I know this has been done as evident by all the people with 350 v8s and t5s in their sigs and lil profile on the sides. Yet I'm not finding much on actually installing it. Whilst searching, I came across something from pasky saying you need a custom clutch?

Can someone just briefly explain what I would need to make a 350 gen1 SBC mate with a 91ish (its either 90-92 firebird) 305 V8 T-5. Someone is offering this firebird for 500 dollars because the engine has a problem (freeze plug issue) and the tranny needs a new clutch. Well I figure, if I can drop in this 79 camaro V8 in that firebird, I can replace the clutch with something needed in order to mate the 2 up.

Is there a certain clutch online to look for? Or am I going to need to hit up a trans shop around town. What kind of monetary figure am I looking at if I do this?

 

EVERYTHING bolts up perfectly, since the 305 and 350 are identical externally. However, due to the year-model difference (pre-86 motor and 86-up parts), you'll need a different flywheel from the one you've got.

Get the flywheel for 83-85 305/T-5 Camro/Firebird. You will find that there are 2 stock ones; a lightweight one, used in the L69 and LB9 305s; and a heavy one, used on the LG4. I'd recommend a light one. You can get a junk one, a new one from GM, or aftermarket. All you need to remember, is 83-85 305/T-5 Camaro/Firebird. Don't try to get all caught up in how many teeth, internal/external balance, or any of that. Just get it by application.

The 305 bell housing, clutch hydraulics, motor mounts, all accessories, and all computer controls and sensors, will also bolt right up to a 350. Don't go into this thinking you're going to be obligated to hack anything. DON'T cut any wires, hack off any emissions, etc.; you'll need them all. You'll need to use the intake manifold and TBI off of the 305, which will bolt right up, except for the center 2 intake bolt holes on each side will need to be slotted. You can do that yourself easily. You'll see the difference, it's pretty obvious what has to be done. Or, if you feel ambitious and perfectionist, go to the junkyard and find a truck or Caprice with a TBI 350 (anything from 87 to about 93 or so should do), and get the intake and throttle body and chip from that vehicle; it will simplify tuning it and probably it will run nearly perfect like a stock motor, right from the get-go, with those parts.

The same clutch fits all 83-92 V8/T-5 Camaro Firebird applications. Again, any good clutch will do just fine. Get it by specifying the application.

 

its the freakign same thing lol

happy swapping

 

Ok thank you very much.

As for using the 350, its a whole running engine that I'm not even going to bother opening up. Just a straight up, pull 305, drop 350. Just needed to make sure I can have a way to mate up that T5 to the 350.

I'll start searching today for what I'm going to need, and hit you guys up later if I need help




EDIT: Wait... can't I just use the flywheel off that 305 in the bird? Or will that specific flywheel not fit my 350?

 

No it is not the same (unless somebody has already swapped a 85-back motor into it before). That's why you need the kind I told you about. 86-up is one style, 85-back is another. 83-85 V8/T-5 Camaro/Firebird is the kind of flywheel you need. No other will do.

If your Firebird is still TBI, you'd be well advised to leave it TBI, and do as I described. It's the shortest path, the path of least resistance, requires the least money, the least work, and will get you on the road the quickest. There's no reason to do anything else if you're looking for the quickest cheapest easiest way. That's why, much like the flywheel, I posted it.