305 to 350 vortec

[1988capriceclassic]

ok i have a 1988 caprice classic with the under power 305 and i wanted to swap it out for the 1995 350 but every shop i called they dont want to take the job does any onee know of a shop that would do it and around how much im looking to spend

[silicon212]

Originally Posted by 1988capriceclassic

ok i have a 1988 caprice classic with the under power 305 and i wanted to swap it out for the 1995 350 but every shop i called they dont want to take the job does any onee know of a shop that would do it and around how much im looking to spend

The Vortec 350 is a 1996 engine, not a 1995 engine. In 1995, generally you would have either an LT1 or an L05 in trucks.

It is a large job to swap a carb engine for an EFI engine- it includes much more than simply swapping engines. You have to upgrade the fuel system, completely replace the entire computer system and associated wiring harness, and more. Also, 1995 cars used a PCM (Powertrain control module) that also controlled the transmission, so you're also looking at a 2004R to 4L60E swap. It's a LARGE job. It can be done if you have the patience to do it yourself (as well as a COMPLETE donor car), but no shop will touch it. My 2¢.

Also, if you pay someone to do this, expect to spend a minimum of around $4-5 large - no less - and that's IF you find someone willing.

[1988capriceclassic]

Originally Posted by silicon212

The Vortec 350 is a 1996 engine, not a 1995 engine. In 1995, generally you would have either an LT1 or an L05 in trucks.

It is a large job to swap a carb engine for an EFI engine- it includes much more than simply swapping engines. You have to upgrade the fuel system, completely replace the entire computer system and associated wiring harness, and more. Also, 1995 cars used a PCM (Powertrain control module) that also controlled the transmission, so you're also looking at a 2004R to 4L60E swap. It's a LARGE job. It can be done if you have the patience to do it yourself (as well as a COMPLETE donor car), but no shop will touch it. My 2¢.

Also, if you pay someone to do this, expect to spend a minimum of around $4-5 large - no less - and that's IF you find someone willing.

ok thats tells me why not one would touch it also thats a lilttle over my budget lol what would you recommend whats cheaper to do

[PeteA216]

You could take the LT1 and replace the intake manifold to convert it to a carbureted engine so it'd work for the Caprice. Or a crate engine 350 w/ 295 HP is rougly $1500 from GM, or you could pick up a carbureted 350 from a junkyard. Most junkyards come with a 60 Day warrantee so if the engine's a no-go, you can simply return it.

[silicon212]

Originally Posted by PeteA216

You could take the LT1 and replace the intake manifold to convert it to a carbureted engine so it'd work for the Caprice. Or a crate engine 350 w/ 295 HP is rougly $1500 from GM, or you could pick up a carbureted 350 from a junkyard. Most junkyards come with a 60 Day warrantee so if the engine's a no-go, you can simply return it.

No - LT1 uses reverse cooling and standard SBC parts will not bolt to it.

The Vortec engine would require a special intake, but they do make intakes for use in carbureted applications.

[GreyGoose006]

wouldnt it simply require a different water pump and radiator though?

either way, 350s are pretty common in junk yards, so finding one from a truck will be easy.

[silicon212]

Originally Posted by GreyGoose006

wouldnt it simply require a different water pump and radiator though?

either way, 350s are pretty common in junk yards, so finding one from a truck will be easy.

No. The water pump is different, radiator is the same (AFIAK). The water ports in the heads are in totally different locations, as are the water passages in the intake.

True enough on the junkyard 350. You can get one from Pick-n-Pull complete for about $150.

[PeteA216]

True enough on the junkyard 350. You can get one from Pick-n-Pull complete for about $150.

Here in upstate NY (Rochester), the very cheapest I could have found any SBC out of all nearby junkyards was for $250, but averaged around the $300-$350 range. All coming with at least a 60 day money back/replacement warranty. Some even up to 90 days. I guess it all depends where you are.

LT1 uses reverse cooling and standard SBC parts will not bolt to it.

Learn something new every day... literally! Is the entire block different as well?

[silicon212]

Originally Posted by PeteA216

Here in upstate NY (Rochester), the very cheapest I could have found any SBC out of all nearby junkyards was for $250, but averaged around the $300-$350 range. All coming with at least a 60 day money back/replacement warranty. Some even up to 90 days. I guess it all depends where you are.


Learn something new every day... literally! Is the entire block different as well?

Yes. The LT1 is a standard small block in dimension only - save for the oil pan and the valve covers, which should work with earlier models.

The LT1/L99 are what GM calls a "Gen II small block", where the typical small block Chevy is a "Gen I" and this includes the '96-'03 Vortec 5000 and 5700.

[GreyGoose006]

well a reverse flow cooling is better anyway, because it allows you to run slightly higher compression without detonation.