I've read through some stuff here, and it's helped a lot, thanks!

I have two projects going now, both with my father. The first is an 82 T/A that is all original and it's been decided it will stay that way, so it became a restoration project.

Now project #2 shows up. 83 T/A which needs, realistically, nothing but a drivetrain. Previous owner had an LT1/6 speed in it, which was sold, and now the car is mine. Cherry body, decent interior, came with some other parts. Old owner sold the motor, trans, and rear end out of the car. Swapped in the stock rear end, I think.

Anyway, unlike a lot of people who go more high-tech, I am planning to do a mild/moderate Chev 350/TH350 combo in this car, with a carbed engine. Basically, I can do the mechanical work with no problems, it's the wiring that's going to be the challenge.

My question is, I assume I'll have to jettison the computer, everything I read says that, but is there anything else I have to worry about? Does the computer operate or have anything to do with any of the other things in the car other than the engine/fuel management/transmission? Basically I'm looking for some help in figuring out how I can use the existing wiring harness for the motor swap. Or am I better off getting an engine harness from a 78-81 F-body or another car?

Motors, I can do.....the wiring is where I have a challenge....

Any help is appreciated. The whole dash, wiring, and lots of things are very different in this 83 as compared to the 82 I've been working on, and nowhere even close to the old 1980 Z-28 I did years ago.

Thanks so much, this site has been a great help with every question I asked.

 

You don't have to "jettison" the computer. However, it may not be there anymore if the car had an LT1 swap done to it.

Wiring a non-computer carb engine is a piece of cake - depending, of course, upon what the PO did to the original wiring. You need the two red chassis power wires on the starter with the positive battery cable, the purple start wire to the starter solenoid, switched power to the ignition (pink wire), wiring to the alternator, and it'll run. It would be a good idea to hook up the oil pressure gauge sender (tan wire), and engine temperature gauge wire (green). Most likely all of these wires are still there, or at least back at the connector in the driver side rear corner of the engine compartment.

You need to understand the state of your fuel supply. Does it have an in-tank electric pump? External in-line electric pump? No electric pump? The LT1 had an electric fuel pump somewhere, so figure out what you've got.

If I was doing a wild 350, I'd consider a TH350. But, with a mild 350, it doesn't make sense not to have overdrive.

 

I was going to go with the TH350 because I know them pretty well, rather than the 700R4. I am planning a 300-ish hp motor, nothing too wild. I'm figuring a light stall converter for the trans, keeping the subframe connectors that came with the car, and staying carbed. I already lined up a 4 bolt main 350 out of a 70's chevy truck, not sure what year the motor is, but it's getting a rebuild.

This car will only be a sunday driver/local show car, it won't be a regular driver, so I don't mind the loss of the overdrive.

Unfortunately, all my F body knowledge is pre-82, so these two cars have been a learning experience and fun.

That color code you gave me helps a lot. Thanks!!!