I'm actually here to help out my sister. I'm a Mopar guy and dont know much about Chevys or engine swaps, what exactly is interchangable, etc. The 305 TBI jumped time and resulted in bent valves, piston damage and who know what else. The 305 had about 180k on it and finally kicked the bucket (it was not well maintained by the previous owner). So I'm trying to help her out and find her a new(er) reliable engine. I'm not looking for much hp (she doesnt need too much) mostly for ease of installation, reliability, and the ability to fry the skins when needed.

I currently have found a couple 350s, one being from a '94 'Vette with TPI (LT1 i believe its called). My question is: will it fit, and how much hassle would it be and what is needed to convert from the stock TBI to TPI. I've been told that everything from Gen I to Gen III sbc engines are interchangable in 3rd Gen Camaros. Is this so? I've also found several 305s, which I've been told to stay away from. I'm also wondering about 283s and 327s. Will they fit? Sorry my questions are so vague and very general, but I'm new in dealing with Camaros. Any help would be greatly appreciated and any more info anyone can provide will also be appreciated. If any more info is needed, just ask.

One other thing, what type of tranny came with the car stock. Any suggestions for a better or more reliable tranny? I've heard good things about the 700 R4, but I think thats what may be in it already. Again Thanks.

 

hey, i really dont know alot about the TPI or TBI but i know that pretty much any sb chevy from 1967 and up will fit(make shure that the heads have holes for your Accessories). I would stay away from the 283 and the 327 because they just dont have as much power as the 350(the 350 is a great motor and i recommend that u use it). The transmission in these cars can range from a turbo 350/400 to the 700r4(computer controlled and non computer controlled) and 5 speed manual transmissions. If u dont have experience setting up a 700r4 i dont recommend it unless it is already installed or u have a pro do it. If you have any more questions just e-mail me or post another message.

 

ok well first off in third gens it's very easy to put in an lt1 as long as you get the wiring harness and you'll have to put an higher pressure fuel pump in compensate for the multiport 283s and 327 would be a pain just because the parts aren't as universal as a 350 or 305 but other then that it's a chevy every thing bolts to every thing from 55-91 now tranny wize you said the motor won't be making crazy power and i assume your sister won't be rompping to hard on the car so a 700 will be fine it's a very good tranny untill you put any kind of power to it if you need any help i've changed a bunch on them in third gen from lt1 to tbi to tpi to an old style carbbed motor good luck let me know what you choose

 

I beg to differ.....I installed a 327 in my 84 Z28 and I hang with LT1's all day long. Haven't raced an LS1 yet, but one day I will. Actually, the 2 LT1 T/A's I've raced, I've beaten. So, the statement about 327's not making as much power as a 350 isn't quite true. I also had a 350 installed before the 327. The 327 is definately faster than the 350 was.... just my
Lowell

 

sweet, thanks for your help

found an '88 350 with 5 spd overdrive from a 3/4 '88 chevy truck, it comes with wiring harness and runs good (according to seller)
its $350, and as much as i would like install tpi for my sister (better gas mileage, performance, etc.), i think this is a better deal

if anything changes, i'll write again so you guys can point me in the right direction

again thanks

 

So the lt1 from the vette should bolt right in?
the engine comes with a wiring harness and ran when pulled.
And it will bolt up to the current tranny in the car right?
i dont mean to be a bother, i just wanna be sure. i dont want her to get stuck with an engine that doesnt fit.
thanks

 

The lt1 swap is more expensive and more time consuming. You will need to replace the fuel pump, purchase or fabricate fuel lines and I still have not found one on here with working A/C...prob is one but lots of people are working on making theirs work. There are tons of knowledgable people here that provide more information and help than any other place I have found on the net. The vette lt1 is much easier for the A/C connection and you will not have to dimple the crossmember and grind on the engine mount.

Since this is for your sister and she probably wants/needs it back on the road I would get a decent 350 and use the existing tbi. I did some reading on the tbi board and the impression I got was that the 305 will adequately feed a 350 without much additional labor or expense. Check that section and ask about the 350 you found.....oh also you will need to do some work and spend some to provide a speed signal to the PCM and the speedometer...lt1 is digital and the pulse rate is different from the 90/91 camaros and it does not provide a cable drive for earlier speedometers.

Check with the tbi gurus, save some time and $$$$$.

 

so all i would need to install a '94 Vette Lt1 is a high pressure fuel pump (jegs or summit) and fuel lines (auto zone and tubing bender)
she doesnt care about A/C, she has T-Tops. it didnt work before anyway.
and of course a wirning harness from the Lt1, which is included with the engine

is this is all that is needed for a swap, again i just wanna be sure.

 

found out it is from a camaro not a vette.
would this create any swap problems

 

I got the '94 350 TPI.
As mentioned above, it is from a Camaro, not a Corvette. I assume it is still a '94 (if that would make any difference).

Thanks for all your help everyone.

Mopar or Nocar!!!