I have an 87 Iroc with a tpi 5.0 that has front end damage.I also have a 82 z28 with a crossfire 305.I want to put a new more powerful engine in the 82. Can I put in a 350 block and use the tpi off of the 87? I want to use the 82 for some sort of road racing or time attack.Thanks for the advice.

 

The issues for you are the heads, and the exhaust system. The '87s got a different angle on the center intake bolts. All '82s had a tiny exhaust system, and you'll want to upgrade it, with headers, and a 3" exhaust. Why go TPI? Do you have smog testing? If not, you can get more horses easier and cheaper if you go carbureted.
I would consider getting the '87's transmission, driveshaft and rear axle, and maybe the steering box.
Going TPI is adequately covered elsewhere here. Good luck with your project!

 

I was gonna get a 350 crate engine to go into the 82. The 82 also in an auto car with posi rear end and 4 wheel disc brakes. Both cars are autos wouldn't they be the same trans.
thanks

 

The assuming both are automatics: NO. '87 was the first year for the fully-improved 700R-4. Save it, even if you don't install it right away. Asan '82, yours shouldn't have any overdrive in it. :-( If the '87 is a stick, it'll be a 5-speed instead of your 4-speed, but your 4-speed is a bit stronger. the 700R-4 is far better than your TH200-C, if that's the automatic you have. You'll also need the '87 shifter. Be aware that all this is in the trans section of this forum, but your '82 uses a mechanical clutch linkage, if manual trans, while the '87 uses a hydraulic setup.

 

Both cars are autos and I haven't tore into them yet. I don't have alot of experience with these cars. I have a 70 Gto and It just went into the body shop so now my concentration has switched to camaros that are my next project.
thanks Lee

 

Wait, you're running 2 threads on this, at the same time?
The dump truck engine can be made to work, without much trouble, and for far less than an LS swap. Getting 25 mpg highway is doable. For an LS swap, here's what the issues are: The front half of the exhaust system is gonna cost twice as much. You can expect to pay $600 just to get a good used 5.3 truck LS to your door. Another $600 for a harness, and another $100 for the computer. And mounting, and accessories, and either a hood or an intake, it keeps adding up. I know because I'm doing this to my Fiero and my S-10.
And after all that, you have 285 HP. The 350 could easily surpass that.
With cam and programming, you might get the 5.3 to equal the 350. Still more money though. But you'd need more rear gear to make up the difference in torque, and then you lose any gas mileage advantage.
On the other hand, if you have money (I don't) you can sink $2500 into a nice pair of aftermarket heads, and $2500 plus into a take-out LS1, and exceed 500 HP. Add a $3500 conversion to a T56 six speed, and get 30 mpg.
That 350 bolts right in place of your 305, no having to learn anything exotic.
If you like strokers, the stuff for the 350 to 383 can be had for $1000, while you'd spend that much just for the crank for the LS. Likewise heads. You can get a new pair of AFRs for the 350 for a full $1000 less than for the LS.
The 305 to 350 deal has been covered to death in this forum. So, I bid you good luck with your choice.