This winter I'm planning on swapping the a 350 in place of my 305. I want to keep the TPI setup, or at least avoid carbing it. I've found a nice 350 thats already been done .030 over. Will any 4 bolt 350 work or do I need a specifc block? I think that all of the TPI equipment will work except for the fuel rail and injectors but can anyone confirm that? Also can I have a custom PROM burned or do I need a whole new computer. Its 20 years old so I don't need to worry about emission testing.

I'm also looking at going Vortec heads or a low cost aftermarket. Thoughts?

Thanks

 

Possible differences between your 305 and "any ol' 350":

'88-later heads - self-aligning rocker arms (round push rod holes in the heads)
'87-later blocks - roller lifters and associated cam (except trucks through '95, which had flat tappet lifters in the same blocks used in passenger cars).
'86-earlier heads - center two intake mount bolts are same 90 degree angle as the rest (your center two intake mount bolts are at 72 degrees).
'85-earlier blocks - 2-piece rear main seal.
'79-earlier blocks - dipstick on driver side.
'74-earlier heads - soft exhaust valves and seats (leaded fuel).
'68-earlier heads - no bolt holes in the ends of the heads for mounting accessories (usually not a problem, since 350's really came into production in '69).

'87-later heads fit on '86-earlier blocks and vice versa.

Vortec heads fit all Gen I SBC blocks. However, they require a unique intake manifold.

Rear main seal type and dipstick location affect the pan as well. As long as you match the pan to the engine block type, most factory pans fit in 3rd gens.

 

Found this for $375

350cu in. cylinder heads - complete with stock camshaft, valve train, roller lifters, pushrods and head bolts. **
***
Removed from a 1999 - 5.7Litre L31 engine with 70,000 km's. **

Figured another 200 for a block and I'm good to go. Saw they had a dual plane, polished vortec intake for $114 on eBay by KJM performance. Anybody every try it?

 

Keep in mind that those heads, which are Vortec heads, need a specific intake manifold to work with TPI. It doesn't flow that well, and by the time you pay for the intake, the money you spent could have just gone toward conventional aftermarket heads.

However, aftermarket heads + stock TPI base vs. Vortec heads + Vortec TPI base could be a toss-up.

 

Ok so I'm thinking my budget is about $2000 for this winter. I am not trying to make a 400 hp monster. Just a nice all around car that will still tear *** at the track against my dad's Grand National.

So here's my plan. I want to start ordering parts so please give me some feedback.

$100 350 block from the local classifieds
$375 for the vortec heads and valve train listed above
$250 for nice 1.5 roller rockers
$140 for the vortec intake (ebay part#220645607321)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Intak...Q5fAccessories

The specs for the L31 cam are:
Intake Duration @ .050: 191
Exhaust Duration @ .050: 196
Intake Lift (w/1.5): 414
Exhaust Lift (w/1.5): 442
Intake Lift (w/1.6): 428
Exhaust Lift (w/1.6): 457
Lobe Separation: 111
Intake Duration @ .050: 191
Exhaust Duration @ .050: 196
Intake Lift (w/1.5): 414
Exhaust Lift (w/1.5): 442
Intake Lift (w/1.6): 428
Exhaust Lift (w/1.6): 457
Lobe Separation: 111

Thoughts on this cam vs a $200 Lunati or Comp?

This setup leaves me about a grand for TDS subframe connectors, Koni yellows, springs. What else would I need to make this work other than the 350 PROM?

The 350 I found was pulled from a 1 ton van. Currently has a TBI setup

 

And i'm planning on an upgraded clutch. Can't afford the t56 til next year