i just bought a 83 camaro with a 2.8 in it great condition car and motor but just want the bigger motor and like 5 speed trans im looking at pull a part to get most all my parts looking to be a few month thing but does anyone have any suggestions on what i should do and prep for in this new adventure this is my first ever swap of any kind thanks

 

Welcome aboard thirdgen.org.

Not sure what you'll find at a pick & pull. But, T5's are weak, and a 350 is more than they can handle unless you limit yourself to mild driving habits (high-RPM clutch dumps and speed shifting are death to a T5, even behind a 305).

A T56 is much stronger, but you're looking at one from a '93-'97 f-body with an LT1 ahead of it.

In fact, a full LT1/T56 swap isn't a bad idea. Not much different than a V6 to Gen I V8 swap, with a lot more potential.

But, if you want to keep it to the plain-jane Gen I V8 swap, first read the V6 to V8 swap sticky in the top section of this forum. A V8 donor car is always the best bet, but you aren't going to find a factory 350/T5 car. Even a 305/T5 donor car would be a step in the right direction, then you can get most any 350 you want and put it in instead of the 305.

 

ok i dont mean to sound dumb but im kinda new to the lingo and stuff t5? Lt1/T56? will my car beable to hold up to a 350 with some hard driving or would a built 305 be better im looking at eventually putting on strip after all said and done but mostly just a daily driver but i really dont like the 2.8 thats in it right now not much hp for me you know. thanks