ive recently bought a 91 camaro z28, its pretty much stock. 305 v8 auto. i wannna put a 350 in it. is there a reference where i can find out what exactly i will need for the swap? and im also interested in switching it to an manual at a later time. woul dit be more benificial to just change it to auto now? im a thirdgen newbie and in love with the car. im setting aside an entire weekend to get this done if its poosible in that time frame. so any references or parts list that anyone knows about would be sweet! thanks

 

Welcome aboard thirdgen.org.

The main thing you need is a 350. Have you identified one to buy/install?

Does your car have a single cat or dual cats? If single, plan on changing out the entire system, as it is restrictive. If dual cats, it's the same system the factory used on 350's.

You will need 350 injectors (22 lb was used by the factory for 350's), and computer tuning.

 

it has duel cats. and im still researching engines im trying to find one between 1 or 2 thousand

 

It's really pushing your budget, but I'd suggest the GM 12530282 as a strong first choice, at $2200. It will require changing your intake base, adding another $400, but is a cam and tune away from 357 HP (at 5200 rpm) and 416 ft-lbs (at 4200 rpm).
My second choice has really sucky heads, but gets you the right basics at the right price. $1949 and doesn't require any intake other than what you should already have. GM part number 12513151. if you want the 3 year / 100,000 mile warranty, it's still a good choice. You'll probably see 220 horses at 4000 rpm and 330 ft-lbs at 2800 rpm from it with TPI attached to it. It'll be all done by 4500.

 

i think my budget is just me wishing so far ive noticed that most engines are over 2k so and an extra five hundred isnt a big deal, ill have to check those out. now i just need to know where i can get these engines =P
oh and its a small block not positive if that makes a huge difference or not

 

It's better to be driving any 350 third gen than to suffer a 305 or worse, a non-running third gen.
For closer to that $1000 mark, try www.lkqcorp.com. You should be able to find a '96-up Vortec 350 near you, and get it with lkq's guarantee.
AAMidwest sells these for $500 for just the long block, and that's still a reasonably safe way to go.
You can find these at your local Pick-N-Pull or equivalent for around $150, and they do offer exchange policies, but it's a bit more of a risk.
Wrenching newbs should pay more up front, experienced mechanics should use the pull it yourself yards.
If you are pulling it yourself, any of the '87-up truck 350 short blocks ( without heads ) are a fine starting point.
If you get one, try to find one with dished pistons that are not chamfered around the perimeters. Then try to find a set of '081 heads if you can't find Vortec. The 193s are NOT performance heads, and it's better to use 416s, but 193s are what come on that second crate engine I listed earlier.
If you do get an '87-up truck 350, it'll accept the roller lifters that you should already have. They can be reused, and are typically good for 300,000 miles when used with cams having mild ramps. This does not include any COMP cam lobe designed in the last 10 years. You can use used roller lifters with these cams, but your lifter life will be short. probably no more than another 20,000 miles past whatever they are now.

 

Hi,
When you say computer tuning,

Does this mean a new ECM or a chip upgrade?

Thank you