I have a 1987 firebird 305 tpi 700r4
was having some trouble getting her to run right. The pistons have more slop in them than they are supposed to. low compression and blowing oil. No knocking tho. The heads are good, i got them checked out. I am on a budget because i already got some money going into another project. So i am wondering what vehicle i can get a 305 out of that will work for a TPI application. as i will be hitting the yards this weekend.

I don't want to do the 350 swap because i am saving parts up for an ls swap for a next summer project. so for now i want to keep her stock.

Thanks guys and gals. Jgood

 

Pretty much any will do but you'd be cheaper to just buy a 350. It's cheaper in almost every aspect and the tpi setup will bolt right on. You can do it and just start the tuning as you go. The computer will compensate a little for the larger engine but you should get/burn a chip and put larger injectors but like I said, you can do that as you go. I've had 19 lb fuel injectors on my 350 for over a year and just haven't been able to save the money for 24 lb. since we just had a babyand I changed jobs. Oh, and make sure the dipstick is on the passenger side or you'll have to buy headers(not that that's a bad thing, really).

 

If you must go used 305,I would suggest getting one '87 or newer ( one piece Rear Main Seal, Heads to match your intake, roller cam ready). If your swap engine does not have a roller cam, you will likely need a different gear on the distributor ( or use the one from the donor car).

Just something to think about- any engine you find in the yard is as likely to be bad as it is to be good. You may be swapping one set of known problems for another.

One option is to post on CL in your local area. You might find someone who has done the 305 to 350 swap, and has the old engine still sitting around. I had a great running L69 that I sold for $150 just to clear out the garage.

 

Not sure how close you are to nj, bit i got a 305 to complete (minus the harness) that I just pulled this spring for my 350 swap. Was in perfect running condition but was high mileage. Was a 87 motor

 

You can make an LB9 305 perform close to the stock L98 350 with the right cam and gears...if you are building on the cheap.

 

SHHHHH !!!! sofa may be listening!

 

Well, another thirdgen is obvious, but some of the 80's half ton trucks had the 305 in them as well.

 

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