Crusherfied

iTrader: (2)

So I have a smashed up low miles 1988 Iroc with a good running 350 TPI, auto trans (MD8,MX0) and the rear end with 9 bolt cover (GW6(3.27 ratio),G80). I have a line on a 1987 Iroc with no engine. The 87 used to have a 305 TPI and the 5 speed (MM5)is still there, but the previous owner wants to keep the 5 speed. Both vehicles are factory stock. The 88 has a/c but the 87 does not. The 87's rear axle is a GM3(3.50ratio),G80.

So....thinking about swapping the 350 w/auto trans and the complete rear axle into the 87. (Would you swap axles and why?) Since I have only done engine swaps on 25-30 year old toyota trucks, this is somewhat new territory to me as I am new to the Camaro scene. The axle swap does not concern me much, but any helpful info on that would be great. If I get to keep the 5 speed, than I was thinking of just dropping the 350 in and not worrying about the auto as that would probably mean the least amount of hassle.

So depending on which way I go, auto or 5 speed, what do I need to take into consideration? What also needs to come over from the 88 to the 87 to make this work? I assume the ECM needs to swap, but does that have any bearing with which tranny I use? If I do end up swapping in the auto trans, what are my concerns with that? As I wouldn't need the 3rd pedal any more should I swap over the 88's brake booster as well? What about wiring/harness concerns? Which axle and ratio would work best with which tranny and how would they perform together?

As far as the 350 is concerned, I will perfom a basic tune up and possibly consider some exhaust headers. Both cars are canadian and reside in south central British Columbia and do not need to pass smog/air care. These are the only questions I can think of a this point. Thank you.

combatdoc

AS for axles you can swap all you want just have to change the speedo gear so it reads right or run the 5speed with that gear. Just buy a chip for the 350 or find someone to burn you a prom.

vetteoz

iTrader: (13)

86-89 305 and 350 use same '165 computer so all you need to swap is the chip / prom / memcal , call it what you will from the 350 TPI computer into the identical '87 computer

You may have to splice the 3 wires for the TCC from the 88 into the '87 trans harness if installing the auto
Have to check ;wires and plug for trans may already be there but not used on the manual car

vetteoz

iTrader: (13)

He says he has a complete running 350 TPI;why buy another prom when he already has one?

Crusherfied

iTrader: (2)

Ok, sounds simple enough. Does anyone have a picture of the comp with the prom so I know what I'm looking at in regards to the prom? Even a verbal description will do. What is the TCC? The wire thing makes sense to me. Guess I won't know till I have both cars in the yard and can compare both.

vetteoz

iTrader: (13)

Torque Convertor Control
Auto trans has a convertor that can be locked up and that lockup is controlled by the computer.
Power wire goes through a brake switch ( so convertor unlocks when you hit brake ) to the TCC solenoid in the trans then back to the ECM where the ECM grounds circuit to makes it work

vetteoz

iTrader: (13)

Jim85IROC

iTrader: (2)

Keep in mind that the engine accessories and harness changed from 87 to 88 (v-belt to serpentene) which means that you'll need to swap all of your 88 accessories (including water pump) over to the new motor. Not a big deal, but something you want to be aware of.

utilityguy2

iTrader: (1)

Vettoz is correct. Just put the blue covered memcal from the 350 car into the 305 car ECM.

Crusherfied

iTrader: (2)

If I were to put an aftermarket chip in, what kind of performance gains can I realize?

utilityguy2

iTrader: (1)

Typically, maybe, enough to feel but in my opinion not worth the cost. Generally the changes to the fuel and spark maps are minor and most gains are from turning fans on at lower temp so you can run 160 thermostat which I think in never a good option unless you live in very hot climate. Others may think otherwise.

vetteoz

iTrader: (13)

Car will go faster because your wallet is lighter ;that's all

utilityguy2

iTrader: (1)

Crusherfied

iTrader: (2)

Cool! Ok, chip idea is out.
Since I am new to the camaro scene, from what I have read it sounds like it is a bad idea to put the 350 in front of the T5 (can't handle the torque and such). So I guess I will just use the 700R4 after all since I can't afford to buy a T56 right now and I would rather spend the coin on a half decent paint job.
What do you all think about painting the car the same color as the metalic grey/silver found on the spokes of the original Iroc wheels (RPO code 15P I believe)??? Anybody have any paint codes for this color?