Hey, this is my first post. I've had third gen camaros for 10 years, and 86, 87, and 88. I'm now getting ready to do an engine upgrade and transmission on my 86.

I was looking for a few tips. I've been wanting to do this upgrade for a long time. Currently it has the 305 in it.

My plan is to get a Monster Transmission - Monster in a box kit to make the transmission capable of handling the power I'm after and the B&M megashifter I'm going to be installing.

I have a 350 engine that I want to stroke and make a 383. I have a tested combination that I'm going after that will put me at about 475hp and 490ft/lb of torque.

The biggest question at this point is what to do as far as a start on the block. I have a 350 from and older camaro that based on the casting I believe to be a 70's 2 piece rear main seal. It's a 2 bolt main.

My question is if this 2 bolt will work for that kind of power and assuming it will, is there any reason why the older block wouldn't work in the car? Also anyone have any experience with the monster in a box or have any other recommendations for the transmission rebuild?

Any tips would be much appreciated as I know from reading around that there is a lot of experience around here. This will be my first engine build. I have read a lot, and would like to be as prepared as possible. I want to make sure that I go right with the block and internals so I don't have issues after the build.

 

The block will work. You can upgrade it to a four bolt main with some machining and aftermarket caps. Also, I-beam rods and some machined clearance might be necessary to run the stroker crank. Not a big deal though. No experience with the monster in a box trans though.

 

Thanks for the update. Also I wasn't sure with the rear main seal. I understand it's a 2 piece given the age of the engine, and it's going int my 86 camaro. I noticed things seemed to vary right in the range of either 85 and back being 2 piece and 87 and up being 1 piece, but didn't see a definitive on the 86. Is there anything I'll need to look out for on this either way?

 

The main thing is to make sure that you get the proper seal for your crank. It all comes down to block and crank. Use what you should use for your block and crank set up. People have been putting 700r4's in older cars for years, so you're pretty safe there