What Should I do?

[93formulalt1]

Alright, I've been experiencing more and more engine/transmission problems in my Camaro for a while now, it still runs good and everything, but I can tell that the motor is starting to get old. . . (I know, "starting" lol Yeah right), well, I have a 355 SBC on an engine stand that was given to me a while ago, it was in my dad's old "street rod" 91 S-10, and after it sucked a valve, he pulled the motor and put in a 350 sbc he had from his '57 BelAir, and he gave me this one. It's been outside for a while, it needs a full rebuild, and the pistons have rusted to the cylinder walls. It's in bad shape. However, I have the means and knowledge to tear this motor apart and rebuild it, and I could have a VERY strong motor when I'm done, and I can use the best parts available if I don't have a time limit on the project, as I can put a little into it at a time. Anyway, I'm hoping to get some input here from you guys, as to what you think about my ideas. SBC's have been around for a long time, it is possible to get some impressive #'s from one of these things, I know, since i've seen some of this firsthand. Anyway, I'll let you know what I was hoping to do below.

First, since the engine sucked a valve, it needs new heads. It also needs new pistons, basically all new internals and accessories. If I were to build the engine up from the inside out, and top it off with the TPI setup from a 3rd gen 350 F-Body, what kind of clearance issues will I see? Carb? What heads could I use for the most power while getting decent gas mileage? I already have a set of headers, but I think they were for the S10, so I might have to pick up some new ones, will 3rd gen F-Body 350 headers work? Could I get a stroker kit for it? If anyone could throw together a price list of the stuff I'd need to be making about 350-450 rwhp through a 700R4 or 4L60. I don't know much about the benefits of individual parts on this motor, simply how to assemble it all properly. I'm not looking to make anything too radical, but I don't want anyone calling my car slow anymore. . . hehehe

I just want some ideas for now, I'm really hoping to get a V8 swapped in this year, add a little low-end "Umph" for those nights when the previous owner's moron friend chases you in his Dodge Ram Hemi thinking you stole the car. . . . lol

[93formulalt1]

Doesn't anyone have any information they're willing to share? What does everyone think of the TPI setup idea?

[cobalt camaro]

It really sounds like a ton of money, new heads, a complete rebuild, new pistons, and your probally gonna a lot of new internals, i dont' know about you, but i've been looking into buying an ls1 from a junkyard, alot of times you can get the engine tranny, pcm, all harnesses, and hook ups for around 4000 or so. If you think the engine is salvagable, then i would say go for it. You can always take your time building it up.

[93formulalt1]

That's just the thing. . . The parts to do a full rebuild on a 350 SBC are wicked cheap, the 350 is one of the cheapest engines to modify/rebuild, so I'm not really worried about the cost aspect of it. I have a set of heads for it, but they need a rebuild, so I thought I could just get a new set cheaper. Or I could P&P the heads I have when I have them rebuilt, that wouldn't be too bad.

[96mikez28]

Everything is cheap and easy on a SBC, TPI sucks though use a carb

[ajaciuk]

I second the carb idea. I have the TPI in my car and she runs out of steam around 4500-5000 rpms. Even if you go with aftermarket runners and the such you still wouldn't make as much power as going to a good carb setup. Then you need the the ecm, wiring and all the sensors for the TPI setup. If you can build the motor with the carb go for it, if you want to swap in a LS1 that would be my second choice.

[cobalt camaro]

Well then i say go for it, i knew the parts were plentiful, but if you have most of them in the first place i say do it. Good luck

[93formulalt1]

I'm going to look into the internals, I might go high compression w/ forged internals, or low compression so I can turbo or s/c later on. . . That would be pretty awesome. . .

[Phantom409]

Try these guys for parts http://www.competitionproducts.com/

[93formulalt1]

Seems like the perfect site for rebuilding/modding SBC/BBC and most of the popular Ford engines! I wish I knew the specifics of the engine. It's got a steel crank, I know, and it's been bored from 350 to 355. I'd like to get a stroker kit, those are some mean motors. . .

[tenpin842]

I like my TPI alot. So I cant say not to go with it. But, I agree the carb set up is going to be the cheapest way to go though.

[iroc85blu]

few things. first your block is already bored .030 over and rusted so u have to knock off at least 10 to clean it up. Rolling a stroker kit and a decent set of heads is probably 1500 to 3000 depending on what u get then u have carb and intake. Getting expensive. Probably could pick up a running lt1 for under $1000 with wiring harness. Send it away to become a standalone is 500 and your base engine is 275hp. Add full exhaust and some spray and your knockin 400 to 425 for a grand total of about 2500 to $3000 and a used trans about $500. Ls1 is also very good option but a little more expensive

[iroc85blu]

just my .02

[MattODoom]

if its already .030 over and the walls are rusty.. get a new block. Doubt TPI would clear the 4th gen.. and its not the greatest HP maker anyways.

[willasc]

Those are some good points to consider, but I am sure you can modify the hood to make TPI or carb fit. But do you need a LT1 K-member to make it fit?