necrophile

This is my first project, and all of my resources for high-po work aren't too experienced with late models, but I"m bent on working my 92Z. I've decided my 18K mile 305 just isn't doin it for me, and I kinda fell into some money. I was bouncing around speed-o-motive.com and saw kits for 421 and 415 strokers, everyone around here does a 350,383,or 406 setup, I wanted to be original. Now what sort of difficulties am I going to run into pulling off this swap? Will the 400 block drop right in regarding motor mounts? Will it let me use all of my accessories (even AC, heat, powersteering, this is a street car, not a race car)I've heard mention of external balancers, am I going to run into any problems using the oem serpentine belt setup?? Now if my tranny guy thinks he can build a 700r4 to hold up to the added abuse of this monster small block, am I going to have any problems mating an older style block to my 92 700r4? If I get regular heads (not centerbolt) will I loose any connections? I've come to grips with the fact that my car will not pass emissions, but will I stand a close chance running efi?
Can anyone think of any other problems that I haven't mentioned that I'll run into? I'm still planning this all out, but would like to know about the possible headaches before-hand.

Steve

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

I've seen a miniram equiped 434 in an '82 Vette, and it is a sweet running piece. TH700R4, 3.73 gears, normally aspired, 58mm TB, "mild" cam. Idles like a kitten and runs 12.1's at our altitude all day long. As to all of your other questions, you aren't going to have any problems as long as you choose your pieces carefully. Your crank will likely be a two-piece rear seal design, but externally balanced two-piece rear seal 400 flex plates are the norm. The TH700R4 will bolt right up to the block, and the block will bolt up to the mounts.

I haven't heard whether the miniram is emissions certified - most guys who run it don't worry about emissions. Not sure what you mean by "regular heads", but AFR's seem to be the high-cube head of choice. Get 'em the way you want 'em.

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82 Berlinetta, orig V-6 car. Rescued w/86 LG4/TH700R with all harnesses, sensors, ECM, etc. 2.73 open. Cat-back from '91 GTA, Accel HEI SuperCoil. AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Daily driver, work-in-progress (LB9 w/ZZ3 cam, exhaust, paint, etc.).
57 Bel Air, my 1st car. Currently 396 .030 over, Weiand Action+, Edelbrock 1901 Q-Jet, Jacobs Omnipack, 1-3/4" headers, TH400 w/TCI Sat Night Special conv & shift kit, 3.08 10-bolt, AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Best 15.1 @ 5800' Bandimere. Daily driver while Camaro was being put together.

necrophile

okay I was pretty much set with afr heads, probably the larger size (210cc I think). Now pre 87 sets are cheaper, will I give up anything by using the older style heads with a pre 87, shortblock, I figured that would be the way to go. Will I loose on any accessories and or sensors by using older style heads?

Blade

It doesnt matter what kind of heads you're running as far as sensors and accessories. Just make sure the new heads have the required bolt holes in front to mount your accessories. I'm sure you can ask AFR before you order em. Sensors will be the same...

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92 Z28 L98 350
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Ported and polished heads, ported stock TPI base, ported plenum, Comp Cams XR270HR-10 cam (lift .495/.502 duration 218/224 lobe separation 110), Edelbrock TES headers, LT4 valve springs, Crane AFPR, Flowmaster catback with LT1 style tips, MSD coil & wires...

"Take that auto, drop it in first, hold the brakes, stomp the gas and grin from ear to ear! :-)