I'm aware that I will need a 350 knock sensor, 22lb injectors etc. I am mechanically proficient as far as changing a clutch, pulling heads or replacing a bad engine with a stock one. However, I'm somewhat of a newbie when it comes to fuel injection. Cost(within reason) is not so much an issue. What crate engine would be a direct swap as far as bolt-on goes? Could an LT-1 bottom end and heads be fitted with the TPI manifold without issues with the ECU? What are some good crate small blocks that would bolt in? Not looking to go too wild, want to keep it within the limits of what the Borg Warner and Aussie 9 bolt will handle so I guess I'm looking at around the 300 or so hp range. I have the facilities to do a swap but building my own engine would be difficult. I've also never torn down and built an engine myself.

 

1989, right? If so, it's MAF, and will handle the displacement change fairly easily.

350's had 22 lb injectors from the factory, 305's had 19 lb. The smaller injectors will handle the 350 okay, but you'll have more margin at higher power levels with the larger injectors.

There really isn't a good crate engine for this application, mostly because of the '87-up intake bolt pattern. You can work around that with '86-earlier heads, just depends upon what you're willing to put up with.

Forget anything LT1. Gen I heads won't fit on an LT1 block without major modification, and TPI won't fit on LT1 heads without major modification. If you start with an LT1, keep it LT1.

For direct bolt-in (which seems to be important to you), consider a rebuilt crate. Two of my brothers have gotten engines from these guys http://www.rebuilt-auto-engines.com/...08109603802.c5 , and are completely happy with them. Add the core charge and freight to the listed price. When you order, they'll call and verify everything you ask for and that it will work in what you're putting it in. Be sure to specify 083 heads and roller cam. Neither of my brothers returned the core, and that wasn't a problem. (And, for the record, I have no financial ties to this outfit.)

 

Thanks for the helpful info. Yes, it's the one with the MAF. I've seen performance built 87-92 crate 350s for sale with the TBI intake and centerbolt heads. Would it be a direct swap with the TPI manifold or do the TBI intakes have a different pattern as well?

 

The intake bolt pattern is the same '87-up whether carb, TBI, or TPI.

Those TBI crate engines I've seen have swirlport heads. Okay for a stock TPI, but if you have dreams of more power, they will become your bottleneck.