I was thinking about getting this motor for my car but i have two really important questions. one is will it work with the tpi setup? what will i have to do to make it work? my second question is what is the redline on this engine? ive been looking around and cant seem to find answers for these

 

or if anybody knows of any cheap crate engines? im really not looking for a horsepower monster or top of the line crap, i need a street fighter that will get me to school that i can depend on. no 383 strokers or anything like that. i just want a simple 350 that i can drop in and be done. No rebuilding no taking it machine and engine shops. it just seem to me that there is no affordable crate engine that a college or highschool kid can use on a tpi setup maybe im wrong. help me out please

 

I don't think the intake will bolt to the heads. Research that because I'm not sure. The answers are here. Otherwise it would work fine.

 

Well, let's get one thing straight first - there's no "drop in" 350 replacement for a '91 LB9. The computer won't be happy, meaning either a computer retune, or a '91 L98 tune. Also, the LB9 uses lower flow injectors than the L98, so different injectors, which won't come with a crate engine, are required.

But, you are right. There are no 350 TPI crate engines out there.

Now, let's establish a couple of things about your current engine. It has a one-piece rear main seal, and the center two intake base mount bolts on each side are at 72 degrees while the others are at 90 degrees. This is the "87-up" configuration. It also has roller lifters and a cam designed for them.

That 290 horse crate engine is two-piece rear main seal (requires a different flex plate than one-piece), all of the intake manifold mount bolt holes are at 90 degrees, and it has a flat tappet cam. In addition, it is low compression with some of the worst heads Chevrolet ever put on a 350. While you could make it "work", and it would probably have a little more power than a worn out 305, you probably wouldn't be happy with the money you spent for the end product you got. FWIW, red line is 5500, max power at 5100, but with stock TPI, max power would be at 4800.

If you are willing to make the changes to make '91 TPI work on a 350, then this is about as good a deal as you will find: http://www.rebuiltautoengines.com/ch..._4-engine.html There will be a freight charge, probably $250-$350 where you live if you pick it up at a freight dock. Plan on paying the $300 core charge because sending your core back would cost more in freight than you'd get back. When you order from them, they'll ask some questions to make sure you get what you want/need. At that time, tell them you want roller lifters (which it says), and 083 heads (which is a bit confusing, from their description). That will get you a L98 sort of engine, which would best meet your goals. You will have to use all of the tin (oil pan, valve covers, timing cover) and rear main seal carrier from your LB9. It will come with the gaskets you need.

And, for the record: No, I don't work for them, and I don't get kickbacks from them. My brothers used them a couple of times, and they worked out very well for them.