Hey guys, I'm looking at an '89 L98 longblock out of a firebird now and will possibly get it as soon as tomorrow, so can you guys tell me if this is a good choice engine. I'd like to keep it TBI so what do you guys think I will need to do. I'm figuring I can just swap on all my tbi parts and accessories off my 305 and be good any suggestions to this??

 

mileage.....

 

79,000 miles

 

you can pretty much jsut move everything over. a few things that will change, teh better cam in teh L98 will allow you to run a touch more base timing, upgrading to either larger injectors or just raising your fuel pressure woudl be a good idea.
soudns liek a good low mileage motor. let us know how it turns out.

later
tim

 

All right, thanks a lot Tim that was exactly what I was hoping you'd say. Also I'm planning on cleaning it up a little in my garage before I drop it in and was thinking about a better cam to put in, but I'm thinking I can't go too wild with the TBI without burning a prom which I haven't yet gotten in to. I'd really love a nice mean lopey idle that would be TBI friendly, is there any way I could pull that off without a custom chip?

 

L98 TBI!! Congradulation you just made a 9C1 cop car motor (LO5 with L98 Heads and cam). Just need the 65LB injectors!! The 89 had one of the bigger factory cams in it with decent valve lift so you should be Ok unless ya really want to cam it. Sounds like a fun toy. Let me know if ya decide Ya want to cam it because I will gladly take that cam off your hands. Good luck.

 

Oh cool 1slow60 that sounds like its a pretty good cam then so I'll probably just stay stock for now at least also if this is the exact engine in one of those cop cars would I be able to just get a chip from one and have in run perfect or is there a difference, I'm thinking that's probably a 7747 chip instead?

 

Here are the cam specs for ya right of the tech page.
305 5spd / 350 AT 10066049* .415 .430 207 213 117.0 (116/-118)

I am not sure exactly what ecm the 9c1 uses but I am sure that a search will turn it up for ya. The 747 ECM is pretty common so it just may be.

 

Ok, sounds real good now, thanks a lot for the help 1slow60

 

89 cop cars run the same 1228746 ECM as the F-bodies. The prom chip they use is bcc code ANLU.

 

Oh that sounds perfect then, so basically all I have to do is plug in one of those proms and alter it for a manual transmission and it'll run perfect?

 

That would be the case.

 

I have done this exact same engine swap. All you will really need, is the larger injectors, knock sensor and module (I seem to lack these things is that alright?), and a custom chip. I got lucky on the custom chip and found one out of an 89 caprice cop car for $12. Also, if you haven't already do the ultimate TBI mods. A 350 requires more air, and a L98 is actually a much more potent motor than a 305. Other than this, it is pretty much a bolt in. Also, I suggest adding headers to the engine if you can get it before you drop it in (much less hassle). Anyways, an easy swap and good for 2 seconds in the quarter when tuned.

 

Sounds good 92whiteRs, I actually just picked up the engine today and put it on the stand in my garage. I think I'm going to clean it up a bit and just kinda go through it. The seller said that it might be a good idea to go through it. Now I'm not in any hurry to get this in my car, I want it all perfect before it goes in. What do you guys think I should do procedurally to "go through" the engine?

 

If it were me, and I have done alot this way. I would replace the bearings with a good set of clevite 77s as reasonable cheap insurance along with a good oil pump. This will help reduce the chance of the bottom end coming apart!!! I would also install a new timing chain to keep the vavle events in sequence. After this its up to you on how much ya want to spend on the motor. By the way I usually replace the rings while she is apart. Although this isnt a rebuild it is a good refresh if the motor is in good shape. Another good idea while ya have it apart would be to thouroly (sp.) flush out the water passages and install fresh freeze plugs. Especially the ones under the motor mounts and behind the fly wheel. These along with a full new set of gaskets should get ya by for about $300 and add alot of life to the new power plant.

 

All right, great information there, thanks a lot 1slow60 that's what I was lookin for. Also, any other suggestions on this are welcome too.

 

sounds like a great setup!

 

Thanks MD

I just got the engine couple days ago and its now on a stand in my garage so I'm ready to start the refresh. Can you guys give me some good brands and maybe some part numbers for the stuff that 1slow60 listed would be good to replace. That'd help me out a lot.

 

Gaskets Felpro from autozone about $100
oil pump I run hv/hp from autozone
bearings clevite 77's auto zone (check them for damage)
freze plugs Brass pieces once again from auto zone
I usually install these with a little indian head gasket shalak around the sealing surface to keep them from leaking. really good stuff and it only costs about a dollar. Also I swear by copper 777 silicon sealer to avoid leaks. Usually about $1 more a tube but way better than the blue stuff.