Hey guys I recived a 92firebird about 4 months ago, nice car but It came with a V6 engine. 191cubin. i belive.
I would really like to upgrade it into something more powerfull, proley a 305. Im looking for someone who may have allready done this. Im looking for anyhelp or information that is availiable.
i could really use the help guys please.
thanks in advance.

Craig

 

ive done this, what do you want to know?

a little advise just go with a 350 or better. the 305 does not make sense when you think cost vs benefit. i made that mistake and now i have to do it again. in hindsight it woudnt have been much more to step up the first time.

 

Michigan huh

where is Berkley??

Well i did the swap and it was well worth it. And since there is no emmision testing in Michigan, i would get rid of the computer and all emissions. if your gonna upgrade to a V8, i would buy a 350 carbed engine. I would spend a little money on a V8 donar car, it just makes the swap easier, but its not neccasary. If you have any questions go ahead and post them, or email me and i will be happy to help you out with anything.

Good luck

 

Berkley is north of detroit in oakland county,a suburb, a nice area.

What are the cost differences between a 305 and lets say a 350? how much different work is involved between the swaps?

 

I dont think the price difference is that much. But the performance is, you can build a 305 with a lot of power, but a 350 will have more power for the money. There are no differences in the swaps, a SBC is a SBC.

 

What does SBC mean?

Do you have any rough idea how much i should look at?
What are good engines to easily swap in and out for the 305 and 350
What about gas?
DO u think the insurance will care?

 

SBC means Small Block Chevy

I put around $1200 in mine for a very basic swap, now I am spending a few more hundred for new cam, heads, etc.
That is with a rebuilt longblock, then i got everything else from a V8 donor car(i got mine free).

Gas, all depends on how much the engine is built and how heavy your foot is
Im expecting around 18-19 on the highway when im done

Insurance goes on the VIN number, and besides, i wont tell if you dont

 

What is a rough ball park total, was the 1200 for the 305 or 350? what would I be looking at as far as horse power for both?
thanks alot
Craig

 

im sure it was a 350 look at his name. you can get things for cheap if your not in a hurry.look for deals. i got a short block 355 and heads for 800. it got almost no wear. he just wanted a bigger engine.

 

Where would I look for these deals?

 

Okay, nobody said it, so I will.

This isn't a simple swap.

Basically anything that attaches to or feeds the engine needs to be changed. That is simplified a little bit if you don't have to make it an emissions-legal swap, but some things have to be changed no matter what - radiator, engine mounts, transmission, exhaust, front springs, hoses, throttle cables, tachometer - to name a few. If you maintain fuel injection (the only "smart" thing to do, in my opinion), you aren't going to be able to cut many corners.

The "best" way to do this is to get a factory V8 donor car (something that's been rolled or rear-ended) that is close to the year of your car (same or newer is best), and same model (don't get a Camaro if another 'Bird is available, for instance). Take pictures of both before you start taking anything apart, more while you are taking them apart, and change everything that is different between the two.

 

its not the easiest project in the world but its not all that hard.

radiator- went to local rad shop had them recore and swap the tanks 'cause the hoses are reversed - $100

engine mounts- go to the parts store and ask for 8cyl mounts and put them in the other holes already drilled in the cross member.

trans- got it with the engine

keep the springs it only lowers the car 'bout an inch

exaust- get headers (headman $100), flowmasters

hoses are cheap and should be replaced anyway

throttle cable i modified to work for $0

tach is better to have after market for accuracy

carbs are cheaper and will run just as good as fuel injection if tuned properly.

the ign can be had by going to the junk yard and picking up a hei vac. advance dist. hook up the wire to a keyed on source through a relay.($10-20)

fuel- just buy a holley adjustable regulator to regulate the pressure down and wire it work with a switch ( you could wire it to the key but i like to be able to turn it off seperately.

i found my engine from a guy i race with.

 

That only gives you half of what you need. The engine side isn't available from the parts store.

 

thats right, i forgot, mine came with the mounts on the engine. you could get them from the junkyard.