305 TBI to 350 TPI
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305 TBI to 350 TPI
I own a 89 camaro, has a 305 TBI with a 5 speed manual. The 305 is about shot, so I figured I would make a nice little conversion.
I was just wondering what would be the best way to go. I want to convert to TPI simply because I find TBI very inefficient, and if I am swapping I'd like to put a little more power to it then a 305.
First off I was wondering should I just convert to a 350 with a tpi, or should I go LS1 or LT1? I am trying to factor cost in here and trying to keep as cheap as possible, not looking for any crazy power, just some fun.
this conversion as far as I can tell will take a new pump, fuel lines, ecm, and engine wiring harness.
I'd like to keep it around $1000~$1500, but I have a feeling I may go over that. (I assume for the worst)
300 torque is a happy number.
Think that about sums it up...if you need any more information to give me any advice please just ask, thanks.
Oh and one more thing, this has to pass NJ state inspection. I don't have my inspection license yet so I can't do it. and I'd like to put headers on it but I don't think it could pass if I do that. So if anyone has any tricks, much appreciated information.
I was just wondering what would be the best way to go. I want to convert to TPI simply because I find TBI very inefficient, and if I am swapping I'd like to put a little more power to it then a 305.
First off I was wondering should I just convert to a 350 with a tpi, or should I go LS1 or LT1? I am trying to factor cost in here and trying to keep as cheap as possible, not looking for any crazy power, just some fun.
this conversion as far as I can tell will take a new pump, fuel lines, ecm, and engine wiring harness.
I'd like to keep it around $1000~$1500, but I have a feeling I may go over that. (I assume for the worst)
300 torque is a happy number.
Think that about sums it up...if you need any more information to give me any advice please just ask, thanks.
Oh and one more thing, this has to pass NJ state inspection. I don't have my inspection license yet so I can't do it. and I'd like to put headers on it but I don't think it could pass if I do that. So if anyone has any tricks, much appreciated information.
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 43
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
Welcome aboard thirdgen.org.
Interestingly enough, an '89 LB9 305 TPI 5-speed had 300 ft-lb torque.
https://www.thirdgen.org/1989-chevy-camaro
There are a bunch of ways to go about this, but no matter what else you do, you need a complete TPI system - intake hardware, harnesses, sensors, ECM, etc. That can be found on eBay, in the TGO classifieds forum, from Board sponsors such as Hawks.
The 350 itself is the least of the concerns. You can hold out for an L98 longblock, put one together yourself, settle for an LO5, etc. There isn't anything particularly special about the L98 longblock, although the heads are some of the better factory 350 heads produced until the Vortecs came out.
Your current exhaust is completely inadequate. Getting that up to snuff with headers and aftermarket stuff on back is about half to most of your budget.
For your budget, forget LT1 or LS1. To start off, your T5 would be shrapnel in no time unless you baby it like it's still got the LO3 305 in it.
Interestingly enough, an '89 LB9 305 TPI 5-speed had 300 ft-lb torque.
https://www.thirdgen.org/1989-chevy-camaro
There are a bunch of ways to go about this, but no matter what else you do, you need a complete TPI system - intake hardware, harnesses, sensors, ECM, etc. That can be found on eBay, in the TGO classifieds forum, from Board sponsors such as Hawks.
The 350 itself is the least of the concerns. You can hold out for an L98 longblock, put one together yourself, settle for an LO5, etc. There isn't anything particularly special about the L98 longblock, although the heads are some of the better factory 350 heads produced until the Vortecs came out.
Your current exhaust is completely inadequate. Getting that up to snuff with headers and aftermarket stuff on back is about half to most of your budget.
For your budget, forget LT1 or LS1. To start off, your T5 would be shrapnel in no time unless you baby it like it's still got the LO3 305 in it.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 31
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Re: 305 TBI to 350 TPI
Well I figured I could buy a 350 or the like with the hardware attached to it. That or I would build it all from a short block. Which ever is cheaper is what I want. and what do you think I should do about exhaust?
All in all though if say I found a 3rd gen with the 350 TPI in it, could I not just take that out and put that one in this camaro? Should bolt right in I do believe. Then swap out the ecm, plug it in and mission accomplished? Oh and fuel pump and fuel lines. Oh and do I really have to drop the rear axle to get this fuel tank out? No way of sneaking around?
All in all though if say I found a 3rd gen with the 350 TPI in it, could I not just take that out and put that one in this camaro? Should bolt right in I do believe. Then swap out the ecm, plug it in and mission accomplished? Oh and fuel pump and fuel lines. Oh and do I really have to drop the rear axle to get this fuel tank out? No way of sneaking around?
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 43
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
Board sponsor Hawks Thirdgen sells complete take-out TPI engines, but most likely they would bust your budget.
Exhaust - Hooker 2055HKR headers (made for the '86-'90 TPI single cat application), a direct-fit cat for the same application, and a 3" cat-back of your choice for the same application.
Exhaust - Hooker 2055HKR headers (made for the '86-'90 TPI single cat application), a direct-fit cat for the same application, and a 3" cat-back of your choice for the same application.
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