MochaX

First off, sorry for the long post!
Ok, I'm trying to plan an engine swap from my tired LG4 to a TPI 350. The price really isn't important (within reason, cheaper is sometimes better too) I'm hoping to build this to at least take care of my friend's '95 Mustang Cobra. Here's what I'm thinking (I know, lots of this was in CHP lately, but bear with me)
350 4-Bolt Main L31 Shortblock (SDPC 12556121) (Will this will take a roller cam?)

E-Tec 170 SBC Aluminum Heads (SDPC E6097) (The Max Lift on this is .575" so that's one reason I picked them over Vortec, plus I really wanted the weight loss of alum. heads)

LT4 HOT Cam (SDPC 24502586)

1.6:1 Roller Rockers (SDPC 12370839)

H.O. Roller Lifter Kit (SDPC 12371042)

TPI Vortec Intake Manifold (SDPC 12498060)(I think the E-Tecs require a Vortec Manifold - anyone know differently?)

For now, stock TPI Plenum and Runners, but hopefully a mini-ram.

Does this sound like it would work? How about getting a chip burned for this combo, am I out of luck? This is my first engine build, so any and all advice is appreciated! Thanks!

MochaX

Ok, I have an idea now about where to get a chip burned, but does this sound like a good combo?

Reno

First off, from what I've read and understand, a 4-bolt is overkill for any streetable application. Save some money and hold onto your 2 bolt.

LT4 cams I've heard good things about.

What's the difference betwwen HO lifters and regular roller lifters?

1.6 is good, but I'd find someone who knows a lot about valvetrain geometry before getting a bigger rocker with a bigger cam, the results might be different. Bigger isn't always better in the valvetrain, good place to use a lot of theory in your choices.

OK, if you're not using Vortec heads, you don't need the vortec base, in fact, I don't think it will fit. If you REALLY need an aftermarket base to feel better, get an edelbrock or something.

As for a stock TPI, come on! This is the best place to sneak in all kinds of tricks, and also your biggest high end restricter. Get some AS&M large tube runners, or my peronal preference, SLP semi-siamesed ones, see RCR's website on cutting up your plenum to match, and madmax's insane approach to improving the TPI base.

Then again, I'm new to the TPI scene too, so this is advice from a fellow newbie. Take it or leave it, doesn't matter.

-Reno

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airdeano

well......
your going to have to shed at least 400 pounds
to even compete.
my suggestion:
10.2-5:1 compression
the hot cam w/1.6 rockers
a short runner intake.
200+ cc runner heads
3.42-3.73 gear
your looking @ $5000
or
GM ZZ4 @ $3400
or
GM #12513151 @ $1500
and build up. add cam heads and intake.
airdeano

rockind78

First of all, I am about 99 percent sure that the Vortec base (or a modified base of some sort) IS required for the E-tec's. Secondly, I have mixed feelings about using an LT4 cam. On one hand, I personally believe that the TPI should have a cam that was designed for using those long runners. On the other hand, I have seen some pretty impressive timeslips using that cam in this forum so you make the call. I would also wonder about how high you will be revving the engnine. If you will be revving the crap out of it all the time (well the mini ram makes more power in the upper middle to upper RPM range...correct?) I would recommend the E-Tec 200's. If you are keeping the rev's at or below 6500 I would go with the 170's. Lastly, from what I have read on this forum, hooking up will be a MAJOR concern. I would spend a lot of time thinking about traction upgrades if you want to beat that Cobra. Just my $.02. Good luck.

[This message has been edited by rockind78 (edited November 07, 2001).]

IROCZTWENTYGR8

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, u are going to have to mod that TPI.

MochaX

Well, this is planned to be a street/strip car, daily driver during the non-winter months. I figure I usually won't be revving it very hard, so that's why I was thinking the E-Tec 170's. I agree, I'm almost positive the E-Tecs require a Vortec-style base. I was thinking the 4-bolt because I read the 2-bolt's don't take roller cams without some drilling. Hmmm...Traction is a good idea! I'll have to pay some more attention in that area - thanks!

fly89gta

iTrader: (1)

aren't L98's 2-bolt mains? They are roller blocks...

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anesthes

iTrader: (12)

I used a 350 marine motor. 1 peice rear, roller, 4 bolt main.

-- Joe

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1989 Formula 350 4-bolt
mains, Forged .030 TRW
pistons, SLP 51010
Roller Cam, Comp-cams roller lifters, Summit 1.5 roller rockers, World
Products Sportsman II
2.02/1.60 heads
Edelbrock TPI Intake
24lbs/hr Injectors
Cloyes Double Roller
timing chain, Comp Cams
roller lifters: 13.5 @
100.23 MPH


-- Joe

Earl 87gta

Yes you do need to use the SDPC vortec base with those heads. As for the block 87 and up gm 350 and 305 are machined for the roller cam that is both 4 bolt and 2 bolt. Wich ever you want is your choice I can tell you this a bought the l31 short block not only does it have the 4 bolt main but it also comes with the new pm rods that are used in the lt4 engines so not only do you get the added strength of the four bolt but you get the stronger rods as well. If it was me I would go with the L31 block because you never know what you may do in the future I used this block in my 87 gta I pulled it out of a chevy Tahoe it was the first time I seen the pm rods they are way different then standard chevy I took the motor apart polished every thing had it balanced and bored out 30 and threw in a set of Keith black pistons in it I’m using the gm fastburn heads lt4 hot cam 1.6 roller rockers. Very similar to what you will be building it is a great combo unfortunately I never got it to a dyno it got the front end smashed up and I haven’t finished putting it back together yet.

John Millican

iTrader: (1)

I would look at the E-tec 200's, for $50 more then the 170's you get alot. See, the 170's are designed for 305's primarly due to the 1.94" valves. The 200's would fit your combo better and have 2.02" valves.
This is assuming you are going to run a 350 block. Also you want a miniram later, you'll regret those small 170 heads quick.

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