I've got a 1984 Trans Am with a 305 LG4 engine. Of course, the blistering acceleration of that 305 just doesn't cut it. I'm looking for more power, and I'd like to start with a 350! What do you guys think would be most cost effective route between finding a 350 block and building my own engine, or just buying a ZZ4 or other emissions legal crate engine swap? I have to abide by California smog laws, and this is my major roadblock. Any ideas?

 

i'd say after you consider all things, parts and labor, or your time the crate engines will always be the better bargin.

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ICON Motorsports
1st & 3rd
MM Black Diamond 538 F&AM

 

GMPP has a kit that is made to swap in a 350 ZZ4 into Camaros originally equipped with an LG4 or L69 from '82-'87. The kit comes with a air cleaner (dual snorkel), all new exhaust (I believe it's Flowmaster) a Q-Jet calibration kit, trans shift improvement parts, stronger rear control arms, and a complete set of technical instructions. Look in the GMPP catalog or call 800/577-6888 for the nearest dealer.

I just copied all of this out of the Oct, 2001 issue of CHP. The engine is rated at (with all this stuff on it) 308 FWHP. It is 100% CARB accepted. I vagely recall it being around $3K. But for all that, and emissions legal in Cali, how can you go wrong. Plus it's got the GM Parts warranty. I would assume that it'll work in a Fire-Chicken also.

Find out. Then compare it to all the stuff that ede pointed out. I bet the overall cost is about the same, or probably cheaper. Plus you won't know if all the stuff you do yourself will pass emissions. Isn't America great???!!!

AJ

 

More like $4400 plus tax and shipping.

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82 Berlinetta, orig V-6 car, now w/86 LG4/TH700R4. 2.93 limited slip. 2-1/2" cat-back, ZZ3 intake, Accel HEI SuperCoil. AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Daily driver, work-in-progress (LG4 w/'87 LB9 block, ZZ3 cam, ported World 305 heads, Hooker 2055 headers, 3" Catco cat & 3" cat-back, Spohn SFCs).
57 Bel Air, my 1st car. '66 396, 9.7 CR forged TRWs, Weiand Action+, Holley 750VS w/4150 conversion, GK 270 cam, Magnum rockers, Jacobs Omnipack, 1-3/4" Hedders & 3" Warlocks, TH400 w/TCI Sat Night Special conv & Trans-Scat shift kit, MegaShifter, 3.08 8.2" 10-bolt w/Powertrax, AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Idles smooth @ 600 RPM in D. Best 15.02/95.06 @ 5800' Bandimere (corrected 13.93/102.4 @ sea level).

 

I saw that too, and five-seven's right; it's about $4500. That sucks, but I know the ZZ is at least a good platform to build from.

 

I've done the search and rebuild. But if I'd have to do it again it'll definately be a crate engine!!!
Eliminate the hassles...!

 

Well if you wanted, maybe you can just get the ZZ4 and the carb calibration kit. You don't have to buy the other stuff until later. I guess I shouldn't make any guesses on cost. I'll just be wrong.

Well I guess I'll take a risk here. If you took the exhaust, the dual snorkel air cleaner, the trans kit, and the control arms outta the cost, then it might put you closer to $3K. You know that those items don't have any effect on emissions, so they really aren't needed. Then you can upgrade to them later, or use a open element air cleaner, different ex setup, etc. Just take it easy on your trans until you upgrade it.

AJ

EDIT: Opps, caught myself. The new exhaust does come with a new catalytic converter, so you may want to upgrade that just to pass the sniffer.

[This message has been edited by AJ_92RS (edited September 03, 2001).]

 

I'm about to start my first build up on a 400 small block. I have never done either the crate engine, or build a new engine, but i have plopped a truck 350 in my trans am. I cant really speak for either side, but i would say, from an asthetic point of view, I would like to build my own car. Dropping in a turnkey crate engine seems like the easy way out, for people with the dough. THis also may be because im broke as a joke (also 17 years old), and cant afford to have someone put in the hours for me. Just my .02.
jeff