EDIT - Found this awesome thread:
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/engi...31-r-swap.html

So I suppose my real question here, is.... is a $3500 budget realistic to get the swap done and the car running and driving? I would do all labor myself. So $3500 woulld need to cover the L31, intake base, headers, any other parts and accessories that I would need to get the car back on the ground and running....

Original post:

Transmission is out for a rebuild because I blew it up.

So while it's out, I was thinking of pulling off an engine swap before spring rolls around.

I am looking at the $1899 L-31 Vortec long block on Jegs, it's the HD one which I believe has the 4-bolt mains and the forged crank. There's also a 2-bolt L31 for $100 less.

I know I will need a new Vortec TPI base. I also know I'll be doing headers and a new Y. Car already has new 22-lb injectors in it from the previous owner.

What else will I need to purchase to get this swap done? I know I will need a ECM from a 350, or have mine reflashed. My LB9 is running good and I can pull anything that will work on the L31 off of the LB9.

Doing all labor myself, what would a reasonable budget be for the complete swap? I have about $3500 to work with.

Thanks!!!

 

And what would be the best drop in roller cam swap for the L31? I don't want to have the heads machined so I think I would be limited to .480 at the very most, and that would require verifying clearance.

 

Talking to myself here

I'm at $3947 for the following parts:

L31 Motor
SDPC Vortec TPI Intake base
Reprogrammed Computer (P4 Flash)
Hooker Headers & Y Pipe
LT4 Hot Cam (.492 lift, 279/287 duration)
LS6 valve springs and retainers
intake bolts
5/16 Header bolts
intake & header gaskets.

So I'm thinking it will be around $5k by the time the engine is in the car and running. No way to do it with headers and a cam swap for anywhere near $3500....

Still don't know what I'm going to do, maybe start the build a little at a time.

 

I'm planning anL31 swap myself and I figure spending $4500. I've been buying parts and setting back a couple years. Some I may or may not use. Thinking staying TBI L31 with an 049 TPI cam, hooker headers, just a nice strong cruiser.