I am new to the board and have been reading for about a month now. I have a 91 RS with 305 TBI + T5. I am looking into swapping the engine to a 350.
I intend to do a complete engine rebuild with my two boys amd the car will have to be smog legal (visual) for Texas laws. I have built many Nova's and old hotrods but nothing that required emissions. I don't belive I want a Vortech engine since I think it will void my emissions and may not pass the visual inspection. I want to stay with a roller motor (L05?) The 305 to 350 sticky is awesome but is strictly a vortech swap. The enigine will be built in my garage while we continue to upgrade and drive the car with the 305 in it. So on to my questions.

1. Which block (non-Vortech) do I find to start with? If I purchase a junkyard motor?
2. If I puchase a short block crate motor?
3. Which engine if I puchase a complete long block assy?

 

Vortec 350 block, hook up the external EGR. Not a problem in Texas. I can get the Vortec longblocks for not much money now that the trucks are getting older and everyone wants the LS1 style engines.









Get the EGR adapter kit from SPDC Chevrolet in Lubock, use the GM TBI intake, Flat black it and I highly doubt a smog inspector would notice it. It all looks factory and that is what they care about. Thats all I looked for when I was an inspector.

You are giving up 50+ HP by going with a standard LO5. I would even go with a Vortec 305 before going with a L05.

 

Thx again. Its is good to know it works in Texas.