Hey guys, got an '87 IROC 305 TPI Automatic. I know I don't want the 305anymore but I don't know which way to go. I'm looking to make 300+Hp at the wheels but I don't know what setup will make that easily. So basically what I'm asking is, what would be the cheapest/easiest way to make 300hp all motor? Swap in a TPI 350, Vortec, LS series, carb? Too many options and I need opinions.

 

It depends on what you want and how much work you want to do and how much money you want to spend. There is enough stuff out there to accomplish your 300+hp goal with a standard 350. Heads, intake and a cam would probably do that easily. However, I just did a LS/six speed swap in a 91 Z28 and it's just amazing. I actually have a lq4 short block, 243 heads, LS6 intake and a cam (valve train upgrade as well) and it's expected to make 400-450 at the tires. It's running on a base tune right now but going to dyno in a couple of weeks so I'll know for sure then. Anyway, your goal of 300+ should be easily attained, but my opinion, go LS power. The aftermarket is flooded with stuff for them. You could even go with a carbed LS and probably come out pretty cheap, just guessing on that one though.

 

First question, before any other....... what's your budget? We can throw all kinds of ideas out there, but if they're all out of your price range, then there isn't much point.

 

This^^^^^^

 

I'm hoping for under $2000 if possible. Is that realistic?

 

A stock replacement 350 longblock from your local parts supplier will be roughly $1000. Slap the intake and accessories of your choice onto it and drop it in. Change the cam if you want more power at a later date. You'll be surprised how much better the 350 will be compared to the old worn out 305 even in stock trim.

 

That seems like a pretty simple way of going about it. How about junkyard motor, and having it bored? Seems like it might be cheaper and I could possibly get the injectors and whatever else I might need.

 

Buying a donor running 1996 to 2000 pick-up you get it all.Once it is your car,the bonus is to scrap the donor and what's left to get back some of the money.

Oh yeah.Those are Vortex's 350's.I think the best yr was 1996.

 

Machine work isn't cheap. And, this is just me, I like to have it gone through and cleaned, checked for cracks as well as machined.

 

If you get a good 350 core for cheap, a 383 kit, machine work, some scrounging & good luck in finding the odd and ends. You might come close to your budget. I'd look around here at some of the builds before buying anything.

 

buy a used lower mileage LQ9 motor and be done with it. The longblock will run you $1,000 on average; I've seen them for cheaper, though. Spend the rest on the intake/carb setup, crossmembers/brackets, and find a set of stock headers from the yard and you'll be well on your way to finishing the project. I still think you'll go over the $2,000 mark, but it won't be by much if you do it right.

 

I like the idea of staying with the TPI. I feel like it would be the cheapest route. But would it also be easy?