Im putting a new motor in my 85 TA this winter. As of now im planning on gettin the economy 350 from gm for $1900. This will be my first engine, if anyone has a suggestion or a better place to get an engine PLEASE let me know. I dont want to regret my choice or end up spending to much.
Thanks.

 

not a bad choice if you're on a budget. And its certainly a few steps up from that 305... You can never go wrong with a 350.

 

lookk for ATK PERFORMANCE gotta nice build from there

 

thats what I'm running as a replacement for my 305. so far so good. I really want to mod it though, mines stock except headers and a intake manifold

 

Now im looking at a turnkey 350 from phoenix engines. price is 2800. seems like a good deal 330hp. Anyone know about them?

 

gonna check them out, thanks.

 

so are you doing away with your ecm and doing an old school carb set up? You're doing right in looking into different places and checking the best deals, just know that some turn key engines still require additional parts for you to buy... Are you mechanically inclined? Can u drop this engine in yourself? cuz if you cant then it'll cost more money for labor.

I remember when i first started turning wrenches i never researched as much as i should have. Ended up getting nickel n dimed week after week. Research is the best advice.

if you are knowledgeable then i would probably recommend some 350 builds that are stickied thoughout this site... you can build what you want, how u want it.. good luck!!

 

Just put a 350 longblock under your stock carb. Upgraded exhaust would be a plus, though.

 

Thanks guys. I am doing the swap with a guy i work with who is a good mechanic. I am just trying to get the most out of my budget. (around $3000) next year is paint and body. Im also trying to make sur we get everything done right, like the right headers and such. I also want a better rear end. I heard it was pretty easy to change the pumkin to posi but i just started looking into it. im worried if i leave it stock itll need rebuilt anyway. Apreciate any advice...

 

depending on how much power your new engine makes, you may have to also consider upgrading trannys as well. i dont remember if by 1985 they started using the 700r4's.. i know earlier third gens had the 200c... dont mean to add to your to-do list by the way.

 

'83 was the last year for the TH200C and the first year for the TH700R-4.

Headers: Hooker 2055HKR's. The rest of the exhaust should be changed out as well. Get stuff for the '86-'90 TPI single cat application (which is what the 2055's are).

Pumpkin - You need to set up the carrier when you change it out. Takes special tools. Or, you can get a complete posi rear and change out the whole thing (which isn't too hard). Or, you can get a posi conversion like a Power Trax (also not too hard - can be done with common hand tools).

 

My tranny is fine i think. Getting a complete possi rear is pretty pricey aint it? The power-trax conversion sounds interesting, im gonna look into that.

 

i have this since march....

http://high-performance-engines.com/...duct_Code=HP32



great motor for the price so far....

 

A complete used rear often costs less than an aftermarket posi carrier or PowerTrax alone.

 

ok thanks. If i have the 3.08 or 3.23 rear end should i change?

 

not unless you plan on drag racing... if so then i'd go with something higher, like 4.11s