So my mother was very kind to pass on her 88 camaro she has had since new. It's a 305 / automatic car with 121k miles. I have recently come into some money I wish to spend on this car which I love.

Here's the goal...

~Carbed Gen1 SBC 350 or 383
~Moderately Big Cam
~High 300's to 400HP @ the crank
~AFR heads or other quality Aluminum Heads (2.02?)
~Possible swap to MT, but most likely TH350 or TH400
~Headers
~Posi

(Car will be driven in town and to car shows and the local strip, deli , etc.)

Although the car has been properly maintained and is in excellent shape, I am concerned with the age of the suspension/springs/rear end, etc.

The goal of this post is to have my fellow third gen enthusiasts offer some advice on the wish list I have provided and ways they would accomplish this.
Also which areas of the aging suspension, etc would be smart to replace while doing the swap?

Realistically speaking I have a Max budget of 6 to 8k total.

I have considered the zz6 but realize it is rather high priced. I have also considered blueprint engines but have been scared away due to potential QC issues. I don't have a relationship with a local shop to do the work yet and don't want to be taken for a ride.

Any advice for this build is gladly accepted...although I am in Sarasota FL. My dad (34 year mechanic and hot rod nut)is in PA. and has shown interest in helping me with the swap but I am concerned with the distance particularly driving the car back 1,200 miles on a barely broken in engine. (And he is very strict regarding building and although he needs and has cars with 400+HP... (He has already stated I don't need that kind of power...so I intend of having some specs for him so he doesn't go too mild if that's the route I decide to build it with pops.) :-)

Any and all advice is appreciated. Thank you all kindly.

Matt

PS. I am new here and apologize for the lengthy post but I truly appreciate any advice offered.

 

Unless you have to have an aluminum head, a vortec headed 383 will likely accomplish your goal. That said, a new engine will suck up quite a bit of that budget. Headers and exhaust and a trans swap will put you close with out touching the suspension or posi. A budget posi swap can be done, but a new rear will blow the budget. If it's a good running car, I'd leave the drivetrain alone for now and work on the suspension. If your wanting to go fast, more cubes are better etc etc. Fun can be had with the little 305 however, especially if your looking for more cruise and less drag. Any particular reason to ditch the OD trans for a 3 speed? 383 with a th400 is a solid combo, and will run good if that's what you want. Don't think for a minute that's what you have to have for fun.

Do you plan on doing the swap on your own? If so you will save a considerable amount.

 

The only reason I mentioned doing away with the 700r4 was because I was unclear that it could withstand substantial power.

By suspension upgrades, what kind are you specifically speaking of?

Also, as for the vortec headed 383...with a big cam what would I be looking at price wise?

I would love to do the swap in Pennsylvania with my father who has built and repaired engines for years. He has shown interest in my project. I am just concerned with driving the vehicle home to Florida 1,200 miles with such a fresh build. Opinions?


How would Posi be a reality in this car without breaking the bank? If you were to do a 383/vortec setup which would be a sensible approach long block/short/crate? I like the idea of doing such a large project with my dad who is very far away as he isn't getting any younger. It would be our first and only car he has helped me with. I am just unsure how to make this happen realistically.

I appreciate your quick response and look forward to any more advice you may have for me.

Best regards.