I want to replace the 305 tpi in my 89 firechicken. I got a 12K bonus from work. I was going to buy a honda civic hybrid but decided to swap in a new motor for my bird. I was thinking of the zz383 and top it off with a mini ram. I was hoping for around 400hp. I would also need a chip burned but I'll learn by myself. What do you guys think? Is the zz383 a good motor? Do you think the stock tpi setup would choke this motor at all? Thanks for the input.

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/engi...5-383-tpi.html

 

If I had 12k to spend not knowing how much you want to spend I would be thinking LSX.

 

... or a 350/383 with forced induction.

 

I'm glad you included that, I got a hearty chuckle out of it. If it was my bonus I'd go LSx....

 

I would also go with an LSx based motor, more power and better drivability.

 

I don't think that I could go LSX because I don't have the knowledge to do the swap myself. I know that the wiring and custom fabrication would be a female dog. Hawks quoted a price of anywhere between 10k - 14k depending on options. I can't justify spending 10k to get 350hp. This is a weekend warrior, not a daily driver. I think I could make better do with a old school small block chevy. If someone could do the swap for a bit less, I would consider the LSX. If you know someone else, please feel free to let me know but after using the search on this forum, it doesn't look like anyone besides hawks does a swap like this. I guess a mini ram'd zz383 with a procharger would be my best route.

 

If you picked up an ls setup and were ready to do the install,there are MANY
folks here that would help you through the entire process!
I would find a wrecked veh. and transplant everything over.
you can't go wrong that way.

 

That still doesn't stop me from doing the custom fabrication. I would still need to modify the K member, motor mounts, and a ton of wiring which is a nightmare. Also, around these parts where I live, I'm not going to find a LS1 F-Body in the boneyard, maybe, LT1 but that would really be a waste of time.

 

You only have to modify the k-member if you're keeping a/c, motor mounts are already being made so you don't have to fab those, it's not a ton of wiring 12 wires and you're set (even less if you get the underhood fusebox) and I know where you can pick up two different motors right now

2000 LS1 Long Block
Does not include oil pan. 1200 OBO If you want any other info on it give me a call at (I'll put out the number if anyone is interested)
Details:
2000 87k Miles
Long Block ready to install and run.
Removed from a wrecked car

The other is

1998 Complete LS1 Engine

I have a 1998 LS1 with 79k miles for sale. It is from a Z28 that was originally mated to a T56. I have sold the transmission setup and have the complete engine left over.
It is very clean and good running. Ready to swap into whatever you want to put it in.
Included:
Long Block Intake to Oil Pan
Front Accessories( Water pump, power steering, Alternator, A/C)
Wiring Harness
PCM
All sensors
Starter with Batter Cables
$2200 OBO plus shipping

pick up either an automatic or T56 and you're set.

These are from a very close friend of mine who runs a business that parts out 4th gen cars and you can get just about everything needed for the swap from him.

 

That is the way to go

 

With the LS you could pick up a small cam and you could making over 400 rwhp. But if a old school sbc will work for you i guess thats fine too.

 

, Buy the bolt-in tubular K-member, the headers, and any of half a dozen premade wiring harnesses for the conversion. If you wanna be stoopidfast, then spend the money on the airflow rather than paying the premium to get the aluminum block. You could pick up a used '01-up LQ4 for $650, send the heads to TEA, Livernois, or whoever for CNC porting, and then add boost. LQ4 pistons will survive 6 psi. the LQ4 heads are the same as LS6 except for larger combustion chambersBut from your $12k, subtract about $2k for upgrading the rear axle, and at least another $2k+ for the transmission.
But your original plan would be the easier build, except with the ProCharger, I think you mentioned, you'll want at least 1 3/4" headers, and more than a single 3" exhaust.
Bassani makes a true full dual 2.5" exhaust system for the 4th gen F-cars, that isn't too hard to adapt, and dual 2.5 should, in theory, support over 540 HP without restriction. Reality depends on the muffling.

 

Darn it, fuel pump is starting to go I think, that would add to the expense but what the heck right? See the problem is that I seem to have more and more problems with my car but it always seems to be engine and trans related. Oil pump, water pump, tensioner, power steering, ac locked up, MAF, TPS, IAC, and a leaky head gasket. I ask WTF? I guess the LS1 would be a bit more reliable, and it might also get better fuel economy but I don't have alot of space to work on the car and it would have to be done with in one summer but I also work full time. I swapped a 305 for a 350 in a week but this LS1 idea might be something to look into. I searched and some said it was worth it and others said they would keep their L98. I see hawks now sells engines and trans out of wrecked cars so I guess they are plentiful.

 

I also noticed that people on this board sell LSX stuff so I guess I'll have to keep my eyes open for that kind of stuff. Besides torque arm and K member, what other stuff should I keep an eye out for? I am not a good custom fabricator so bolt in stuff would be up my alley. Where else besides hawks can I get bolt in LSX swap stuff.

 

Spohn, Speartech are two that I can think about.

 

I guess I'll go with speartech seeing as that spohn has been giving people problems. What fuel pump should I go with? If I go LSX I'd put on some heads and a mild cam and hook a little blue bottle to it eventually. Nothing radical but looking to get low 12's to high 11's. The pump in the car now is dead so I'm looking for a replacement, any help would be great. Which pump? Thanks.

 

Hawks sells a in tank third gen replacement that will support over 450+hp for an LSx swap...

 

But will it work for the TPI for the time being so I can drive from the shop to my house and back? I need a pump that would work for both engines. Thanks in advance

 

You can put a 255lph pump and be fine. The 255 will be more than enough for a stock LS1 or even a built one.

 

Thanks. I'll be looking into a pump and seeing what speartech offers. Is there anything else that is not in the LS1/T56 stickies that would be good to know? Thanks again.