hey guys im 100% new to all this, but about a month ago i picked up a sweet 1984 camaro z28 and it has the original 305 in it and i want to replace it with a 350 but i cant seem to find to save my life the size of my engine bay so i can figure out if i need to modify my engine bay for a new engine. it would be amazing if you guys could help e with this. thank you

 

A sbc is a sbc is a sbc as far as external dimensions go. In other words, a lowly 1955 265 ci is the same size externally as the mighty 400 ci sbc, and any other cid in between. HTH!

 

im extremely new to the whole engine thing i used to own a 2005 acura and i had to have all the work done by a pro. im learning more and more every day but i have a 350/350hp vortec. i dont know any thing else really about this engine my dad works on cars but he is never around any more so i cant ask him. i really dont know if this will fit but this is what i have

 

Can you elaborate? When I see that my gets activated. It may be what you have, but I'd like to see more details.

Many SBCs are passed off as "350" that are actually a 305. So, that's detail #1 - are you sure it's a 350?

Many heads are called "Vortec" because they have center bolt valve covers - well, that just ain't so. Center bolt valve covers were used for 9 years before "Vortec" came out, and believe it or not, there are people out there who will prey on ignorance. "Real" "Vortec" heads have revised intake ports and manifold mount bolt pattern, and came on '96-'99 light trucks with 350s, casting numbers ending with 062 or 906. So, let's see some casting numbers.

If you really have a 350 and if it really has Vortec heads, you're on the right track. You'll need a different intake manifold because of the different configuration of the heads (there are people who claim you can modify the heads to take a "regular" intake manifold - ignore them). Other than that, you can transfer everything from the 305 to the 350 and it should run fine.

Of course, the 305 exhaust is horrible, so I'd also recommend full replacement starting with the exhaust manifolds, but that will only affect power, not whether the car will run.

 

okay well where would i find the casting numbers?
so i can get you that info

 

The block casting numbers are behind the head, usually the driver side head but sometimes the other side, on top of the bell housing casting. That will at least tell you if it is a 4" or some other size bore casting.

The head casting numbers are under the valve cover, between a couple of valves.

 

alright ill go see if i can find it and ill let you know when i do

 

no "modification" to the engine bay will need to be done but you don't give any details on what your current set up is. is that vortec engine carbed or fresh out of a suburban with all of the fuel injection equipment still on it? the 350 vortec engines never came with 350hp so either someone built this engine or your numbers are off.

Unless that 305 has something wrong in the bottom end then I would hold off on swapping it out until you have a better understanding of automotive repair and what each part and system of a car does. you should familiarize yourself with wrenching on cars by doing the smaller but very necessary repairs like replacing the shocks, struts, bushings, and any other worn out part. an engine swap is a huge job for someone who is only beginning, we've all been there.

If you spend enough time browsing through this site and reading all of the posts where highly knowledgeable members help others troubleshoot the issue they're having you will definitely learn a lot. I contribute a huge amount of my knowledge of these cars to this forum, it's filled to the brim of every single issue that these cars could ever possibly have.