i want to swap out the 305 TBI in my '89 RS, but i can't decide on what to replace it with. i'm thinking between a 350, 383 stroker, and a 454 or some other big block crate engine. i realize the 454 or a high displacement crate engine will require extensive modification to everything. i'd have to upgrade the whole driveline, transmission, new mounts, etc not to mention the high cost of the engine itself.....then there's the 383 stroker which i've heard great things about and some people are telling me to go with that. lastly, i have a few people telling me that i should just stick to a new 350, its the cheapest and easiest to do with my car, and if its bored out can still produce enough horsepower to keep me happy. i'm not quite sure. 350s are cool and i'm sure with enough modification it can still be a very fast car, not to mention cheaper than the bigger engines, but i can't help it, every time i think of a 383 stroker or a 454 i get chillbumps. i know its more out of reach though for my budget so i'm kind of torn..........dammit i want a huge engine! Any advice on which swaps are the most practical for my situation?? i'd appreciate feedback, just don't anyone tell me to keep the 305 haha cuz thats not happening

 

I'd agree with the drivetrain upgrades, but that's the case with most any power increase.

You don't need extensive modifications to the mounts to put in a standard deck BBC (in fact, poly inserts is all you should do, but you don't even have to do that). Fitting exhaust and a cowl hood are the big items.

Boring a new 350 won't make it significantly more powerful. Assuming 1 HP/CID, a 0.030"-over 355 makes 1.4% more power than a stock bore 350, all else being equal. Hardly worth the $300-$600 it would cost to bore it out and put in new pistons, rings, etc.

 

yeah i'm thinking against the 350. i can't wait to get a 4" cowl hood, those look awesome, especially if i had a big engine underneath it. hey what about the LS-1? i have heard of people doing that now to their 3rd gens, taking the LS-1 from the 4th gen camaros and firebirds and dropping it into their 3rd gens. i know LS-1s are good engines and can be modified for high horsepower relatively easily. what do you know about this?

 

Check the LS1 swap sticky in the top section of this forum. You might also note that there is an LSx/LTx swap sub-forum.

A bunch of people have swapped or are working on swapping an LS1 into their 3rd gen. It's just about as involved as a BBC, but has better driveability and fuel economy for your efforts. And, yes, they can make a bunch of power.

 

i actually think thats what i'm gonna do, LS1s are pretty sick.