This is probably a dumb question, but I tried doing a search and didn't find the info I need.

The LO3 in my '92 camaro has a rod knocking really bad but it still runs awesome and gets great gas mileage. I have an '83 firebird with a 305 that supposedly runs good. Can I use the firebird 305 with the tbi from my camaro?

Can I just swap intakes? Do I have to swap heads? Will centerbolt heads fit on the older v8s. What about the serpentine belt system? Anything else I should be concerned with? Would I need a different chip or something? Also, the carbed 305 came out of a 5 speed car and my camaro has an automatic.

 

The easiest thing to do, would be swap your 83 305 shortblock underneath the TBI heads. The early carb heads have less accessory mounting holes and your serpentine brackets will probably not bolt up (wouldn't on my van atleast), plus the intake would need the 4 bolt holes in the center around the TBI to be elongated due to the differing angles used for the corresponding years.

You will need an automatic flexplate for a 1983 chevy 305/350.

Your best bet is to ditch the 1983 305 cam, they were poorly constructed and have a habit of going flat. Trust me on that one. Go with one around 184/194 (around a stock 350) to be compatible with the TBI setups slightly hotter roller cam.

 

so the flexplate off of the '92 305 won't work then?

 

I'm pretty sure the flexplates are diffrent. Flywheels are diffrent between the 1 peice rear, and 2 peice rear SBC's. You can use the 83 flexplate, with your newer converter and tranny. Just use the heads from the newer car, and your accessories will work out easier. (you could drill and tap the extra hole that is needed on the older heads, but I don't suggest it.)

 

Any pre-87 flexplate will do. Just as long as its for an engine with a 2-piece RMS.