Hey all,
I'm a member of a team the runs a 1989 Camaro in the 24 Hours of LeMons races. (http://www.24hoursoflemons.com if you don't already know.)

We abused the hell out of our old 305 TBI last race and we now face a decision. We can either repair what we've got or take the plunge on a 350. I'd like to do the 350, but I'm on a very tight budget. We can't spend more than $325 on the car before the next race to comply with the whole $500 dollar car thing. As a result, I don't think we can afford to convert to TPI. Therefore I have some questions:

What vehicles would make suitable donors for 350 TBI engines?

Would a 350 make a stock 3rd gen 5-speed transmission cry tears of blood?

If not, what would I have to do to a 350 TBI to make it fit my crappy transmission?

Do I need to do anything special to bolt a 350 TBI in there or will my current fuel setup, etc. work with it?

If I found a 4th gen drive train or parts of it, would it bolt up?

Thanks in advance.
Pictures of of our devil Camaro on the track are here: http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j317/emattson1/
-Monty

 

If you just bolt in a stock LO5, it should be easy, and survive. The '88-'92 LO5 found in C1500 pickups was rated 210 HP at 4000 rpm, and 300 ft-lbs, while your LO3 was rated 170 HP. So it'd be a small improvement.
If you were doing this near a pull-your-part salvage yard, then fitting it in your budget would be easy. Just get the long-block, the injectors, and the computer. That's all you need. You can keep your LO3 flywheel, starter, and everything else.
Your T5 is already the best stock version.

 

LO5 from a pickup like posted with the old TBI harness and a tune or find a cheap quadrajet and carb it

 

Avoid clutch dumps & the WC(88+, iirc) T5s live quite happy behind 350s.

For a stronger 4th gen part...Grab a full rear axle. Bigger/better rear brakes (if you need stopping power) & a stronger/better rear differential/posi section.

 

K, so '88-'92 or so 350 TBI truck engine.
Will I need a different bell housing on the transmission?
Will a gen 4 rear end bolt up or will I need to change something to mate it to the existing drive shaft?

 

i run a wct5 behind mine. no bellhousing change just a 153 tooth 1piece rear main fly wheel. like 50$ at shucks,

got mine out of a 91 chevy 4x4. then put the 416 heads (194's/150's valves) ported polished. then typital cam lifters,intake,timing chain, all new gaskets.