I have a 1982 camaro that is giving me a ton of problems because of what the previous owner did. And I'm probably going to be swapping engines and I thought that I might as well put in a 350 while I'm at it. I want to get a newer engine because most of the time the newer it is the faster it is. And I don't want another crossfire injection engine. So my question is, what is the newest 350 engine I can get without having to change the computer or make other spendy changes.

 

Welcome aboard thirdgen.org.

About 1983.

The crossfire ECM was unique to crossfire. The factory quit making it after 1983.

If you get a take-out 350, most of the time they'll include the computer. Even if you have to get it separately, they don't cost that much.

 

I disagree. If your car is curently wearing cross-fire, then swapping in a TBI engine will be as easy as going carbureted. However, the TBI 350s used in GM's big cars only offer about 200 horses. Going with a carbureted 350, in perfectly legal trim, won't give you any more than 200, unless you copy the old ZZ3 package, not cheap, but if you copy the way GMPP offered it, it's 308 horses and 50-state legal. Best bang for the buck would be find a good used Vortec 350 from a '96-'98 fullsize halfton, add one of GM's external-EGR-capable intakes, either the carbureted one or the TBI one, and go from there.

 

just because a engine is newer doesn't mean it's faster, they have better technology but my 69' block factory had around 350hp depends what car you get it from, I had the cross fire injection in my car and I hated it always had problems with it, you can build a 350 from any car just look up your states regulations lucky for me I live in Kansas and can almost do anything

 

You really aren't disagreeing. I never said anything about carb or TBI, or what the 350 would come from.

But, the OP is concerned about changing the ECM. Don't be. It isn't that big of a deal, and isn't that expensive. Buy a complete engine, and like I said, most likely they'll throw in the harness and computer at no extra charge (especially if you are pulling the engine).

Your '69 block factory had about 275 HP measure the same way 3rd gen HP was rated. Sorry to burst your bubble, but they changed the HP rating requirements in 1971.

Where you live has nothing to do with what's legal. The regulations are federal, not state. The fact that they don't inspect or test in Kansas doesn't change what is or isn't legal.

And, some day, you may not be in Kansas anymore. . .

 

my car has been inspected by the high patrol and it passed just fine all there were concerned about if it had catalytic converters witch mine does and dont worry your not bursting anybodies bubble all I did was ran the vin on the block and that's what it showed if it's wrong so be it but the current 395hp isn't dynos don't lie

 

It's trying to compare 350 apples to 170 oranges, that's all.

 

The regulations may indeed be federal, but here in MO my car is a 91, with a 450hp carb engine and no cats, dual exhaust, etc. and I managed to get it legal, try doing that in a state where they do emisson test!

 

(Should I bother responding? I'd just be repeating myself. Yes, I guess I will. . .)

It may be legal according to state-imposed safety laws, but it is still illegal in the United States. There is no such thing as an "emissions state" or a "non-emissions state". We live in an emissions country.

 

Well, you are not 100 percent correct, because some states, especially california, have more strict emissions laws than the rest of the country. Some states, and districts require you to pass an emissions test to pass an inspection, here in my part of MO you do not have to pass an emission test, it is not a requirment of the local government.

I do know that my car is illegal for not having an intact emissons system, but if I have no problem getting my car legal without it then why shoul I bother, I do not forsee goverment agents coming to my house and confinscating my car!

 

True, California is allowed to have more strict emissions laws.

But, we have or will soon have a new "Green Czar" - he might not see things quite your way. His claim to fame was following San Francisco cops around with a video camera, editing what he shot to make it appear as though they were a bunch of goons. Not sure I'd relax, if I were you.

 

You are probalbly right about that one, I think they will outlaw old cars period if it were up to him, cigertettes, beer, and guns too!