Hello,
Im going to buy a 1991 Z28 camaro next week. I ran the vin and it shows it has a 5.0 motor but the guy says it came with a 5.7tpi. Its never been swapped out and it has original miles of 56k. How do I know if he has mistaken a 5.7 when its actually a 5.0? Cheers sticky

 

If the 8th digit of the vin is F its 305 if it is an 8 its a 350. Now if he claims that is the original motor than it is likely that it is a 305. You can always get the number of the front of block on the passenger side of the block where the head meets the block. then go to mortec.com and look up the number. Also its VERY hard to see on TPI's but it will have 5.0 Or 5.7 stamped on the back of the block on the drivers side where the tranny meets the block. Also 350s in thirdgens came only with TPI. does it have center bolt valve covers? now it still can be a 350 with older style heads on it but 350s that came in thirdgens had center bolt valve covers. Also you can get the part number off the heads themselves in the rocker valley and go to mortec.com and run the numbers there to verify. you can look at the RPOs inside the drivers side rear hatch compartment and check for L98 for the 350 or LB9 for 305 TPI's. I would get as many nimbers off the block as I could find an go to mortec.com...thats te only real way u'll know cause to many people nowadays are claimin to have an all original cars. so research as much as u can before buying.! Hope this helps.

 

Is it an auto or manual. If its a manual its a 305. Most people will tell you anything just to sell their car.

 

its an automatic. thanks

 

Doesn't mean its a 350, just that it can't be a 350 with a stick.

 

305 manual or 350 auto....the best options. 305 auto isn't much fun.

 

i would say if the car is mint and if you like it go for it , the diference between the 90 305 and 350 is not much , i believe the 305 had the good l98 cam , so you will be .2 slower with the 305

go for it

 

the manual 305 did....

unless you love the car move on, get what you really want. if you drive it and the 305 is good then buy it.

 

90 305 tpi didn;t they have the l98 cam 210 hp 295 tourque
put some headers and 3 inch exhaust on therre with 3.42 gears and you are just as fast as the 350 , especially with 56 k on the car it is well worth it

 

Bottom line: Do what others suggested and find out if it really is a 350 or not. I wouldn't buy a car from someone that is lieing about what engine it has in it.

 

Sadly, so many thirdgens are sold based on that lie. If the vin says it's a 305, and it's the original engine, then it is a 305. Simple as that.

90-92 LB9s aren't all bad for a driver / cruiser. Mid-low 15s stock. Mid-low 14s with just gears and exhaust.