Well, here is the deal... 2 weeks ago I purchaced a sweet, bone stock 87 TA, TPI 305, AT, G80 rear. One owner garage queen. Less than 10k miles in the last 6 years put on it. (88K total) Apparently at one time in its past the engine wasn't well maintained and when I made a afternoon run on the highway at 100 MPH I wiped the bearings in the bottom end. Rod or crank dosen't matter, there is a gremlin underneath the car banging on the engine with a ballpeen hammer.

Here is where I have come to the crosroads: do I buy a 305 shortblock and retain a 100% original TA using the parts from the original engine? Or do I swap it out for a 350 for the performance? This car will be a daily driver / commuter for me when I transfer to Chicago O'Hare early next year.

As I understand from searches and thread following on the board, a 305 TPI to 350 TPI swap is a relatively simple process? All I need to do is upgrade the injectors to 22-24 lb, new knock sensor for 350, AFPR, and a 87 350 PROM for the ECM??? Have I missed anything?

If I decide to build the 350, here is what I have found and would like to build. Keep in mind stock 700R4 with stock converter, possibly a shift kit.

350 L05 4 bolt main .10 over on rods, crank & block, .30 on the bore. New pistons, rings, oil pump, etc.
AFR 195cc aluminum heads, CNC port w/ 68cc chambers, 2.02 / 1.60 valves, dual coil valve springs.
Comp Pro Magnum roller rockers, 1.6 raito, 3/8 stud.
Comp 502 "extreme" roller cam, 269/276 duration, .495/.503 lift, 112 or 114 LSA? (can't remember).
Ford 24lb injectors.
Meziere high flow electric water pump w/ idler pully (WP321).
SLP CAI.
SLP ceramic headers.
Some sort of cat back exhaust system and high flow cat (SLP / Random Tech. possibly???)

Ideas, comments, gripes??? What kind of power, reliability, and driveability can I expect out of this setup? Pros and cons are useful as I need to order this stuff this week either way I go. Your comments on the swap/build are appreciated as well as the retention of the original 305 powerplant. Thanks!

 

Bump


Anyone???

 

Well, from my experience swap to the 350 now. You won't be stock, but having a 350 is a nice consolation prize. Besides just throw the 305 block and parts in the side yard to "retain" originality .

I have had 4 Firebirds and swapped to 350's when the 305's went south and have never EVer regretted it. 45 extra cubes will make you happy.

 

to do or nnot to do... that's up to you. i don't do the whole "stock" thing, it's just too boring for me. I don't want what GM built, I want what I like/built. - A good 305 will make some power too though...do a search...