Alright here is the deal: I picked up an 84 z28 305 with a t5 the PO couldn't figure out what was wrong with it so I got a good deal. After investigation I found it was the head gasket. Tore it apart and fixed it still she overheats and smokes like crazy figuring probably a bad ring. O well just a 305 no biggy. Now comes the issue I have about 2gs and some body work to do so unfortunately ls1 t56 wont happen. I am thinking either a older 327 or a 5.3 vortec?? I want to keep a 5 speed for the fun factor after all it isn't a race car. So the question is will either of these bolt up to the t5 and what mods we looking at or should I just get another lamo 305? I've always liked the 327 but ya cant change the way engines are made. Thanks for the opinions guys.

 

The 327 would bolt up as long as you have a two piece rear main seal. But if you'd be better off just doing a 350 of you're going to go through the trouble of swapping engines. The 5.3 is LS based so it isn't a direct swap and it's also not a direct fit for the T5 if I'm remembering correctly.

 

well 350 was my first choice, But I have had bad luck with a T5 behind a 350 that's why I was looking at the 327. A little smaller and a setup I haven't seen very often

 

you can pick up a 5.3 for cheap. find an ls1 intake and front accessories with a cam and you're looking at about 330rw through a t56. If you shop around for the parts you could easily do the swap for around 3g's. Then down the road you can bore it to a 5.7 and throw in a 383 stroker assembly. Now you have a forged iron block 383. plenty of power.