Is it possible that a 350 TBI is in a '88 Z-28 Camaro?
I found a '88 Camaro, and it's got originally TBI, but the seller said it's a 350 engine. It's 5 speed manual.
I think it's a swapped engine. Or not, what do you think?
What is the diference of the 305 TBI and the 350 TBI?
Can you send me pics? It would be very helpful!

thanks

 

it's either not a Z28 or it's got a swapped in engine. If you can, get a hold of the rpo's either in the trunk compartment or in the armrest compartment. If those aren't available you'll have to get the block codes. A 350 is visually indistinguishable from a 305.

 

You could never get a 350 with TBI or a 5-speed, so if it's not swaped the guy is just confused. A lot of those 5-speed cars got really low rear gears, so they seem to run real well, hence probably why he thinks it's a 350. Ask him how he knows it's a 350, if he doesn't say he personally swaped it then it isn't.

 

If the guy (currently owns it) really does believe the car is stock, then he would have easily have taken the time to decode the VIN which would tell you right away if it was a 350 stock or not. If he is telling you it's stock, you definitely know he's lying or stupid. From your post though, he could be telling you the truth, the tbi is original to the engine, but he didn't say the engine was original to the car. the VIN will tell you right away if it's supposed to have a 305 or 350, if it's a 305 it's likely that engine is orignal, it's just not a 350 obviously, if it says it's supposed to have a 350, then you know that engine is a swap-in and as for what kind of engine it is, you'd have to look up the block number, you can bolt on a tbi manifold and setup to a 350 block so it still may be a 350.

It's most likely this is a 305. All the signs point to it.

 

safemode: Do you know if it is not a Z-28 it can be a 350 TBI car original? The car is '88-'89. Is there available in these years Camaro with 350 TBI engine?

BMmonteSS: The seller don't think it's 350 because of the engine power I don't know, but I'll ask him!

safemode: Where's the block numbers on a 350?

Thanks!

 

Nope. There was never a 350 TBI in an F-Body from the factory. The only 350 TBIs that GM made went into Caprices and trucks, that's it.

 

the only camaro's with 350's were Z28s with TPI... and they only came with Automatic transmissions... if it is a Z28, and 5-speed, then it could be a 305TPI... if not, then its an RS with a swap... like mine and, i hate to tell you, my 350TBI/700R4 has been beaten by a 305TBI/T-5.... so the power is really not that different.... if you have been around motors long enough, you can tell the difference in the sound of a 305 and a 350, so thats another way to tell... the 350 will be a lot fuller sounding at higher rpm. i dont know exactly where the block casting numbers are.

 

Sound like a case of a seller trying to pass off a car with some of his own identification of features.
#1 NO 1988 Z28 model only IROC-Z and RS.
#2 NO factory stock 350TBI installed in any 3rd gen model.
#3 It is in my opinion a LO3 305 TBI
And it would be a waste of time trying to get casting numbers because of the seller's BS.

I would not only walk away from this guy's BS, but run as fast I could.

 

Cars as old as these could have any engine in them. It's not like a 2 or 3 year old vehicle where the engine has 20K miles on it.

Best bet is to check the drivers side rear of the block. There will be a cast in 5.0L or 5.7L in large raised letters. This is located on the upper surface of the block at the bellhousing flange. It can be seen from the top of the engine compartment. Down behind the head.

Another avenue is to remove enough accessories to get the block stampings. These are located on the pass front of the block right below were the head interface is. Look these up on mortec.com.

Can also pull a valve cover and check the head casting number. This number can sometimes be seen though the oil fill opening in the valve cover. Between the three numbers you will know exactly what you are purchasing.

There is a casting number for the block but for some reason I don't use it. Not saying to not use it, just that I don't. (Isn't it behind the timing cover? Maybe why I don't use it??? If a block is bare enough to see that I just measure the bore.).

RBob.

 

exactly... i mean, for all means if the price is right, go for it... but know that he is blowing smoke...

 

Sure the sellers going to let you check all this when he is trying to BS you. Again No 1988 Z28 Model to begin with.

 

Just jack it up a little saying you are looking at the oil pan and look on either side of the block. There will be some numbers, 627 is a 305 block. Don't now the 350 numbers but if you don't see 627 then its probably something bigger than a 305.