I know I have been debating for a long time but I am still unsure about what do do for a new engine. I see the $1300 GM 350 on sdpc2000.com and it looks real enticing. I know that it is not a roller cam though, and would like that option for future cam swaps. So then I look closely at the replacement LO5 engine for a Caprice/Fleetwood and think I could get a used (until I could get a custom one burned) Caprice chip and use this engine to replace my LO3. I really don't want to spend more than $2000 or so on the engine (fiance would kick me out) and don't need a brutal engine, just a solid upgrade from the LO3, looking at 249 HP for the universal, ?? for the Caprice engine.

So, what do you guys think, those of you who are experts on this topic What option would you guys reccomend, would the universal 350 work ok with the TBI. Would I be better off going with the LO5? Is there a better engine deal out there besides these? Help me out with any reply you want, I am looking to do something yet before spring.

On a side note, I would use an Edlebrock TBI manifold and an Edelbrock 670cfm TB unit on top.

Thanks again...

 

i was thinking about doing the same thing. I believe one would need a new flex plate b/c this engine is internaly balanced and also, the accesory mounting locations are different for the older motors. I think there may be a few more things to worry about but im not sure.

If anyone has anything to add to this, please do...

 

please......... anyone else hae anything????

 

I bought the 300HP TPI crate motor from goautocenter.com.
I ordered it with the optional TBI cam(Crane Compucam 2030)and it was $1855 plus shipping.
Topped it with Edelbrock Performer TBI intake,Ported Turbo City Throttle Body and Adjustable Fuel Pressure Regulator (350 truck injectors)and the car has SLP Headers,3" Cat and 3" Flowmaster Cat-Back Exhaust.Since my car has a manual trans,the caprice chip was not an option.Had a custom chip burned by Ed Wright (fastchip.com).
I've been real happy with this combination so far.
Pulls hard to over 5500 RPM,tons more torque than the 305,reliable and still gets about the same gas mileage as the 305.
-Rich-

 

thanks rich, how hard was the install?

 

Everything bolted right up.Serpentine belt setup,ground terminals on the rear side of the cylinder heads(those are a P.I.T.A.), etc.
Had to drill & tap one hole in the Edelbrock intake for the AC Compressor Support Bracket,but the boss was already dimpled where it needed to be drilled.
First time I've done a motor swap in a late model car, but I think it went pretty smoothly.Motor fired right up and it passed smog (as a 305) the following week.Oil pressure never dips below 40 PSI and water temp hasn't gotten over 190 with the stock radiator,Stewart water pump and 160 degree stat.
Used Moroso Solid Steel Motor and Trans Mounts.
The steel mounts take up a lot less room than the stock units, and it's easier to get to plugs and header bolts from underneath.
Also got rid of the heater valve and associated plumbing,which made some room on the passenger side of the engine.(heater still works,but water flows thru all the time)
New motor turned the "blend into the crowd RS"
into a whole new animal.Exhaust is a little loud, though.I like the way it sounds, but the police watch me very closely.
-Rich-

 

Cool thanks a lot Rich, how much would you say the whole swap ran you? I'd probably re-use my exhaust I have now (3" Dynomax). I'd like to stay as close to $2000 as possible. I don't know if this is reasonable or not, but I figure if that's my goal I won't go over $3000!

 

I bought a lot of additional parts when I replaced the motor,most of which were non-required upgrades.Still, here's a rough list:
Motor W/shipping: $2185
350 Injectors,knock sensor & module: $ 275
AC Delco Rapidfire Plugs: $ 31
Misc Sensors: $ 100
Custom Chip from Fastchip: $ 350
Goodyear Silicone hose kit: $ 80

Moroso Steel Motor/Trans Mounts: $ 70
Mini Starter: $ 146
Edelbrock Performer TBI Intake: $ 208
Turbo City AFPR: $ 40
Turbo City Ported Throttle Body: $ 300
TD Slam-Guard Oil Pan: $ 117
Moroso Aluminum Valve Covers: $ 139
Moroso Chrome Flat Bottom Air Clnr: $ 50
ARP Stainless 12 Point Bolts: $ 100
MSD Plug Wires and Coil: $ 100
Accel Billetech Distributor: $ 240
Made-For-You Wire Looms: $ 40

Centerfoce Dual Friction Clutch/TO Brg: $ 300
Moroso Roller Pilot Bearing: $ 15
Hayes Billet Flywheel: $ 230

Flowmaster Cat-Back Exhaust: $ 375
SLP Headers/Install Kit/Cat Adapter: $ 500
3"Catco Cat: $ 60
Copper Gaskets: $ 40

Well, that's most everything,except the nickel-dime stuff.Distributor was worn out,so needed a new one.Also just a convenient time to do the other stuff,some just cosmetic.Skid Plate oil pan gives me some peace of mind scraping over the speed bumps.
You should be able to do it for under $3000,without doing the exhaust or extras and you can always easily change things on the top end later on.

-Rich-

 

Sounds like nearly the same setup motor as mine is!
Have you had it dyno'ed?
I'm wondering what your results are.

 

A friend of mine works at a shop that builds race motors, and we were able to use the dyno to break it in and check for leaks.It made about 315 HP at 5000 and almost 400 ft/lbs at 2500 (at the flywheel) without the power steering, smog pump or a/c compressor.
Haven't had it on a chassis dyno yet, so I don't know what it's making at the rear wheels.I've heard 15-20% less than flywheel hp is common.
-Rich-

 

Yeah I am taking mine in for chassis dyno. I was guessing around 300-325 with my setup (from the motor, not RWHP)
That is good to know!!!!