JJMLU28

Hi new to third gen, in 1986 i purchased a new z28 sold it in 96 a have regreted it ever since.i recently purchased a 84 z28 cc carb , would like to instal a 350. can i install a new 350 crate motor and still use my computer controlled set up ? ,, if i do wiil the computer ecm lite stay on? or would it be easier to beef up the tired 305?, if i lose the ecm will i have to do any trans work? i have the 700r4 i hear the tras lockup wont work corectly.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Welcome aboard thirdgen.org.

Yes, you can put the computer system on a 350. The '84 wasn't the best effort, but it would still run the 350 without SES lights, and would run better than a souped up 305.

Plan on replacing every single piece of the exhaust, though. It's very restrictive, and the only fix is to chuck it all.

JJMLU28

thanks for the info ,, the z has a new cat back exaust on it.. if i put on shorty headers will they bolt up to my h pipe ? ,, and also will my 305 intake bolt on a 350 ?,, and do i need a diffrent flex plate and harmonic balancer? havent purchsed the engine yet i plan to this week , how much hp you think ill get with this set up ?

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

No shorties made bolt up to stock exhaust. You can get headers with a y-pipe that bolt to the stock cat, though.

If your 350 is '86-earlier, everything you need to bolt up to it will transfer over.

supersoaker

Dont mean to hijack the thread but I have an 84 firebird with a ccQjet 305, I've been reading and reading all over the board and this is the closest I've seen to what I wanted to do, I also have the same tranny.

I don't have a whole lot of money but I'm willing to save up for a new crate engine and exhaust system, I just don't know where to start since this is my first third gen/older car. I was wondering what I have to look out for and what are all the components I need?

also what is a recommended crate engine and exhaust system? I'm not looking to make it into a beast, I just want to have a good reliable runner.

the phoenix

iTrader: (1)

Welcome and good luck!

I'm about to start my transfer from the 305 in my T/A to a new 406 build. I started my project with the block and have slowly picked up additional parts/pieces.

I'm not the most versed in the ways of the v-8 as my most recent modification experience was in the 4 banger world. My cousin who is a GM trainer is going to be overseeing me and the build. I have a thread in this forum and will be posting pics tomorrow evening.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

This is a relatively cheap long-block engine http://www.summitracing.com/parts/NAL-12499529/ . Several people have used this engine. Everything from your '84 will bolt up to it.

Another possibility: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/NAL-12605117/ . Take the heads off of your 305, have them freshened up with new valve springs (1.94" intake valves while they're at the machine shop is a nice touch), a decent cam like a Comp XE262 or XE268, and you'll make even more power than the 290 HP of the above engine.

supersoaker

thanks for the quick reply guys, I'm very new to this and I've also been in the 4 cylinder world. I know my way around a shop and tools, but I really appreciate all the help you guys can give.

I'm really leaning towards this route, the difference between a long block and short block are that the sb has removable heads, correct? If i was to go this route would i still need a new exhaust system(any recommendations)? Also what would I need to do with the rest of the car as in transmission and suspension wise? I know you stated that everything will bolt up to the new crate from the 84, but would I need to do any modifications or just unbolt and transfer? I just want to plan this out as much as I can before I get knee deep in the project and lose myself lol.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Longblock - typically block, crank, rods, pistons, rings, bearings, freeze plugs, cam, lifters, timing set, heads, rockers. Most of the time includes oil pump, front cover, oil pan, and valve covers, but may not. Usually doesn't include damper, water pump, fuel pump, intake manifold, spark plugs or wires, distributor, dipstick, fuel pump mount plate or rod. May or may not have the oil filter adapter.

Shortblock - typically block, crank, rods, pistons, rings, bearings, freeze plugs. Usually does not include cam, lifters, timing set, front cover, oil pump, oil pan, or oil filter adapter. Never includes heads.

That GM longblock and an '84 305, it's an unbolt and transfer proposition. New intake & water pump gaskets, of course.

supersoaker

Thanks again for all the info, I plan on ordering the engine after tax season cause I'll have extra cash. I'm just adding up in the range of what I'm spending and all I'll need to get it up and running.