Okay, so I just got my first camaro- already blew up the 305 in it and am replacing it with a 350 this week- I had bought this car despite unverified rumors that you couldn't get the T-Top option with a 350ci engine. As it turned out, despite the Z28/5.7l badging, the car DID have a 305 engine, much to my disappointment. Luckily, I still owed the seller a lot of money at this discovery and he claimed he didn't know- and gave me a big discount in the remaining balance. Anyway, now I've already destroyed the engine (fate?) and will be dropping in a 350 after all- my concern is if it's true that you couldn't get ttops+350 from the factory- why not? Is this a structural concern? If so, will I need to reinforce the frame or something to make this work? Does anyone else have this combination? Thanks for any help!
-Kevin
p.s. TBI or TPI? Is there a major perf. difference or reason why I should insist on one or the other in this swap?

 

I'm in the same boat. Will end up having subframe connectors welded in to cut down the body flex.

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1984 Camaro Z-28 LG-4
Q-Jet, dual snorkel air intake, underdrive crank pulley, Hypertech Street chip, SLP y-pipe and 3" cat back with hi-flow converter, Edelbrock Performer intake,Accel ignition. Running better now.

 

350 camaros came with t tops. i've heard the t top cars were stronger, because of internal bracing, but i don't know. SFCs wouldn't be a bad idea for any f body.

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ICON Motorsports

1st & 3rd

 

You COULD get a 350/T Tops... my 89GTA has those options... factory. After 90, I think, you couldnt, but yeah, put some SFCs in there, and you have nothing to worry about.

 

I'm going to put my 383 into my t-top car this summer. I would suggest SFC's at the least. These cars are notorious for body flex. You could also go with a strut tower brace, and if you really up your power and want to be extra safe, a cage. Although that might be a little overkill.

As far as TPI vs. TBI, in my humble opinion TPI is far superior, andif you really have the cash get an aftermarket setup like the Super Ram or Mini-Ram.

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Riccioli Performance Motorworks

--RPM Racing--

-Currently building first ever engine. 383 with Super Ram plenum and runners, Edelbrock lower intake, Bosch 24# injectors, either AFR or Trick Flow heads, MSD ignition.
-Will be installing Baer Brakes
-Will be installing full Spohn suspension in rear
-Art Carr 700R4 trans??


***** Flyby: (n) When you let off the throttle after beating a ***** Racer by a few car lengths and he then blows by you in an attempt to convince you he really won the race.