Midnyte81

I am wondering if anyone has any guidance on switching the 1984 V-6 carburated engine with the 350 TPI engine as far as the electrical system(I have the wiring harnesses and computer for the 350.)

RSCamaroGuy92

The only way that I would go TPI is if I already had ALL the equiptment for it. I don't just mean the runners, intake, plenum, and harness. Your gonna need
- a new Mass Air sensor(at least $100).
- The new intake system. The MAF or VATS. $??
- Injectors(if you don't have them)$86/pc *8 = $688
- A custom computer chip $350or more (this can override the VATS)
- Intake air temp sensor $35
Lots more but I can't think right now.

If you already have a "DONOR CAR" with the TPI setup, then make sure you keep every part to put in your car. Its recommended that you replace all you sensors when doing an engine, but that's your call.

A simple TBI would do very nicely This is all you need
- Throttle body unit w/350 (22lb.) injectors
- 350 Knock Sensor
- 350 Knock Module
- Computer Chip(a chip off of a 350 Caprice will work great)

The decision is yours, and also the headache

I, at first, wanted to put a TPI in when I blew my 305. I could get the complete setup minus the injectors for $400. BUt that also required new sensors totalling over $150 plus $600 for the injectors. Another $500 for the 350 motor. Already at $1500 and we only have 250-260 horse motor.

- The TBI engine motor $500
- The sensors $80
- The Chip (off a Caprice) $10
- Headers, y-pipe, 3in intermediate pipe & Flowmaster Cat-back $550
- A Set of used LT1 heads $200
- Crane Compu-Cam $180

There, a 350+horse TBI for the same price as a 250horse TPI

If you have plenty of money and a lot of patience, go TPI.
Whatever you do, as a fellow 3rd gener, Good Luck and I hope everything goes well for you.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

I agree with the complete donor car part. You left off the in-tank fuel pump, relays, and fuel lines, though.

I'm not sure I agree with the TBI part. But, that's not worth arguing about.

An alternative would be a carb on top of the now-TPI 350, since the car is already carb. If emissions are an issue, though, the carb will have to be computer controlled.

Another thing I would recommend considering is the economics of all this. Assuming the V6 car currently runs, it would probably be cheaper to sell this car and buy a running 350 TPI car than it would be to keep the V6 car and buy all you'll need to get it running with V8 TPI.

Midnyte81

Midnyte blue Thanks on the info.... The TPI has a slightly modified LT1 intake, port polished aluminum heads, energizer cam, and a MSD-6AL ignition to go with it. The only thing I think I would need to find now is the fuel pump and lines for a decent price.(I forgot to mention that a computer chip from a LT1 was in the computer.):hail:

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

You didn't ask, but do you realize how many parts have to be changed just to mount the V8 where the V6 used to live? Just wondering.

AFrikinGoodTime

Don't forget about the transmission. V6 and V8 700r4's are not the same bolt pattern.

84slowbird

is there any conceivable way you could use the v6 700r4 tranny on a v8 engine?

RSCamaroGuy92

IF GM put a 700r4 in a V6, why would you have to worry about it bolting up to a 305 or 350? I used to have a 305 in my RS, that came stock with a 700r4. I plan on using the 700r4 with my 350 project that I am working on. ALL GM V-8 AUTOMATICS AFTER 1990 came with the 700r4 Tranny whether they were Z28's or RS's.

However, I highly doubt that you have a 700r4 with a V-6.

Riley's35089rs+

This GUy has no Idea what he is talking about...... listen to 5-7 and the others who have done the swap.....hell I even put myself on the list..

Midnyte81

I forgot to mention the part about the tranny and how I plan on putting the engine in............
First, I was going to modify the firewall for all of the extra stuff. Then, go ahead and change the bolt pattern on the car to four. The tranny is a 700r4, but I have never, EVER, heard of a 700r4 being standard for a V-6 1984 model. Does the setup sound about right to you guys? :hail: :hail:

Midnyte81

.................................; and another thing, the 700r4 came with the engine. What came with the V-6 was what I thnk was a 200c tranny.

84slowbird

according to my RPO codes, my car came with the 700R4...

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Well, this started off as an electrical question, guess I opened a can of worms.

The TH700 was used behind both V6's and V8's in 3rd gens. The overall length is the same, (most) torque converters will swap, the gear ratios are the same. But, the bellhousing bolt pattern is completely different, and you can't simply "redrill" one to fit the other. Since you have a V8 tranny, that's not an issue for you, but this needed to be cleared up for others reading it (and supplying inaccurate info).

You do NOT need to modify the firewall. You will have to get a transmission crossmember, torque arm, and driveshaft (or shorten yours) for the TH700, because it is longer than the TH200C that came in the car. You also need a TH700 shifter w/cable bracket. The good news is that with the proper parts in hand, they will all bolt into an '84.

Midnyte81

:hail: I really appreciate the info that all of you guys,(and girls if you're out there) gave me for the engine swap. I'll be starting on it before Friday. :hail: