Currently, I have a LG4/700R4 setup. I'm looking at doing my first engine swap to a 350/unknown tranny (I emailed the guy asking - hasn't got back to me yet, ill update this when he does). Its only $250 right near me. Seems like a good deal.

Fuel delivery questions - since my LG4 is a carbed engine, what all would I have to replace to go to a TPI setup? Is it even worth it? Would I have to replace anything in the fuel system if I went to a carbed 350 instead?

Tranny question - if this transmission is a different auto transmission, would I have to change anything? (such as driveshaft, rear end, shifter, console, etc.)

Misc - is there anything else I would have to change such as front springs, etc.?

Please, any info is appreciated as this is my first engine swap.


PS - from all the threads I've already read, it seems like five7kid is the pro on this subject, so I figured I'd try to get your attention

 

five7kid will tell you that you're practically a felon for not switching to fuel injection, but I say you should just switch to carb. If you dont have money to throw around on a decent aftermarket fuel injection (You can do a carb intake + EFI throttle body + fuel rails for around $1k, but you need a new fuel pump, regulator, and ECM you have to tune to run it. BIG_MODS uses a setup like that for his car) just put a carb on it.

you're most likely better off keeping the 700r4. You like your overdrive and being able to cruise at 70 mph (in the approriately posted areas for such speeds) on the freeway you should keep the 700r4. If the new one is a 700r4 keep it as a spare. If it's a GM block it will bolt up, and it's better to stay with what's stock unless you need to change it - saves a lot of money and work.

Tell us about this engine. You MIGHT be better off rebuilding it/upgrading it before you drop it in. $250 for an engine and trans is decent but dont expect to be able to just drop it in as-is and be satisfied. Even your lowly LG4 compares pretty well to some of the more common 70s 350s.

 

Buy a donor truck.A donor swap from 1996 to 2000 seems practical using all the donor parts to complete the swap and adding the go fast parts at some point later.

 

First step is to find out what the motor and trans are. For all you know, it could be some late 70s boat anchor that makes less power than your 305. Likewise, your 700r4 is a better trans for a mild 350 than almost any trans that's likely to be part of a $250 package. As others have said, a 96-00 vortec 350 is a solid and cheap way to go. Slap an intake and carb on it and you're rollin'.

 

Don't worry about what the trans is; if the one you have works, stick with it.

Similarly, don't even BOTHER with TPI; while FI in general might be a way to go, TPI is NOT.

Since you have the LG4, your carb, intake, fuel pump, and every other piece, will botl right onto that 350. IMO that would be the best thing to do.

Keep in mind too, in used motors, you tend to get, AT BEST, what you pay for. Meaning, you're looking at a motor AND trans for $250; you're getting, AT BEST, $250 worth of .... something. Do you honestly think it's going to be SO good that it's worth dropping $$$$$large on external bolt-ons? My bet will be, it's a "rebuilt" "rebuilder" turd that's already been overheated a couple of times (look for the one freeze plug on it somewhere with a funny rivet-looking thing, with something looking like it's oozed out) and now smokes, leaks, and otherwise is on its last leg.

Which is NOT to say, don't buy it; only, BE REALISTIC. You're most likely buying a CORE, not a MOTOR. If it runs at all, don't expect much; and hang onto whatever cash you have, against the inevitable need for further service. Re-use AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE of what you've got because any cash you let go of frivolously or unnecessarily, YOU WILL REGRET sooner or later.

Yes I've been buying used motors for A LONG TIME; probably since well before your daddy was a gleam in your grandma's eye. I've seen it before. OTOH, if it turns out that you've got a better deal than that, then AFTER enough time has gone by to determine that, THEN and ONLY THEN, consider spending money modding it.

 

five7kid would say, "Since you have an LG4, use the induction currently on the 305 when you swap in the 350."

Ditto on the tranny you now have. It'll be fine behind the typical 350.

To say any more, we'd have to know more about what you're getting.

 

Thanks for all the replies. I would like to know more about what I'm getting now too...no reply on the email yet. This is the ad: http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ313799026

As I'm sure you can see, not much info. BUT, the fact that he said "many other parts are available" make it seem like it could very well be a full drop-in.

EDIT: I'll add post here when I get more info.

 

Why not start work on the 350 while you still run the 305 in your car. That way you can take a peek in it, see what it needs, and freshen it up before you put it in your car. I say build it up while its out of the car and then swap it when its complete and to your liking. Might actually end up saving you some work. I'd use the money first towards repairs and parts that NEED swapping before slapping a brand new intake, carb, and cam on a turd.

As for tranny, use what you got. I can't imagine you getting anything better for the price your paying. Also you wont need a new driveshaft/crossmember or any work to yours if you stick with what you got.