I am currently restoring a 1983 Berlinetta, and I am wondering if a 350 would be a good engine ot put in it.

All comments will be helpful.

Thanlk You

 

If you are starting with a 305 then a 350 upgrade is great.
Relatively simple to do, especially for that year.

 

A resto means all original
Berlinetta (V6) Engine Transmission
2.8 Liter V6
173 cid. (LC1) 5-spd manual (S)
(O)

Berlinetta (V8) Engine Transmission
5.0 Liter V8
305 cid. (LG4) 5-spd manual (S)
(O)

 

A resto doesn't have to be all original. Unless you are going to shows and trying to get trophys for an all original car. TONS of people do modern upgrades to their restos, I say go for it!

 

I am planning on eventually taking the car to shows, but not in an all original category.


I have another couple of questions.....What is the best possible way to get the most power out of a 350 with using as many stock parts as possible?

My other question is Should I use original 83 style seats, or get newer or aftermarket seats?

Thanks

 

Upgrading to a 350 is a good choice and it still gives the appearance of being original(as long as it's a 350 with the perimeter bolt valve covers).An upgrade you may want to consider is the transmission.
Changing out the TH200 3 speed auto to a 700R4 would be very beneficial(deeper first gear and an overdrive for highway cruising).With the 3.73 rear gear having overdrive would be welcome.And again the original look is maintained because the 700 was optional in '83.
Speaking of the rear end you can upgrade to rear disc and some type of limited slip if not already equipped that way.Upgrading the suspension is very easy using factory or aftermarket parts.
Being you have a Berlinetta you already have the deluxe interior.You could change out the seats to later 3rd Gen T/A,or GTA or go to a 4th Gen seat.A lot of people on here have done complete swap to 4th Gen interior.I have a '83 also,Z28,but she has the custom cloth interior in doeskin tan.I'm very happy with the interior(especially since I lucked out on a mint set of seats from another member).The only change I've made to the interior is a swap to a 145 mph speedometer from the dual needle setup.

 

For my resto I was planning on installing a B&M Megashifter in my berlinetta. would that be a problem if I installed the TH700R4 transmission?