dmair5_0

OK, so I'm pretty sure I'm gonna replace the 305 TBI in my 91' Bird, but I got a question about the repacement engine. I know I could go with the 350 HO engine but in the interest of saving money what kind of horsepower output do the GM replacement 350's put out? I've heard about 250 out of the crate, is that accurate? Anyone used this engine for a performance replacement? Which one did you use? GM offers a whole mess of em'. This will primarily serve as a daily driver, so 250-300 horsepower would be enough.... maybe. Hope you guys can help.

Damon

250 is the rating, I beleive, but that's with a 4bbl carb and headers that they specify. Depending on the intake and exhaust you bolt up to it your results may fall short of that.

I would think bolting up a TBI intake and restrictive TBI 2 1/4" stock exhaust would cost you at least 50 HP off that number.

Also, I beleive the universal 350 uses an early style (86-down) intake bolt pattern so a late model intake would have to be modified slightly to fit onto it.

RICH92RS350

I bought a 300 HP crate motor from Autocenter.It's available with a couple of different cam profiles.I ordered it with a Crane Comp-u-cam for TBI.Haven't got it on a chassis dyno yet,but Desktop Dyno program says 326 HP @4500 RPM and 417 Ft/Lbs @2500RPM.Some say program is a little optimistic in the lower RPM Torque numbers, but it definetely feels like a 300HP/400ft/lb
motor.
Motor uses all new GM short block w/PM Rods
and Replacement TPI Heads,Hydraulic roller etc.
Cost $1855+shipping (which was about $300)
Huge improvement over stock 170HP 305!
-Rich-

dmair5_0

Hey Rich, you say about 300+ HP for $2100 shipped? Can you give me a number or website to get a hold of this company? Did you have any problems with the install? I think I would be using a Holley TBI setup, what did you use, stock?? Any help you can give me would be great!
Also, yes I would be using a TBI, but Holley makes a 670cfm unit with bigger injectors and higher flow rates, plus I would use the Edelbrock TES system, so do you think my numbers would still fall short? Besides the universal 350, they talk about a TBI specific 350 for a truck, would that work in any way? Thanks again.

[This message has been edited by dmair5_0 (edited October 16, 2001).]

RICH92RS350

www.goautocenter.com is where I got my crate motor from.Look under gm engines/300 HP TPI 1987-89. It's available with either the TPI cam or TBI cam (mine has the TBI cam) for the same price.
I used a ported gm throttle body from Turbo City,also used their adjustable fuel pressure regulator.(www.turbocity.com)
I ordered the 350 truck fuel injectors,knock sensor and module from Burt Chevrolet in Denver,CO.(303)761-1286,parts dept.ask for Ken Casey.He gave me a package-deal price,since Chevy High Performance Magazine recommended him as the guru of 305-350 TBI Swaps.
I'm using SLP headers/Y pipe,3" Catco Slip-Fit Cat and Flowmaster American Thunder 3" cat-back with dual 3" outs.
Moroso 14"x3" Open Element Air Cleaner,Edelbrock Performer TBI intake manifold,160 degree stat and custom chip by Ed Wright at Fastchip.
The car is a 92 RS with 5 speed,Centerforce Dual-Friction Clutch,Hayes Billet Flywheel,3.73 Richmond geared,posi,disc brake rear (from an 88 Z28) with lots of suspension upgrades.
Car's a whole different animal than it used to be with the 305!Like you, I figured 250-300 HP would be plenty, and it is.
I do own a big block 70 Nova SS, so if I need to feel more brutal acceleration,I'll drive it.Nova sure isn't a daily driver, though.The Camaro is driven daily, and has been the most trouble-free car I've ever owned. Put 225,000 miles on the original 305 (which still runs good)before swapping in the 350 and I think TBI is a great compromise between performance and reliability.I'm sure you can get more HP with TPI or a carb, but my car passes smog in California and walks all over new Mustangs.
Hope this info helps.

-Rich-