It recently passed smog and ran pretty clean but over the last year is has dropped its oil pressure slightly. With 221,000 mi on the engine without even the valve cover being removed I'm afraid to drive it on long trips. While the engine still runs pretty strong the power output is not what it used to be. It runs hotter and will easily overheat if everything isn't tip-top.

I plan on replacing it with a 350 (this isn't a question about a 305 to 350 swap). Is there a reliable place to get a rebuilt or new L98 engine? I've had many experiences with rebuilds and non of them have been as good as an original. I know Jim pace sells goodwrench replacement engines. But does a replacement L98 have a 9.3/1 CR and a decent cam. Or is a a generic 350 with 8.5/1 CR? I don't trust the local rebuild shops (even though I'm in socal) becuase the good ones are way expensive. I'd like to keep the cost at $2000 for a good engine that does what I want.

Do any of the GMPP crate engines like the 330 HP one support EGR and will bolt up fine to my TPI setup with everything working (EGR, etc.).


Thanks,
James

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1985 Z-28 305 TPI
220,000 mi., Original Eng.

 

You and I are in the same boat. When I got my '86 IROC it was pretty decent, with 142k miles. By 162k, the trans has been out several times, and I just blew the motor. My fault, I abused the redline. Seperated the damper and bent a couple of pushrods. Being a mechanic for a local Chevy dealership, I think you're better off getting a crate motor. For the money, they're decent and eliminates alot of hassle in these swaps. A 350 short block would be good, then all you need are heads and a cam, depending on your taste. You could piece one together(like I am), but you run a bigger risk of messing something up. The only reason I am is because I already have the parts. I'm going to use a Crane Compucam 2040 with ported 305 heads and modified TPI intake. While not hell on wheels, this should be decent, but whatever road you take, choose a computer-compatable cam. Good luck.

 

Where in socal are you? I know a GOOD shop down here that I have been dealing with for years. Dont know what it will run you for a complete engine tho because I usually bring pieces and assemble and do other stuff myself.
Ill check out the GMPP and see if they have any smog compatible stuff. Offhand I'd say that you will have to forget its a 350 when the smog tech asks

 

This is a great question. Alot of the crate motors I've seen are based on the "old style" small-block. The ads even have replacement TBI motors. Are we on our own with the TPI?

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1989 Trans Am, 305 TPI 5-speed, T-Tops(love 'em),4-wheel disc, 3.73 posi

 

Well, he has an 85 so it is the old style block. Anyway, its a small difference that can be fixed fairly easily.

I didnt really see anything besides the low compression goodwrench motor, and I know there is the replacement L98. What you could do is pick up the $99 ZZ4 cam and the replacement L98, and swap the cam out. Theres shortblocks too, and then add whatever heads you need and that works too.

 

I'm live in Westminster (orange county). I think the best machine shop around here is Advance(?). I know of a couple others but I don't trust them too much. If you don't spend lotsa $$money they don't really care and it'll take a long time to get your stuff done. I guess the best thing for me is a decent L98 short block and then piece the rest together with aftermarket equipment.

Does the 350 HO (330 HP) in the GMPP bolt up to the TPI and have EGR? If it did that sounds like a god deal for $2000. With all the 5.0/5.7 L camaros getting pretty good I wish GMPP would have a decent 300~345 HP crate motor I could just stick in. I'd settle for a 270 HP w/stock TPI setup for $2000. Thats pretty good as is. I don't think I need a steel crank and titanum valves to be happy. While those type of things are great in reality I think it is overkill for my usage. Do I REALLY need a steel crank if the motor craps out @ 5000 RPM after a a HP peak at 4500 RPM? Hell the 305 TPI for my year is still pretty peppy. For mileage sake maybe I should just stick w/ a 305.

James

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1985 Z-28 305 TPI
221,000+ mi., Original Eng.

 

One more thing. I know the ZZ4 doesn't have the heat crossover and therefore won't have funtional EGR, then how is that CA smog legal as stated in the catalog for the 350 TBI swap?


James

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1985 Z-28 305 TPI
221,000+ mi., Original Eng.

 

The 330hp engine doesnt have a crossover either...

I think the smog-legal kit they sell must use some sort of ported exhaust like the corvette setup. That or they certified it without the EGR, which is entirely possible.

Westminister isnt too far... The place I go to is in Santa Ana off the 55 by the 405.

 

A 305 dieing ?? Never

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My Firebird

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