I was thinking about ditching my 305 project and getting the Universal 350 crate engine http://paceperformance.com/index.asp...&ProdID=224002 ...I'm planning on re-using the TPI, harness, and all accessories from the factory 305 that came in my '91 T/A. What sorts of problems am I going to run into trying to bolt this setup together?

 

Your 91 TPI lower intake will not be a direct bolt-in, for those pre-86 (86 & earlier) style heads.

You need center-bolt valve covers & with non-Vortec heads.

 

I cant get your link to work, but if that's the GM Goodwrench Universal 350, its a 8.5 compression, flat tappet cam engine that's not any more power than the 305 you have now.

You want to get an engine with a roller camshaft, and center-bolt heads. Those are made for '87 and up cars. The Universal stuff is low horsepower for 85 and older smog-motors.

 

Worse yet, it's actually 7.8:1 when you cc everything. If you have no smog testing, go right ahead, but there's no power increase. There are adapters to put traditional valve covers on centerbolt heads, and you can reverse them, but the price! And since you would have to buy a lower intake manifold anyway, You may as well consider the GM 12530282 long block. It's 9.4:1, with Vortec heads and a hydraulic roller setup. Add the GM HOT cam and get 357 HP. You can find it all at www.sdparts.com

 

Yes, I was referring to the GM Goodwrench Universal 350...and now it sounds like the low-mile 305 I was going to put in before this wouldn't have worked either since it's out of an 86 T/A and has perimeter bolt heads. Guess I shouldn't have sold the TPI and v-belt setup off that...oh well.

Anyways, looks like the GM Vortec 350 replacement longblock is going to be the way to go, IF I can use my 91 TPI intake -- I assume that the serpentine setup and accessories from my '91 should all bolt up with no issues? Can I reuse my flexplate too? Then comes the question of the computer...what kind of problems can I expect using my LB9 91's computer with this Vortec crate engine? Anything else anyone can think of? Just trying to get most of this figured out before I buy.

 

Serpentine system - no issues.

Vortec heads - issue. You need a Vortec base or upgrade system like the Holley Stealth Ram (Weiand 7542).

PROM - issues. You need to reprogram speed density anytime you make changes such as displacement.

 

It is possible to run the stealthram on a stock 350 with stock 350 programming, but you're getting better-flowing heads and a cam with more overlap, so you'll have to get a custom chip. If you stay TPI, be aware that 357 hp was made with Edelbrock's runners as well.

 

Alright, so in order to use my existing intake, I need to find an 87-up block that does NOT have Vortec heads. I'd feel kinda dumb spending $2,200 on a Vortec crate engine and then spending an extra $500 for just a lower intake for the TPI that is not going to have an EGR provision and does nothing for the upper RPM deadspots that factory TPI's are known for. I'd buy a whole new setup before just replacing the lower intake just to get the stock TPI to work, but that would completely blow my budget.

 

Also, with Vortec heads, the RamJet intake becomes an option. If you have smog testing, you'll need external EGR, and that's easiest if you stay TPI.

 

If you still have the 91 lb9 eng. kicking around,just put those heads on the 86 305 you have and all problems solved!
No new lower int. needed
and no programming required!

 

 

Yeah, unfortunately that motor and those heads are shot...I found fossilized chunks of oil nearly the size of golf ***** in there as soon as I pulled the valve covers off. The driver's side head is now anchoring down my HDTV dish's tripod setup on my porch

 

the heads can still be used my friend.Maybe tie your dish to that block.
Get the heads refinished and bolt them on that 86 block.It will work and run good.
Fossilized chunks of oil means nothing.You just need to have them checked and cleaned and maybe some new parts that don't include HDTV LOL!