EDITED: I'm slightly changed thread topic to needing advice on my 350 build plan. >> https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/774557-looking-advice-my-350-a.html#post6411478

 

1. There's no need to ruin your vehicle by installing a carburetor. The TBI is plenty capable of the power you desire. Regardless you will need headers and full exhaust.

2. The trans is a 4L60, not a 4L60E. It is plenty capable of 300 HP with some upgrades. A manual swap to something more capable is expensive. I have a built 700R4 in my 86 that is rated at 550 HP. My engine is closer to 400 HP. Also don't forget that MANY 5.3 LS trucks were built using the 4L60E (same trans with computer) and they are 5000+ lbs with 310 HP.

3. You are likely to blow out the rear end before you blow the trans. Consider that this should also be upgraded.

4. Your brakes will be entirely inadequate for this power level

5. So will your suspension.

6. Paying to have any of this done is definitely a losing money proposition.

How much money do you consider "too much"?

GD

 

Hey, GD, thanks for the response.

I know I said I have a stock firebird, but actually there's a few aftermarket parts: 1. all aluminum radiator, 2. shorty ceramic headers + true dual exhaust. Just wanted to be more accurate about what I'm running since you mentioned header-back system.

I've been flip-flopping on the future of this car so much due to conflicting information.

As far as money available, I'll likely have 2G to play with pretty soon, I know that's not enough to buy an engine and pay to have it installed, but was unsure how far that would get me toward buying a manual transmission swap kit and having my mechanic install it.
Here's where my head has been at so far:

1. Buying a crate engine, ie: https://paceperformance.com/Vortec-C...-19210007.html , have my mechanic do the swap. I don't mind keeping the TBI, I've heard good things about going to a carb so I figured it would be worth it
2. Building the entire 350 from the block up, pulling from scrap yards where I can, buying new elsewhere - this is cheaper than buying a crate, but I don't have all the tools to assemble an engine and getting there might equal the cost I'd spend overall.
3. Leaving the 305 and replacing what I can on the engine: heads, intake manifold, all the way up to the bolt-ons
4. Doing number 3, but also swapping the auto-trans out with a manual, just because I actually prefer manual trans, a lot more fun, but I don't mind an auto.
5. Anything else I'm not considering?

 

$2k isn't going to even scratch it. And isn't likely to buy a T56 let alone install it.

I just did a 400 HP Blueprint crate engine for a customer with an 87 IROC. Total cost was about $8500, and it made 202 HP at the wheels because it's still stock TPI and stock exhaust. With exhaust it would likely be more around 230-240 RWHP.

The auto can be made better and stronger than a manual. You only think a manual is more fun because you haven't driven a properly setup automatic.

Either plan on doing it yourself or save a LOT more money. To get within spitting distance of 300 HP at the rear wheels you will need.... conservatively about $8-10k for engine, trans, and rear end. And then your brakes and suspension will be inadequate. And that's only IF you do the work yourself. Paying someone to indulge in your hobby on your behalf is both expensive and frankly pretty lame.

GD

 

Some things I do on my own and others I cannot. Don't have the proper location / setup / tools to do the work. Like I mentioned, at this point if I buy what I need to build it all myself I might be close to spending what I would on a crate motor. Thanks for the advice, GD, it's a lot to mull over.

 

Buying tools is an investment. And when you are done you will have the tools for next time. And will have spent basically the same amount. And how much is the satisfaction of doing it yourself worth?

Locations for installation can be rented or borrowed. Meet people in your local area at car club meets and make friends, etc. Buy a portable car-port. Rent a cherry picker.

Saying you don't have this or that to get the job done is just defeatist. We have all been there. I've done engine swaps in gravel - lifted engines in/out with A-frames made from used lumber, etc.

GD

 

Playing with old cars is by nature a do-it-yourself hobby, otherwise the cost gets out of control. It is a reality that needs to be considered for most people. Not intended to dash dreams, just suggesting to really think it through so you don't have buyers remorse when it is all done. Sometimes it's just easier and cheaper to buy a car that's already completed. The guy that builds usually takes it in the chops when they go to sell.

 

Good points. Thanks, I'm def considering building it all myself. Would be something I do w/ fam as well.

 

Hey, GD, your input has been valued thus far. I'm wondering if you can help push me in the right direction on a new 350 build. I've been researching this for a while and am aware of the work ahead, but what I can't seem to find is what year / kind of core to begin with. I hear a lot of pre / post 86 sbc core, but is there information you can share about what core will mount up in a 92 FB for best ease of installation later when complete?

 

Get an 880 SBC 350 block. They were in 95-2000 trucks. They have 1 pc. RMS, roller cam, but may or may not have the fuel pump provision completed. (but you don't need this if your going TBI). This is the block you want if your putting in a 350 or 383, which would be the cheapest way for you to go. All your parts you can reuse, will transfer over to this block just fine. Read up on the 305 to 350 swap to get a better idea of what you will need to upgrade or do for the new engine, along with what you can actually reuse from the old. Then read it a few more times until it really sinks in. Remember, there are things you will come across that need to be replaced that are not part of the swap, along with things you may want to just because you already have it apart, and all the incidentals that you will have to figure in the cost too, like new oil, plugs, wires, coolant, etc. It's a bigger job than what it perceives on the outside, so start off small and with lower expectations on the first go around, but do your homework and make sure your getting the right stuff. It's been done on here a hundred times and well documented so you can figure out everything you need and what does/does not work, and make a detailed list.

 

Sounds good. I've read up on the 305 > 350 sticky here plenty of times and have searched around for lots of other info, so mentally I'm ready for just about anything. I plan on taking the build slow and double-checking each step.

After doing some research I found this at summit, and I know that it might be cheaper to pull one from a yard, but I don't mind paying for a bare that gives me a slight head start. Thoughts? >> https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-150100-30

 

Just find an L31 Vortec truck engine. Mine came from a 97 and was in excellent condition with 177k on it. $200 and the guy loaded it in my truck.

You don't need some reman block. Personally I prefer engines that aren't bored and don't need to be. I'm running near 400 HP on stock 4.000" bores (no honing).

GD

 

Alright. Sounds good. What's starting to burn me is I sold my 98 "ss350" c10 swb pickup before I bought the firebird. The engine and trans were in great condition, but the entire truck was completely rusted.. only now starting to realize the value of what I had. Initially I had my sights on a different project vehicle that already had a 350, but decided on the bird w/ the 305. If only I had kept the truck and pulled the engine and just junked it...

 

Yeah the L31 from 96 to 00 was a factory roller block 350 with Vortec heads that makes 255 HP out of the box. Really easy to get that up by 100 HP from a cam swap. I put AFR 195 heads on mine and I make about 320 HP at the rear wheels through a built 700R4. I'm about to order a Procharger kit with enough blower for 900 HP. Because why not?

GD

 

Not sure where your at, but here in Idaho there are many nice 4.8, 5.3, 5.7, 6.0 drive trains to be had cheap at the local pick-a-part salvage yards. The engine and trans with all accessories, wiring harness PCM etc. can be had for under $600 but you have to pull it yourself. All the engines in the yard are the same price, so take your pick. Best of all they come with a 60 day warranty.

 

Removed. Will post in Tech forums, I think it belongs there instead. Changing this to a 350 build.. >> https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...ml#post6411478