Yesterday i purchased my dream car, a 1987 Pontiac Firebird but it has just one little issue no engine or transmission. But for $200 who can complain . The car had in it originally a 305LG4 and a 700R4. I have a $1500 budget to get this thing rollin. Ive found a 350 TBI for $300(in good running condition) can i pull the intake off and put a carb on it and go with that or do I have to have a motor that was initially carbed? My other options are to buy a 305LG4 for $250, and 327 out of a 68 Camaro for $500 but it needs some work. But id like the 350TBI if i can put a carb on it. Also can i get a 5speed out of an S10 put on a different bellhousing and go with that or is that not possible? I really dont want to go with the 700R4 unless I absolutley have to Ive had nothing but bad luck with those in S10s before. The only thing keeping me from just getting all the tranny stuff from an Fbody is our junkyards dont have many Fbodys, and if they do the drivetrains are always gone. Any advise would be greatly appreciated, I just want this thing to smoke some idiots in there ricers. I know with only a 1500 budget its not gonna be a world burner but it'll get the job done for now Any other cheap go fast tricks yall know im all ears. And by the way i'd like to have this thing runnin by the end of may

 

Welcome aboard thirdgen.org.

Of those engines, the TBI might be the best choice. The LG4 has better heads, but with a stock cam, the 350 TBI would be fine. You can put a carb on it, you'll just need an intake made for '87-up bolt pattern (unless you're willing to modify the center two intake mount bolt holes on each side of an '86-earlier manifold).

The S10 T5 is the weaker V6, 14-spline input shaft version. You'll need a 153-tooth one piece rear main seal V8 flywheel ('86-'92 3rd gen f-body application), pilot bushing/bearing, and S10 clutch assembly. Don't plan on beating on it, because even the V6 engines will break those trannies. Smoked rice is probably not on the menu with that transmission.

 

350 TBI is in my opinion the best option you stated. Carb and carb-style intake (87 up bolt pattern) will be fine. Fuel delivery and pressure need to be addressed, with a carb you will need 6-8 psi of fuel pressure whereas the in-tank pump that came in that 87 Firebird might be different, it would pay to be sure what was in there in case of original equipment or a later swap.

If you do carb that 350 TBI- youll need to swap to a vaccuum advance distributor since the TBI distributor was computer controlled. Other things I can think of might be the wiring differences for you cars accessories versus what the new engine`s accessory plugs will have.

It will pay to keep doing research on this swap but it seems very doable on a budget, Good Luck=)

 

Well i'll pick the TBI up this friday then, as far as trannys go can I use a 5speed out of a 92
1/2 ton w/a 305 or is that gonna be to big? Im not really afraid of having to do some fabrication on it but i dont want to have to hack the car to pieces either. Id like to do it right but i cant find any t-5's anywhere near me out of an fbody or should i just suck it up and rebuild the 700r4 i have in my junk 4.3L S10? But if there are any other manual tranny options im all ears. Also what intake and carb should I run. Im just gonna modify the center intake like im supposed to so i can run pre86 because of $ issues. As far as fuel delivery goes it has a fuel pump in it for a carbed engine so hopefully its alright, but i'll make sure im right before i just go gun ho on building it. Im trying to read all the threads so i dont ask the same questions twice but theres just so much info

 

You'll need a T5 from an f body, it is mounted on an angle that is different than the other t5s. And u need one out of a v8 not v6. I did a swap once with a v6 t5, the only clutch I could find with 14 splines is a 9" it will work but won't last. Then of course pedals, consol etc. 350 tbi sounds like the better choice of what u listed.

 

Congrats on getting your dream car! It is a great feeling.

 

Ive got my eyes open for a manual conversion but all the ones ive found so far are just alittle outta my range. And im pretty sure there are none in southeast ohio anymore! I may just buy the motor do some work to it and wait until I get more cash and just get a T56, they seem to be more plentifull(and more expensive)

 

If you want power for the dollar. May I suggest an LT1 engine from the caprice, you should be able to pick 1 up for around $400 at a wrecking yard. I installed this engine in my 89 bird and its crazy fast. Intake will cost you $350, and you'll need electric inline fuel pump for carbs, I think i paid $150. After that what ever u do to mod this engine will give you big power gains. Its far better than Tbi eng. pm me if u need help on the swap, or questions.

 

This project is on freeze for alittle while I wrecked my everyday car and have to repair it