I am looking at buying a 350 from a 1993 caprice. This will replace the 305 TBI in my '89. Will this be a direct swap? As far as I can tell, I will need the ESC and ECM prom. Am I missing anything?

 

ESC, ECM, 350 injectors and 350 ECM. Don't expect a huge bump in power if the swap is stock for stock. 350 only makes about 5 hp more and 35 ft/lbs. The civilian B-car L05 was rate like 180 hp and 290 tq and had the same tiny peanut roller cam as the 305.

 

The B/C body LO5 isn't even much of a step up from the pickup-truck LO5 in terms of power. I put the B/C replacement crate engine in my '88 K1500.

The B/C version has a roller cam and about half-a-point of compression ratio (flat-top instead of dished pistons) but the same crappy heads.

Not at all a bad short-block; but needs more cam and different heads.

 

The truck L05 engines are rated for more power than the B-car L05.

Mainly needs a better intake manifold, larger throttle body, headers, aftermarket L98 style exhaust system from the head ports out and a hotter cam to start with. The swirl ports are good for more than 300 HP at the crankshaft as they sit, untouched.

 

It's nice to get a 350 for the larger bore size and compatibility with pretty much any cylinder head out there. But before you spend money on an LO5, maybe an L31 is a better option? I just picked one up for $250. Already has good heads on it, so it's better if you're looking for high performance. Most people like low end torque better (LO5) than revving really high (cammed L31) so you need to weigh your options. Personally, I rev the motor til it stops pulling and that's why I want more high RPM flow.