I have an 86 TA with 121k and a tired 305 TPI. I would like to switch to a 350 and keep my TPI setup. I know your saying "search the archives", but there was nothing spacific in there. If I can get a 350 built localy what block do I need to find? I heared there is some issue with the intake bolts. I am also considering the GMPP 350HO for $2100, not a bad deal. I don't know if that will work with my TPI though. I think I can get one built for less than $2100. My machine shop will back the work & parts so it might not be worth the extra mony for the GMPP motor. What do you guys think? Any help on the subject is appreciated.
Thanks
Scott

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86 Trans Am
red/silver t-top
305 TPI

 

Anything from 69 till 96 will work. The only intake bolt concern would be if you planned on using 87 and up heads or vortec heads. If they are just 87 and up heads, the intake holes can be made larger to work. This is a very common thing.

You have to decide... 2 or 4 bolt? One peice of Two Peice Rear Main Seal? Roller or Hydrolic Flat Tappet? Once you know what you want, go get it.

One peice rears began in 86. Roller blocks came along in 87. 67-69 302/327/350 castings were stronger than the later castings.

Why not just have the machine shop do the work and built it yourself? Slapping together a small block is EASY, two hours at most for someone with no experience, as long as you don't mess around. Besides, with the money you save on the builing, you can get a steel crank, longer rods, you name it.

 

By that reasoning am I to asume that an 86 TPI is more desirable. For guys that want to put TPI on their muscle car or street rod that already have a motor built. The reason I ask this is I know a guy with an 86 TPI Camaro hit in the front that I can buy for $300. If so what do you think the TPI setup is worth?
Thanks
Scott

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86 Trans Am
red/silver t-top
305 TPI

 

Well, TPI is far from street car muscle...as one member of the board said, it's more along the lines of a long runner noose around your neck!

$300 would probably be worth it, take the glass, interior, TPI, ECM, harness, Radiator (if you can), wheels, rear end if it's posi or disc, the fuel tank and fuel pump, if it's an IROC, take all four springs - wonder bar - and both sway bars. How are the doors?

 

I'll take a look at it this weekend. If it is in decent condition there will soon be a big for sale list on this board.

On the original subject. What is the best kit to get for the rebuild of the 350? I don't want to spring for aluminum heads. I would really like to get away eith spending less than $1500. My Dad had a junk 80 chev truck with a 350 in it sitting in the weeds. Not sure if it is a 4-bolt but I can get it for nothing. Would it be terrable to use a 2-bolt? I'd be happy around 300 horse out of this thing. Let me know what you guys think.
Thanks
Scott

 

300HP on 2 bolt mains is fine.

By asking for the "Best kit" you are inviting opinions which cause arguements.

For $154 you can get a rebuild kit for a 350 from Northern Auto Parts. (1800-831-0884) For $399, you get a forged piston kit with a decent cam.

Then there is Summit, and many many others out there to look at.