78 Engine Swap

[78z28 N progress]

I just got a 78 z28 and want to add power, a buddy says to use a L98……….. What would be the best fit and produce the most POWER for the heavy body style

[wrightz28]

Since it's a Z28 I assume it already has a 305 or 350?

L98 is a Tune Port Fuel injected motor in which you'lll have to vamp the entire fuel system to withstand the pressure, and you'll the wiring harness and ECM from a L98 equipted car.

If it were me, I'd just put a crate motor in it. GM Perfrmance Parts has a 350 with some pretty decent numbers for it. Or you could make a 383 strocker out of a 350.

[78z28 N progress]

right now it has a 305. i know this is a dumb
?? but which 350 should i start with and should i stay with the carb or use a Ram

[wrightz28]

Depends on your ability. If you're up to the challange of making it a fuel injected motor, then go for it. The TPI motors are good for torque and streetability, but not to good on high end horsepower.

[78z28 N progress]

thanks i figued i had a big task on my hand.
i want as much HighEnd power as i can get.

[wrightz28]

Check out the 350 HO from GMP.

[hotrod_chevyz]

IMO

A good old fashoned balanced 350 with flat top forged pistons would be a good start. Add a 268-280 duration cam and some center bolt heads to it and *ding* your pushing 400HP with less than $1,000.00 spent, and that WILL have some high end HP.

To run a carb with center bolt heads, you have to use a dremel on the intake to align the four center intake bolts, and thats the only thing you have to do to bolt on the center bolt heads to the older block and still use a factory intake/carb. Other than that buy a recurve kit for your existing distributor, and thats it. It will bolt right in the same hole as a 305 perfect.

Thats the best HP upgrades i can think of, anything more than that and you will need to brace the suspension to keep it from tweaking the body from all the torque. The transmission you have will work with all that, and it will bolt right in without having to change any wiring, hoses ect. All the pullies and brackets ect. will all bolt right to it.