Could use swap advise
 

I'll get to the point......

My Firebird is a '92, 305 5-speed, stock single track rear.

I'd like to pull mid-low twelves on pump gas. I don't see it happening with a 305. I do live in a emissions tested area, and i need it to pass Virginia sniffer test. I'm not an engine builder so i'll need a turn key package. I want it to be as pain free as possible and I'll have help doing it. I don't want to butcher the wiring all to hell if at all poss. I would like to keep the 5-speed and have it built up, also change the rear to a 12 bolt strange. Something that doesnt need to be tuned on all every weekend. I see a lot of 355 and 383 transplants here, are they emissions compatable?

Engine prices?

Five7Kid?

Can we assume you have a TBI 305?

If you can settle for high-12's, then a 350 will get the job done with a carb. You will need to keep a cat, don't go overboard on the cam, tweak the tuning to a fine line for emissions, but it can be done. A 383 would make 12's even easier.

I don't see a T5 surviving, though. T56, yes. I've heard of a T5 kit that is supposed to make it a lot stronger, but it costs as much as a T56.

Thanks Kid....

Yes it's a TBI W/air injection. Do you think the air inj. would have to stay to be emissions compliant?
Also i can deal with a carbed setup, do you mean a late model GM 350 W/ carb setup? Or any gen. 350. Would the wiring be fairly painless? Because I want to keep A/C and other acc.

I was wondering which aftermarket company has what i'm looking for decently priced.

One other thing, How much horsepower would i need at the flywheel to get mid-12's?
Thanks in advance for any responses.

Around 400 HP for mid/high 12's, depending upon what else you did (gears, traction, etc.).

One thing you might consider is a 383 LT1. Easily emissions compatible, can make good power, and more driver-friendly than carb setups. You can often find LT1/T56 combos on eBay.

The carb can only be considered if they don't open the hood for your emissions check. A.I.R. would certainly help the cat do its job better.

Thanks Kid, Since all hood are up here in VA. for the emissions test fuel inj. will be the way to go. I'm doing the research, will keep asking dumb questions and updating. Jeff

I put a GM 383 with a Comp cams extreme energy cam and edelbrock heads in my 89 tpi and had no problems with emmissions in AZ. I think the easyiset thing for you might be to get a ZZ4 motor and just swap it in. Then you will have a great 350 block to work with. You will just have to swap all the stuff uniqe to your car on to it. check out this website they've got alot of crate motors

http://www.paceparts.com/

Thanks '89. A small block crate would be my best bet. passing emiss. and retaining my factory accessories is a must. I'll check that link..