Hey all -

I have an 88 Camaro Sport Coupe. She's my project car, and I bought it with no engine or transmission. It originally had a 305 mated to a T5 manual trans.

I'm looking to get started on getting it running, and here's what I found: I've got a guy that will sell me a running 350 4-bolt (engine does smoke - he's pretty sure it's just rings) and a known-good 700R4 for $500.

It's a complete package - everything from the fan back to the output shaft on the transmission - from the air cleaner to the oil pan.

What I want to know is:

How much work do I have to get the 700R4 working in a Camaro that is currently setup for a T5 manual?

Also - Is this a good deal? I planned on rebuilding from scratch anyway, and I don't "need" the car to run great right now.

Thanks,
J

 

You'll have to wire the transmission top gear switch to the ECM, and use the "SHIFT" lamp output from the ECM for a TCC relay. And you won't need the clutch, but will have to eliminate the clutch safety switch.

 

I would check into the block a little farther. If it needs rings, it will need to be honed. If it's got a lot of miles chances are that it will need to be bored. So you're looking at new pistons. Since it's apart you'll want to recondition the rods at very least and check the crank over. Then decide where you want to go from there, stroker, stock rebuild etc. What heads are on it? IF they're usable heads and not some junk smog heads or camel humps it's a decent deal. If the heads are junk and it needs a full rebuild then you'll be paying $500 for a block with a trans that's worth about $200. And 350 blocks aren't worth $300.