TBI. Im not sure about the heads but i presume its not stock, it has a very high left cam, that I do know. I really think the heads are not stock. My father owned the car before this guy, but he still was not the one who did the work.

Regardless, if this is your typical generation one small block chevy 350, would it be a difficult swap and could i or could i not use my accessories and anything thats in my car right now (a/c, cooling system) ive never swapped an engine before.. This motor is beginning to become a real possibility

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

It's basically an EFI to carb conversion (see tech article linked from home page, also linked in the "welcome to the carb forum" sticky in the top section of the Carburetor forum) with an engine swap thrown in for extra measure. All of your accessories will fit on the 350 if the heads have the bolt holes on the ends (as mentioned, who knows what's been done to an engine that old). The flywheel will be different than yours, you just need one for the early 3rd gen application ('83-'85).

If you use your serpentine belt set-up, be sure to use a water pump for your car, not the engine. The 1980 and 1992 water pumps turned in the opposite direction.

mikeye90

Ok, so its clarified, the engine starts but the car spits out blue smoke. If I get this engine it will need a rebuild. Where would be the best place to start? This was a powerful engine when it was used regularly (presumed 325-350 bhp) but I suppose abuse and age has worn down on the seals and rings. any idea how much it would cost?

and for Sh*ts and giggles, in the process what would need to be done to make the engine a 388 (its already a 355) and what would be the price range? just out of sheer curiosity.

And before I go for this engine, what are some more things to look out for?

Also, can a T5 be joined to any 350 engine? The tranny its joined to now is automatic.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Pretty much. In your case. . .

Be sure to put a pilot bearing in the crank before you start mating them together.