Engine Test Suggestons
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 42
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From: Calgary, Alberta
Car: 86 IROC
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt Posi 3.45
Engine Test Suggestons
Hi, I have an 86 Camaro 305 TPI auto. I also have a 350 carburated still in an 83 Camaro that has been in an accident(frame bent, writeoff) the engine is still good. The 305 is blown and needs to be rebuilt. The previous owner of the 350 said that its built to 350hp and that it only has about 3000kms on it. I would like to put that engine in the 86 if possible. I was just wondering how could I check the actual condition of the 350, ex. amount of wear, cylinder pressure, etc. Is there an easy way to do it? or do I have to take it out and take it somewhere? Also how would I find out what angles the intake manifolds are at? I read that 86 and before are 75 or so, and 87 and up are 90 degrees. Would it be an easy swap? Just to clear things up.....I would like the 350 in the 86 and I would like to keep the TPI setup.
Thanks for all the help
Thomas
Thanks for all the help
Thomas
TGO Supporter
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 4,803
Likes: 2
From: Grand Rapids, MI
Car: Z28
Engine: Sb2.2 406
Transmission: Jerico 4 speed
Axle/Gears: Ford 9" 3.60
Welcome to TGO!
A compression test on all 8 will tell you the integrity of the cylinders.
As for the intake, on a 87-up intake, the center 2 bolts on either side will appear to go in at a different angle than the rest - simple visual will tell you what you have. As far as swapping over, on the intake, the center 2 holes can be 'elongated' to accomodate the different angle. Try a search on that, that will yield a more in depth explanation.
As for the 305 to 350 swap, as far as the TPI is concerned, there are a few parts that would need to be gotten in order for that to work as well. The ESC components (knock sensor and module) as well as the PROM. The engine (350) can limp on the 19 lb injectors that come with the 305, but the 22 that the 350 TPI came with would be better suited.
Other than those things - direct drop in for the most part.
A compression test on all 8 will tell you the integrity of the cylinders.
As for the intake, on a 87-up intake, the center 2 bolts on either side will appear to go in at a different angle than the rest - simple visual will tell you what you have. As far as swapping over, on the intake, the center 2 holes can be 'elongated' to accomodate the different angle. Try a search on that, that will yield a more in depth explanation.
As for the 305 to 350 swap, as far as the TPI is concerned, there are a few parts that would need to be gotten in order for that to work as well. The ESC components (knock sensor and module) as well as the PROM. The engine (350) can limp on the 19 lb injectors that come with the 305, but the 22 that the 350 TPI came with would be better suited.
Other than those things - direct drop in for the most part.
Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
From: Detroit, MI
Car: 1991 Firebird
Engine: 350,Dart Heads,Weiand In,Roller Cam
Transmission: 2400-Stall, 700R4 w/ Kit
Axle/Gears: 4th Gen 3.42 disc (I wish)
If you are doing the engine swap and have the concerning motivation...take off the oil pan and plastiguage the bearings. You also should be able to see the condition of the cylinderwalls, there should be an apparent crosshatch pattern. Just be very clean and torque everything back to spec. An engine stand costs like $50. You can also take off the valve covers to inspect the upper valve train. It should be very clean, no crud.
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