I got a 89 iroc convertible that was adult owned. Never wrecked no body damage ( except 3 inch long scratch from lawn man grrrr) . No chopped wires everything factory condition . Want to build it as a weekend cruiser. I have redone supension from rag joint down ,shocks, struts, tierod ends ect,ect. Put on UMI steering brace ,strur tower brace ,subfame connectors will be on by monday. ready for a motor need some ideas would like to stay between $4000 to $ 7000 total build motor- tranny was looking at the 383s .I am not an ase mechanic but not forrest gump can turn a wrench and can read and follow directions. PLEASE give me some ideas on a open book build would like to keep the tpi look and not chopup original wiring . Im in florida so no smog regs THANKS for and ideas

 

Get an LS1/T56 combination shipped to your door for that kind of money.. otherwise, maybe a 434 SBC or something like that. That's MY opinion, even though you want to keep TPI and all that.

 

https://sdparts.com/details/gm-perfo...parts/12499101

With that cam, your TPI and good traction, you'll be the only 13 second car for miles around that can pull the front wheels.

 

Thanks for your post. But i dont understand why u would pick that motor found several others pushing 400+ hp for less money from summit,jegs ,.ect.
One question i hav is will my 305 tpi setup fit or do i need a 350 tpi and ecm? thank for any help!

 

Different ECM and injectors, but harness should plug directly in as long as you get the same style. I believe '89 was last year for Mass Air Flow so anything '90 or newer is Speed Density. Also know TPI's are very restrictive so plan on upgrading the intake or porting the heck out of it if you want it to flow for big hp.

 

Thanks . i noticed that alot of u guys running 383s are running less than 300 hp i was looking into between 375 and 425 is there a reason for lower hp ? Will the tpi not support that much hp ? crate motors are $500-$600 for alot more hp

 

Mine was due to bad vacuum leaks I was pulling 18:1 AF ratio on the dyno. I had carb leak and actually blew the intake gasket on that run puking antifreeze all over the shop.

Normally TPIs are all overwith by 5500 RPMs or less. That's due to the long intake runner design. Great for low end torque not for high end, where horsepower is normally made.