I currently own an 82 T/A with T-tops and crossfire setup. I'm just about finished building a 383, estimated at about 490hp. The car itself is in pretty good shape, good enough to maybe not want to hack it up with a carbureted small block, and a 5 speed. Also of concern are the t-tops. Are sfcs and a few other suspension pieces enough, or should i seek out a cage? If I do the swap, it will be almost a daily driver, minimal time at the strip, no slicks. Any info, opinions, or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

carbed 383 swap won't really be a "hack"if done right and the removed original parts are kept preserved-crossfire to carb swap is very easy and can be done without hacking up anything too bad-just don't lose the "small"parts.
My'82 z went from LG4 to corvette CFI350-removed the CFI for modification,clapped on a temporary Q-jet.then reinstalled the CFI after modifications were completeI think SFCs should be installed,but a proper set should be enough.

 

I have that much hp in my 82 z and i dont have a cage. Be careful though it will try to turn you sideways half way through second gear. Mine has tried it a couple times and it doesnt even have a possi. As long as someone is sitting in the passenger seat that weighs 200 lbs it burns possi. I know for sure its an open rear end because I broke the original one and got the rear end in it now from my buddies junkyard. It must be binding it up or walkin the pinion up the ring gear enough to get the spider gears all bound or something I dont know. It will get your attention when it happens though.

 

Thanks for your input. I guess I am trying to determine whether to keep the t-tops, or try and find a hard top one, with a 5 speed already, so there are less modifications to be made. I do enjoy the t-tops.