gsxrfann

I am wanting to take the factory 305 out of my 1988 camaro. I am going to put in a carbed 350, headers, a turbo 350, and I am at a total loss as to where to begin and what is needed.
My plan is to leave the factory air on the car. With all of the smog junk on there I dont know where to start.
Does anyone have any videos showing how to pull the factory motor out? I looked on you tube and couldnt find any.
Is there anything special I will have to do with the tranny swap? I am also going to put in a new 4 row radiator for cooling issues.

ANY help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!!!

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

A Haynes manual is sufficient for engine removal.

The only emissions equipment that could possibly affect this swap is the A.I.R. pump removal (which isn't legal, but neither is putting a carb on an '88), which will affect the belt routing. Plenty of posts about what to do for that.

Why a TH350? Fine for a track-only car, but is that what you're planning on with this swap? Assuming your "auto" transmission is a TH700R-4, and you plan on street driving, keep the TH700R-4 and do the "usual" modifications to it. If you do the TH350, you're going to have to change the transmission crossmember, rig up or buy a swap mount for the torque arm, and get a longer driveshaft (unless your TH350 is the 9" tailshaft housing version - not likely, but possible).

Any particular reason why you're thinking of doing a swap to carb? What are your planned uses for the car?

gsxrfann

It would be too expensive to get fuel injection like what I would need. I like carbs because they are easier to work on should I have any issues down the road. My intentions for the the car are to make it into a pro street car which will see a lot of time on the track and street as well. I like going to cruise ins and stuff like that. Eventually the 350 will come out for something much bigger, that is why I was thinking about the TH350. But you are right, the 700 will do for now if I put a manual valve body in it. I ran it at the track like it is in stock form and the stupid thing wouldnt shift (except when IT wanted to). I am going to keep my A/C as well. This should be a neat project if I can ever get it figured out. I would like to be able to take the computer and throw it in the trash and go totally old school, but I do not know what all the computer controls.
But I am open to ANY suggestions!!!!

Restrorob

iTrader: (7)

I'm doing a like swap except from 5 speed to TH350, there are many threads on here on this subject. I found all the info I needed by searching and reading.....

Restrorob

iTrader: (7)

I've got 35+ years under my belt as a tech work'n on carbbed vehicles, I'm too old to learn monkeying around with EFI and frankly don't want to.....

gsxrfann

I am going to bolt on all of my accessories, but I want to get rid of the computer stuff.

gsxrfann

Man, I just started seriously looking under the hood and it is scary under there! Why do they put so much crap in there? I am starting to have doubts about doing this myself, but I would love to be able to do it and say "Hey, look what I did".

Restrorob

iTrader: (7)

Ha!

Look under the hood of new vehicles, they do it to keep owners from fool'n with them. They don't want people monkeying around with the emissions.....

gsxrfann

When I get done there will be no emissions left on the car except i did leave it to where i can bolt up my cat if needed for a visual....lol

cosmick

Forget the ancient, lame TH350. I've had them fail just cruising the interstate at 65 MPH, first gear isn't low enough, there's no OD, and the converter doesn't lockup in most of them. They're not even strong like the identically-geared TH400, which became the 4L80E by adding OD and lockup.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

I've got 45+ years under my belt, I haven't owned a vehicle with a carb for over 5 years. Not looking back. EFI is easier than working on carbs, in my opinion.

Ditto was cosmick said about the TH350. They can be built to take a lot of power and abuse, but that would cost more than to fix whatever is wrong with your TH700-R4. If you spend significant time on the street, overdrive is very nice to have, especially with a high-stall torque converter. Building it is really the least expensive option. If you eliminate all computer controls, all you need to operate it is a proper TV cable geometry bracket on the carb throttle arm, and a means to lock up torque converter clutch (kit, or manual switch).

The emissions stuff (including wiring) will all unbolt/unhook and lift out. If you're intimidated looking at it under the hood, I'm a little concerned about you tackling this swap.

(Just noticed your user info says TBI - not the best performance system, but it can be made to work. Admittedly an aftermarket system would be better, but pricey - however Holley and MSD are doing more with complete TBI EFI systems now that look pretty decent.)