Looking to start this project here in the next few months, looking for advice and tips. This engine / transmission a good combination? A little of a newbie if you will. Any and all advice and or recommendations are appreciated!

 

The money you would waste on a stroker would go a lot farther with a turbo. The T56 you would need, from a 98-02 Z28, is scarce, in high demand, not cheap, and not that strong. Better to do a used 4L80E with a TransGo HD2 kit, and a 4.3 converter from a 97 C2500 van. All readily available, cheaper and stronger, plus less work.

 

you will want to upgrade the from the stock rear to something stronger. If you drive on the street most of the time that will help keep the 10bolt alive longer.

 

Cosmick: I like your suggestion of a turbo instead of stroker kit. With the transmission though, I had wanted a manual tranny. The 4L80, although some people have converted them to automatic, seems to be a bit of a task! Am I wrong?

Yaj: Yeah, I do plan on upgrading the rear end! That is one thing I almost know nothing about however, suggested gear ratios, rear ends, etc?

 

Aftermarket 12bolt should be strong enough. Are you going to use a T56 or an automatic. The gears have to be matched to the powerband of the engine you are using. Do you have specs on the cam?

 

I realize I'm jumping in a little late here, but by "GEN III", are you talking about the car, or the engine?

 

I've been looking at a similar swap for my 84 HO TA 5spd. I am considering a GM crate ZZ6 or 383, and keeping the stock trans/rear end for phase 1. Poor thing has been off the road for 20 years!

 

wanting to use the T56. I would prefer manual and seems to be one of the best, still available manual tranny's out there. Any other manual suggestions? Also, no I do not have the specs on the cam, still in the researching phase. Trying to find the best bang for the buck!



The car. 1988.



Yeah, the more I look into it and whatnot looking like a built 350 would be around the same price and sometimes a little more HP. Not sure though.

 

I guess I didn't abuse my 10 bolt enough...or I have been real lucky. At least 300 passes at the track (and who knows how many by the previous owner). Most of those passes in the low 12's and high 11's. Never a single failure. It is an auto, so that helps.


If you are looking for a driver, I would do the 383 and the T56. You'll be happy. If you are trying to build a drag car, then the 282/T56 combo is not the best course.

 

Looking for something to mainly drive around with a few possible track passes... recommend 383/T56 combo over 350/T56 combo?

 

If you have to rebuild the engine, go 383 (same cost). If you find a good-running 350, go with the 350. I had no trouble getting my IROC into the 11's with a lowly 350.