Ok, I'm dropping a pre-smogger 350 (built somewhere between '69-'79) into my 89 RS - Where can I get a special flex plate to hook the tranny (700R4) to the old crank? Also, if I hook the old TBI up to the 350, are there crank speed sensors and cam sensors I have to worry about or can I just bolt it to the top of the engine? (if I can't hook up the TBI i'm just going with a Q-Jet... so will the carb be ok? the ECM doesn't electronically shift the tranny does it?)

Thanks - I'm pretty new to these newer Camaros
Rustmonkey

 

Welcome to you in Big Sky country.

A flex plate for an '82-'85 3rd gen V8 F-body (it will be a 305) will work fine. "Two-piece rear main seal" are the operative words.

The distributor provides the engine speed info, so no problem there. About the only "issue" you should have other than the flex plate is the '89 intake manifold will have the center two bolts on each side at a different angle than the others, while the older heads (assuming you're using older heads) will not. But, elongation of those holes will allow you to get the bolts in and snugged down. Exhaust manifold on the passenger side may have an extra bolt hole, not sure about that one.

Otherwise, things should pretty much bolt up.

The ECM does not control the tranny except for the torque converter lockup. If you go q-jet, you'll need an older style, non-computer controlled, vacuum/mechanical advance distributor, and some way to lock up the torque converter (either a switch you control, or a conversion kit).

Good luck. Post any other questions you may have.

Where in Montana?