Looking for a good motor foundation for my 1986 camaro Z28. Came with the stock 305 TPI, and looking at possibly changing the longblock. No added HP needs, just good reliable motor. Will the stock TPI work on the later Vortec blocks and heads, or what engine is best factory replacement? Thanks in advance.

 

if you don't want more power leave it the same 305. there isn't really a differance in reliability between that and later....and I mean it should have a roller cam and a 1 peice rear main....better reliability in it self. and if you were to change it leave it a 305 for gas sake. ya know what I mean? and it will work with the later block as long as you don't go to the ls style block.

 

The stock TPI will not work on Vortec heads. Scoggin Dickey at Sdpc2000: Performance Parts, Racing Engines, Racing Engine Parts, Race Engines, Race Engine Parts - SDPC has a TPI base available that will fit them.

An engine to put under your stock TPI: 290HP / 350 Long Block Pre-Emissions GM Crate Engine :: 12499529 - SDPC

The engine to get if you want TPI on a Vortec-headed engine: 360 HP TPI Vortec Custom High Performance Series Street and Strip Engine :: SD360VTPI - SDPC . This is not complete, as you will have to add aftermarket runners, larger throttle body, and headers to get it a chance to run properly.

Notice the first suggestion used the indefinate article "an", while the 2nd used the definate article "the".

Also notice the $2k price difference.

 

yes, the 305 would be perfect, but if the one I have in there now has a stock roller cam, the mild stock 350 five7kid, that's a mild hydraulic cam. Does GM not make a good stock 305 longblock replacement, other then the 360HP one you have listed?

 

1. If your engine is a 1986 model year, it does not have a roller lifter cam. It is flat-tappet, although one-piece rear main seal and the 290 horse crate engine has a two-piece rear main seal, so you'd have to get a different flexplate. No biggie. Otherwise, it's basically the same cam you've got now.

2. I didn't list a 360 horse 305 replacement engine. If you're into self-inflicted pain, you can get a 305 replacement engine. Look under "GM Goodwrench Crates" from the SDPC "Crate Engine" link. They range from $1900-$2700.

3. If you really meant "350 replacement engine", same link. You can get a weaker sister to the 290 horse crate, or a similiarly weak roller cam version (LO5). Many people have used both, but the 290 engine is about the best bang-for-buck you're going to find for a 350 that you don't expect to be able to embarrass new Mustangs. If you look at the "GM Performance Parts Crate" link, the only other thing compatible with your TPI is the ZZ4, and that's $3800 and is going to bring more issues to the table than the SDPC Vortec TPI engine will.