I searched, and I couldn't find what I need. I have an 84 trans am, and I may swap my 305 for a new gm 350. Is there a basic write up that takes me through the steps of doing this? I assume that the 350 will fit in the existing motor mounts and link to the transmission with no modifications, but I don't know for sure. Will the belt driven accessories mount on the 350 just like the 305?

 

so long as the heads on your new motor have the same holes on the front as your old motor does
Other than that a straight R/R swap ,blocks are identical.
You don't state what year you have and what year your new motor i?
Will need a flexplate / flywheel to suit your new engine

 

Yes, you'll want to swap to a 350 starter or mini starter too. And you'll probably have to change to headers to clear the dipstick more than likely being on the driver's side instead of passenger side. I did a swap on the same year camaro a few years back and it's pretty straightforward other than that.

 

The dipstick is only an issue if the 350 (or any SBC, for that matter) is '79 or older.

3rd gen 305's and 350's used the same starter. If you use a 153-tooth flexplate, the 305 starter will be fine. Assuming the block isn't so old that it isn't drilled for it, that is.

 

Starters are the same for any smallblock as long as you have a stock 153 tooth flywheel or flexplate. Even a stock lt1 starter will fit.

The exhaust will bolt up fine too. The hardest part of the swap is going to be providing the correct amounts of fuel and spark. Either changing the intake or programming the ecm or swapping to carb etc.

 

Externally the 305 and 350 are identical, subject to year-to-year changes. Therefore all the mounts, accessories, transmissions, starters, and so on, will swap right over, given the right choice of 350. But even using a different one, most of the differences are easy enough to overcome.

Get yourself a 350 and come back and ask what that particular 350 needs adapted, if anything, to fit in your particular car. Personally I'd suggest as new of one as possible, whch would be 96-2000; that will come with the good Vortec heads, a new block with FAR better quality control than the 70s blocks you find laying around, less general old-age wear and tear, and the factory roller apparatus so you can get that benefit for cheeeep. For that motor, the only adaptations you'll need are a flywheel or flex plate for 86-up, an outboard fuel pump, and a Vortec intake manifold. Everything else about it is a drop-in.

 

I just wanted to clarify that the heads used will affect the accessory mounting. Make sure yours has accessory holes.

 

i am also swapping out my old worn 305 tpi in my 85 Z28 for a turn key crate motor, 350 probably. my question is about the ecm? do i even need it? how do i hook up the distributer? or do i hook up everything i can and eliminate the left over wires?
I'm eliminating the TPI and going with a carb. do i need a different fuel pump?
what about the trans? its a 700r4, doesn't it get its shift points from the ecm?