I've got a 1986 Camaro with the 5.0L TPI. I have had some problems with the motor and believe it needs a major overhaul. I have had it for about 11 or so years now. I have put a 700r4 stage 2 build from trans depot into it when the transmission went 8 years ago and put an Eaton positrac 3.23 rear end into it after that. I am looking to replace the motor now and would like some direction or advice.

I was looking at crate engines from Jegs and Summitracing like this one. The point I am stuck at is what will actually fit right in and if it doesn't what modifications should I be looking out for?

The plan would be to have a local auto shop put the motor in for me, but I want to be prepared and know what else I'd have to pick up before talking to them about the job as I don't want to have to keep running for this and or that if I can help it out a bit. I would also like to know this so I know what the cost will be. That will matter in whether the swap happens this summer or next.

I'm not particularly set on the motor linked above. I do want either a 350 or 383. Carb versus EFI doesn't super matter either. If someone had some advice or some literature or video series they could point me towards that would be super helpful!

Thanks!

 

This is merely a suggestion, take it as you see fit.
I wouldn't purchase the one you linked. First of all, is it a 383 or a 355? The site says both.
Flat tappet cams aren't in my vocabulary anymore. Factories stopped 25 years ago for good reason. No need to run them unless you're cheap, running a factory stock class/showroom deal or because roller isn't available for that engine.
Edelbrock carbs aren't terrible but they leave much to be desired. The manifold is neither here nor there because if you're changing to a carb intake then the sbc manifold world is your oyster. Too many available options to be saddled with that one. Not saying it's bad but you may be able to make a better choice.
The dressup kit is unnecessary and with the name Proform, it's the cheapest of quality I'm sure.
Distributor may or may not be very great, Who knows what the curve is, you can buy a much better one and at least know where your starting from.
Gaskets you can pick your own by not buying the kit.
Does that make it a bad deal? No, but you get little say so on what you're putting in the car and Jegs isn't looking out for the owner/installer, they're aiming for easy sales numbers. And that $3,900 doesn't account for a ton of incidentals like water pump, thermostat housing, hoses, exhaust etc etc etc
I like the idea of a factory made engine, roller tappet and available choices for intake (carb, EFI, sbc has a million good options for both)
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/n...make/chevrolet Would be a better pick in my eyes. (maybe not the right choice for you but it's an example) It's roller tappet, makes similar power to the 355/383?, Chevrolet built (well chevrolet backed anyway), tells you the ign curve it works well with and isn't selling you things you don't need or have better options for. Might even have a real warranty. I wouldn't run TPI with this but a stock tpi manifold isn't the best choice in most situations and other efi management systems are easier to deal with than burning chips for the factory 86 hardware.
Only a suggestion. Better options instead of the low hanging fruit.

 

Also known as the 1996-2000 L31 Vortec truck engine.

 

Right, with a hotter cam. My point in recommending it over just a standard L31 was if the OP is looking for a "preselected" package then I'm guessing they wouldn't desire selecting a cam. Vortecs and their tame factory cam including the spring mods likely required if the cam is changed seems like stuff the OP isn't interested in.

 

Thanks for the prior comment with all the good info! I have been reading a book that has some of the information you mentioned, biggest of note would be the flat tappet. I am not set on whether I go fully dress/long block/short block. Don't have many tools at this point as to why I'd probably prefer fully dressed. The ease of it sounds nice, but I also like the idea of building up the engine myself too.