I have an 89 camaro with a 305tbi that i am swapping out for a 350 this week. I want to no if itll be cheaper to switch it over to carb, or keep a tbi? I no i can find a carb and intake for probably 150-200 on craigslist and everything. Basically I need to no what i would need to get for both either a carb install or tbi? i dont mind keeping in the computer if i go with carb, so would I still have to get a new distributor? or would it be better to get rid of the the computer so i dont have deal with all the sensors? if i do go with the carb how would i get the starter to still engage with the without the compy? suggestions? thank you for all responses

 

The starter has nothing to do with the computer.

 

if you take the computer off and try to start the car ntn happens. the starter doesnt kick at all.

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/carbswap

 

Any other suggestions for everything out there?

 

I think there are a number of good reasons to keep the TBI.Better programmable fuel curve for a wider mid range being one of them.

 

What all would i have to get and do if i keep the tbi?

 

Got details about the 350 you are putting in??.

 

Not yet, still havent decided which one i want. its all going to be a cheap deal, there are a few ppl around here that have em for 2-300 im going through getting all the details now and finding out which one is the best one.

 

Either a carb or TBI,that will make a difference in what to chose.Get that together and we will follow up at that point.

 

Do what? Sorry i think im confused, do you mean depending on the engine i get itll determine which application will be the best?

 

Yeah-I didn't say that very well.Depending on what 350 you get will make a difference on which carb to get or what you should do for a TBI.Sorry about that bud.

 

Lol its ok, i thought that's what you meant just wasn't just wasn't sure. ill no for sure which one im getting. stopping by the junk yard near me, they said they had a couple performance ones they let go for cheap. so im gonna head over there in between my classes and get back on here and let you no when i get the 350 and put all the spex for it up.

 

If it is a TBI 350,try to get the ecu from the donor vehicle.Detail like casting number off the back of the engine,miles on it,etc.Post that before you buy.

 

Ok, will do!

 

Ok here is what i have got, its a 350 casting is #10054727 with tb heads. didnt get the casting number off the heads head but i will do that after class tonight. I am however going to get them cleaned first before i put them on the engine. For now im gonna stick with tbi because the guy i was talking to said he has done these swaps a few times and that everything should be fine with keeping it all the same way that it already is and keep the same tbi from the and compy from the 305 for it. he said i might need to buy a chip but thats it. what do the experts say? do i need new injectors and compy and knock sensor? what about the esc and ignition coil? can i keep all the same as well?

 

Everything can stay the same except the tune. You may want to check on the injectors put on an L05 as well.

 

X2

 

Ok sounds good, what is an l05?

 

X2?

 

ok sorry it so long, the heads casting numbers are 14102193. but i still want to no what an L05 is. thanks

 

This is a great swap, however, it will not run right on the 305 computer. Imagine running a carb and ignition setting from a 305 on a 350. It will run but my was way way way rich. You need the computer out of a 91-92 maybe 93 Caprice or Roadmaster with the 350. You also need the Electronic Spark Controller or ESC from the same car and a 350 knock sensor. I also installed the larger injectors from a 350 TBI. I think they are the 61's IIRC.
I think I may have a small leak at my intake or TB but the difference from when I bought it and now are night and day. Driveability was terrible with the 305 computer, injectors, ESC. My car had a used truck engine in it when I got it.

L05 is the engine designation for the 350 TBI engine. Your original engine is/was an L03.

Good luck! And I think used all the parts I added were less than a decent used holley carb plus I am certain it will get better fuel economy with the TBI.

 

Ok thank you! I almost have it all put together now just waiting on a engine hoist and ill get it all done the night i get it. im gonna have to run everything off the 305 stuff until i get paid then ill get the computer, esc, knock sensor, and 61 ft lb fuel injectors. put them in and have it runnin pretty good.

 

If you have a vortec or even an older engine that was computer controlled it should have the correct knock sensor in the block by the passenger side oil pan rail. Don't pay too much for the computer and esc. I paid 50 plus tax for the computer and the ESC and I got the injectors from here on Thirdgen.org. I would bet you can get it all for under $100 especially if you can find the right caprice being parted. The esc on the caprice is on the passengers fender and on the 91 camaro it is the little flat square piece by the brake booster. I know where another computer is but I bet there are some dead Caprice's and their twins out there where you are!!!