I bought an 88 camaro with a v6 2.8L about a year ago and have been using it as a daily driver. It only has 85,000 actual miles in it and the engine is still solid. However, I don't know much about cars and wanted to use this as the best/worst learning experience ever so I decided to put a 350 in it and change it to carb. I just got back from Hardy, Arkansas to pick up my first ever 350 and next weekend I plan to install the valve covers and paint the engine...any tips on these steps would be greatly appreciated...here are some pics

Here's the engine before being wrapped up




And it will someday replace this...



Here are some over all pictures of the car



I just replaced the speakers and put in a cd player but haven't taken pictures of that yet.

 

Well first of all you'll need a new transmission. Even with a different bell housing the gearing is different.

 

Thanks for the advice. I know i want a t56 set up im just not sure when ill be able to by it. I want to finishe the engine completely before i get the transmission.

 

Also I'm sure you already know, just making sure and for others, but you'll need a different radiator and front springs and engine mounts.

 

I do like your car, I wouldnt mind haveing a v6 with a 5 speed.

 

I looked up most of the swap threads so i have a good idea of what needs to change just not the know how to accomplish it. Have ya paintedthe egine before and know any tricks?

 

Thanks, is that what you have?

 

me? no

I have a 86 iroc 305, auto.

and a 89 Rs 2.8 But its a Auto, Id like a stick.

But The car is a peice of crap.

 

When I painted mine I just used engine spray paint from Oriely's and masked everything off good. You never want it inside the engine or on any gasket surface because that will lead to trouble. You can use sacks from Walmart or something to help mask too, and if you do get some in there just use Acetone or something like it to clean it off. Good luck

 

did ya forget to set the e-break in the 4th pic?

 

Didnt know abouy the gasket surfaces or the acetone thanks.

 

Oh, plan on changing it? Id offer mine but i dont know how long it would last

 

no, it was engaged just looks it

 

no, the car is to rusty, im stripping it now, and im prolly going to junk it.

 

Your not around the OKC area by chance are you? I'd be interested in changing mine depending on what you'd want for it and where your at?

 

Im on the Ark-La-Tex border im about 4-5 hours away from OKC. I'm not expecting a lot out of it, but I did just put in a brand new clutch and flywheel just about 4 months ago so those are definitely in good shape. If you're willing to drive that far I'm sure we could work something up.

 

just googled it 307 miles away, it says 4 hrs and 56 minutes but anyone doing over 60 can shave a little time off.

 

Alright thanks I will keep an eye out for a classified if you do decide to sell it after your swap. And definitely good luck.

 

Thanks , im gonna need it

 

Just make sure it's extremely clean and oil free before you paint it. If it already has some paint on it as it appears to scuff the old paint before applying the new. Tape off everything you don't want painted carefully.

 

OH Yes as 89RsPower! said CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN !!! Dust is your enemy cover it with a trash bag when your not working on it! Then before you assemble it oil internal parts that'll help with initial start-up.

 

The internal is already oiled up, that's ok just wipe excess oil away from where I want to paint it, correct?

 

whats the best thing to scuff the already applied paint with, last question for now

 

Generally a 320grit sand paper will do the job for scuffing old paint to get the new paint to adhere properly.

It'll be a fun project forsure!

I got my iroc-z when i was 15 for $1800. started learning the basics, like brake jobs, tune up etc. Decided i wanted to go deeper so i cammed the 305 that was in it, then with some help from dad we painted it and had it ready for me to get my licence @ 16.

Long story short, the mod bug bit me, and it bit hard. At 18 now ive got an LS2/T56 w/ CNC Heads, BIG cam, Intake, custom exhaust, big brakes etc etc etc. Basically every penny ive earned in the last 3 years.

Definately fun cars to learn on! Lots of parts around, lots that can be modified, and rather cheap to build! (especially Gen1 motors, LSx's are expensive to mod!)

 

accidental double post

 

Ok finally got it in my spare bedroom and did a little rust removal and found the VIN finally and it's a 74 4 bolt 350 that was in either a c-10 or a 1500 . Painting in 2 weeks once college is out for the summer. I just don't have time with it being finals.

 

Looks Good

 

Sorry

 

Finally got to paint. I just recovered from surgery..nothing major. So here it is




Did this in the spare bedroom man that was a tape off job



First the primer coat



Then the lovely chevy orange

Some of the tape pulled off

 

looking good.

 

yes it does i cant wait for more updates keep us posted

 

Man there's nothing like a nice fresh motor.Looks great

 

Thanks everyone, my next purchase will be the air intake manifold / carburetor which will be close to september maybe a little sooner depends on how well this new job goes.