I have a 1991 RS with 5.0 305 TBI mated to the T5 transmission. It's no secret that these cars were nothing special as for as power goes (I love the looks though).

I want to convert to the 5.7 L, but I don't want to have to alter much. This car is very close to all original, and I want to essentially build an RS sleeper that could easily run with the Z28.

What is my best "drop in" option for a motor in order to keep all emmisions legal (for NY). The motor puts about 170 HP, and I'm looking to up that to about 290HP. What is the simplest solution, and where could I get a complete motor from?

 

Summit has some. Craigslist. But that t5 won't last long at all. It can't even really handle the power of the 305.

 

I'll keep shopping around.

I don't know about that. Stacy Davids rates the T5's upper limits at close to 400 HP as long as it's in good shape. I'd definitely upgrade the torque converter to a higher RPM stall though.

 

Trust me. The t5s cannot handle it. Ask around the forums. Or do a search. You will find they are garbage. I blew my t5 daily driving it. Not even really beating on it. A t56 or tko is needed if you are going to swap in a engine like that.

 

I'll look into it for sure, but I love the way my car is geared. I'm not a huge fan of the longthrow, but it shifts so smoothly.

Just to be safe, I might upgrade to a Keisler ralley sport 5 Speed or something when I finally do the swap.