Can I build a 350 TPI out of any 350 block and my 305 TPI components. Yes I know there are certain things that will need changed but for the major TPI components is possible? Want a 350 TPI and can't find any complete engines around me. Should I use 350 or 305 heads?

 

Nope. You'll need a 350 made between 87-95. A few reasons:

1. You need a 1 piece rear main seal engine. 2 piece rear main seal engines will require an adapter to hook up to your transmission.
2. The center intake bolt angles are different on the heads of 87-95 heads compared to pre-87 heads. Your TPI intake will not fit on pre-87 heads, nor will it fit on 96-02 vortec heads.
3. Your car probably has a roller cam instead of flat tappets.

 

To make a 350 engine compatible with your TPI setup you will need to use the 350 heads from an 87-95 engine because of the bolt hole angles.

If you use an older 2 pc rear main seal block it will work but you will most likely want to run a flat tappet cam which IS possible but not optimal since the 350 TPI came with a roller.

There is no adapter necessary to mate the transmission as far as I know, I never have when installing an older block, correct me please if I am wrong.

 

So if I get a block between 87'-95' everything will switch over?

 

You will need a long block with the heads or to find a 350 set from those years but yes. Then you will need the 350 specific parts (ESC, knock sensor, EPROM, Injectors) for the engine and your TPI parts will bolt on.

 

Awesome thanks guys! I'm not very familiar with TPI systems. Normally I would just slap an old carb. 350 in there to do away with all the computer bullshit but these cars Are getting harder And harder to find I kinda just want keep it somewhat original and keep it as a nice cruiser/show car.

 

I wish I could just find a complete 350 TPI but that seems impossible around me..

 

Disagree. Here's why:
1. That only changes the flexplate. A '82-'85 3rd gen V8 replacement flexplate will bolt to any 2-piece rear main seal 350 ('68-'85), and the '89 torque converter will bolt to it.
2. That's easy to modify to fit earlier heads. Or, get an aftermarket base that accommodates either type. True that the '89 base won't fit Vortec heads, but, just get a Vortec base. Also true that '89 305 heads are better than 95% of factory 350 heads (Vortec excluded).
3. True, but that doesn't affect whether or not TPI will fit or work with an earlier block. '85-'86 TPI had flat tappet cams.

Bottom line: The block doesn't determine whether or not the TPI will "fit" or "work". Yes, the '87-up roller lifter blocks tend to be better (both for the roller lifter cam and overall quality). The '96-'99 "Vortec" light truck engines tend to be better - better heads, roller lifters, etc. - but do require an aftermarket base.