I've got a 90 rs with a 305 tbi and 700r4 tranny. I'm wanting to drop a 350 crate motor in. I'm not a genius on how to work on car motors so I'm looking for something to drop in and go. I saw the 350/290 motor from GM but people don't seem to like it much. My 3rdgen is a daily driver so I'm wanting decent gas mileage. At the same time tho I want her to get up and go when needed so thinking 300 HP. I'd like to spend roughly 2-3000 on the motor. Can anyone suggest a 350/300+ crate motor for my 3rdgen? All help appreciated.

 

First, when you're swapping out an LO3 for a 350, there really isn't a "drop in". You will have to change the entire exhaust for starters. And, if you keep TBI (and for a DD, that's not a bad plan), you'll have to do some other changes (like injectors) and tuning (the TBI forum is the best place to go for that information).

As for what crate engine, this is a pretty good choice: http://sdparts.com/details/gm-goodwr...gines/12530282 . It has Vortec heads, so you'll have to get a Vortec intake manifold. But, they are readily available, and not too expensive.

With good exhaust (including headers) and good tuning, this will probably get close to 300 gross HP. Probably not 300 net HP (like the 170 HP for your LO3 is measured), but a pretty good bump up from your 305.

 

Thanks for the reply. I have a 650 holly carb set aside. Would using this carb be viable? Exhaust isn't a big issue as I'm planning to replace it from the headers back anyways. I've got some hooker headers already set aside. Any suggestions on the particular intake manifold ?

 

I suggest reading this.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tbi/...-350-swap.html

 

Viable, yes. But, for a DD, EFI makes more sense.

If you go with the crate engine I suggested, the Vortec TBI manifold, or the Performer Vortec for carb, would be fine.

 

good info there thanks skelitor.

im liking the motor u selected five7kid. price is right up my alley and if i can get 300ish hp out of her she could be the one. which would i get more HP out of? stock tbi or my holly carb? also im seeing a lot of different Performer Vortec manifolds on summit. not sure which is the correct part for what im trying to do.

 

I would suggest these guys, I get tired of writing it so I just keep it in a word doc and copy and paste it haha. The guys who go with them here have bothing but positive things to say about them.

I know of a site where you can get a remanufactured 350hp Chevy Gen I 350 with 400lbs tq, COMPLETE ENGINE with a 12,000mi 12 month warranty (or a 36,000mi 36 month warranty for $250 more). It’s called www.cmengines.com. They have a 425hp 500tq 383 for $500 more.
Anyway, if your curious, look at street performance engines.

 

I have more info that they emailed me when i inqired about the engine if you are curious.

 

since i will most likely have a shop near here put my engine in for me itd prob be best to order from somewhere like summit. while at the same time doing my best not to compromise what im looking for. i really like the motor five7kid linked. what do u think about these motors here
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/NAL-19210007/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/NAL-19244450/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/NAL-19210008/

all help appreciated

 

i really like the 3rd motor from summit that i posted. anyone had success with that motor? does it look like a motor thatd suite my needs?

 

I just bought a 350/300 crate motor for mine from Tuff Dawgs with the correct injectors for 2800. Should be direct bolt in.But you will still need to 350 knock sensors.Will let you know how the swap goes.