Hello everyone, I am new to this forum as I just bought an 84 Camaro w/stock 5.0 lg4 & 700r4. Obviously its a pretty doggy setup stock, so I'm thinking the best option for me would be to do a 350 swap. From what research i have already done it seems the easiest and most cost efficient thing for me would be to find a good used vortec 350 from a 96-98 truck to swap. I am planning on keeping it carbed and from what I understand if I can keep the stock cc carb if i get a performer vortec intake for the 350? Or would it be a better idea to get an aftermarket carb with vac adv distributor? Do i need to worry about changing anything else, Besides replacing restrictive lg4 exhaust system, or will everything else bolt right up and be good to go..? Any other suggestions? Any help is appreciated, thanks!

 

the stock carb system will work fine on the vortec motor. you'll lose EGR but that's not really an issue with the vortec heads. stock TPI sized exhaust will work well. you won't be able to install the rearmost mounting bolt for the right exhaust manifold but I've had no issues with exhaust leaks without it.

 

Thanks for the reply, sounds easy enough, just a matter of getting a good vortec for a decent price. Anything else i should know about doing this swap?

 

Along with what naf posted:

Flex plate/flywheel needs to be changed to a one piece rear main seal like the later f bodys got.

Fuel system needs to be modified. The vortec motor does not have provisions for the mechanical pump.

Melonized distributor gear to match the roller cam the vortec comes with.

 

What did you do to modify the fuel system? And a flywheel from a 87 and up fbody 350 would work?

 

I am still vasalating on a fuel system setup. Probably an intank setup like the stock fuel injected cars.
Yes the 87 up flexplate will work fine. The bolt patern is different so you cant screw it up

 

Gotchya, so did you swap over all the accessories with the v belt pulleys and harmonic balancer from the lg4 as well?

 

I have a crate l31r i ordered from jegs sitting on a stand at the moment. Everything will transfer from the L69 that I have except for the alternator bracket (using an air gap style manifold) flywheel and fuel pump. The new engine has an 8" balancer that will stay on it.

 

using a rear mounted external fuel pump in conjunction with the stock in-tank 'helper' pump through the stock fuel lines, through a stock style fuel pump.

the mech pump is not driven but provides fuel return through the stock lines.

the accessories will swap over using the performer vortec for spread bore carbs, although the TVS for the evap system cannot be mounted in the manifold due to the orientation of the stock water neck. It can, however, be installed into the boss on the water neck that was used by the EFE TVS. I value the EVAP more than the EFE.