Davidgou

iTrader: (2)

Ok, I've been searching but I can't find the answer to my question. I'm looking to swap my LB9 for a '90 350 TBI out of a 1500 pick up truck. I'm planning on using all my TPI setup on the 350, but what kind of HP difference am I going to experience? Will all my TPI setup work fine or do I need to replace anything else like sensors, etc? Thanks guys for your help.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

The truck engine will have swirl port heads, flat tappet cam. If the truck block was machined for roller lifters, then you'd get a lot more out of the final product by swapping the heads, cam, lifters, and pushrods from the 305 to the 350 shortblock. This should yield about a 30-40 HP jump over the 305. If you put 1.94" intake valves into the heads first (a machine shop will have to cut the seats for you), the improvement would be slightly better.

350's used different injectors and knock sensor than the 305. The computer was tuned slightly differently as well. Otherwise, it's a pretty straight-forward swap.

Davidgou

iTrader: (2)

Ok, great answers man, thanks. So, since I'm not into machining and investing a lot of money at this time (it's gotta be a super budget job=cheapest possible) would it be better if I got a 350 out of some "car" instead of one off a truck?

Another option, since I haven't bought the engine yet (I'm shopping around), is a 1st gen 350 that this guy is selling and he installed his TPI setup on it enlarging the two center holes in the intake. If the engine is in good shape, would that be a good option? I don't really wanna go carb if I can help it, I'd like to keep the TPI.
Sorry about so many questions but I wanna make sure I explore all my options before I go and just buy the first 350 chevy engine I find out there. Thanks again.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

I would want to know the casting # of the heads. Most factory 350 heads were pretty poor, and even "Vette" heads can be worse than swirl ports.

'96-'99 350 Vortec heads are an exception. You need a different base for them, but they are the best you'll find from the factory. They weren't used in any passenger car application, though, just light trucks.

The best factory 350 heads (non-Vortec) were used in f-bodies and TPI Vettes. Of course, the '86-1/2 & up Vettes had aluminum heads, with the 90 degree intake mount bolt holes. You'd have to either get a Vette or '85/'86 base, or elongate the center two holes on each side if you go that route.

Davidgou

iTrader: (2)

Thanks again. I don't have the casting numbers because like I said, I'm in the process of shopping around. I'll try and get the numbers before I go and buy something.

Davidgou

iTrader: (2)

I just saw this engine for sale http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/pts/2818478055.html what do you think?