I have 89 tpi 305 in formula, the motor knocks real bad. I don't want to waste money rebuilding the 305. What chev 350 can I use to replace this motor whith out the computer freaking out on me? I know I have to install bigger 350 injectors and knock sensor, and I will get a chip or reflash for my 305 computer to acknowledge this change. But I need ideas as to what motor to get for the swap. Could I use just a 88 and up truck motor,or does it have to be a roller rocker motor like my tpi motor?

 

Instead of making a recommendation for your motor swap selection, I've attached a link for your fact gathering use. Hopefully, it will provide you with some of the information you'll need plus a lot more.

http://www.chevythunder.com

Good luck

 

Well that doen't help me. I was going to put in a corvette tpi 350 motor, but it's more than I want to spend. I already have a tpi motor in my car, but it needs a rebuild and I want to install a bigger factory motor. So I need recomendations as to wether a factory 5.7 from say a tbi equpite car would work with out to much hassle.

 

you can put whatever one you want it depend upon how much hp you want and if you want just a bare block for you to build or if you want to buy one prebuilt.

 

But will the computer work, with out having to modify it alot. I don't want to have to install a stand alone system. I know if you swap a 305 motor for a 350 motor you need to modify computer., and let it know which injectors you have installed. What about a bigger cam. So what your saying is I can install a 383 stroker motor and the computer will be fine with that, with out major retuning???? what about gear drive?

 

Alright. Im just getting done with a swap from a 305 to a 350. Number one: that website that was provided to u should be all that you need. Number two: All that info. is also on this website. You just have to search for it. Number three: to make it easy - You need to replace the knock sensor and the esc module with one for a 350. You need 350 injectors, although some people say u can get away with 305 injectors and an adjustable regualtor. You also need a new chip. i ordered mine from tpiparts.net. Its an adapter that goes between the computer, and your existing 305 chip, and it holds the program settings for 350's. its about 65 bucks. Ill be done with my swap soon, so Ill let you know how everything goes.

 

I'm mainly looking for an engine. I know what stuff has to be changed. Just not sure about what block. I was going to get a Schucks rebuilt 5.7 litre vette motor, cause it has aluminum heads, but they want 2k for it. Does the motor have to be a roller rocker?

 

no the motor does not have to be a roller, but more than likely it will be if you purchase a tpi ready engine. If you purchase the "vette"engine you will have to change to a 7747 ECM and vette prom. The aluminum heads will cause a problem with the f-body PROMs I think.

Just try to find an engine from the middle 80's to early 90's. They should have the provisions you'll need to run a good tpi system.

 

Don't tell me that, damit. So is the vette motor differant other than the heads? Schucks can get me a rebuilt 90 vette motor shipped for 2k. Why doesn't the vette motor work with fbody TPI??? Sensors differant? Or are the whole parameters differant, because of the differance in just the head?
I was assuming the motors are the same for a vette 5.7, and a regular chev 5.7 except the heads.

 

there are tuning differance's with the PROM chip plus you'll need a different ECM computer to correctly run with those heads. Aluminum heads will require tuning mods on f-body system's too.

Is the proposed engine coming with the TPI system installed? The vette intake is different also. The fuel rails have the fuel lines on the passanger side where as in you car the would be on the driver's side. EGR is in a different place too. Sensors are the same.

Also, verify that those guys "vette" motor is actually a vette motor. Just because its TPI, some people think differently. Hell I could call my L98 a vette motor, well actually mine's a vette motor eater!

 

It is a long block, vette motor with aluminum heads. I would be swapping all my fire birds tpi stuff onto the block. Comes with a 12 month warranty. Both motors should use the same intake and exhaust. They are basically the same motor except one has aluminum heads? Aren't they?

 

If you are using all you're stock intake, you'll be fine. Not sure if a vette oil pan differs or not. But I still don't know why you're set on aluminum heads. Its your choice but it would be easier for the swap to use iron heads I think. Just because of the ECM issues. The only differences in vette and f body horsepower is maybe 15 HP. Most of which is due to the Vette Exhuast system. Those vette heads will have 56cc chambers which will cause the compression to rise like 1 point or so, f-body iron heads usually have 64 cc chambers.

 

Your stock intake base will NOT work with the Vette aluminum heads; the bolt angle is different for the middle two bolts. You could use the Vette heads, and get a Vette TPI base, or do some grinding on your intake bolt holes and use beveled washers to make it work.

 

Well then, that helps alot. So I'm just thinking a 5.7 TPI replacement motor. I was going the vette motor route because I figured the heads were lighter, and they might make more HP.