Since I can get an entire 3rd Gen car for less than the price of building and engine and transmission does it make any sense to just buy the newer car and swap the engine/trans into my '70? I've seen several late 80's/early 90's cars for under $2000.

 

Sure. If it's an L98 car (TPI 350), and you can get the car complete for 2K in great working condition, you're laughing. Install the computer and EFI wiring harness and the 700R4 overdrive transmission, and you now have a modern tech musclecar. The Tuned Port 350 has a lot of bottom and mid-range torque.

 

Make sure its at least a tuned port. If it's not, then it's not worth even considering. Heck... IMO it's not even worth considering unless its an L98.... but I guess a 305 5 speed from a G92 car it wouldnt be that bad....

http://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/tech/techdb.shtml

theres some engine/transmission/power specs anyway..


-Bud

 

Don't express those opinions in the 3rd gen area. The 305 guys can get militant, eventhough it'll take twice as much $ to make a 305 run as well as a stock 350.

 

Not twice as much, I ran somewhere in between LT1s and Ls1s with less than 1k invested. But I agree dont start with a 305, your setting yourself up for hearbreak.

I wouldnt have had I known better when I started.

 

also realize that for 2k you are going to get a motor/tranny that most likely has quite a few miles on it. Sure it could go a long way, but most likely if you are doing all that work might as well build it up during the swap...so figure at least $2k in a car plus another $2k at least for the engine/tranny rebuild. Then of course theres all the little nicknack stuff that you need during any project...so tack on another couple hundred easy.

 

I am considering the same option... have a great article where a guy stuffed a '93 350 motor and suspension under a '73 RS.

IF you can get a 3rd gen for 2K... sell the extra "stuff"

I am thinking the 'rebuilding' a newer motor is cheaper than modifying an older block to do EFI etc....

 

Yes and no, it depends on what kind of deal you get on the efi engine, and what you want it to do. The Tuned Port set up is a limiting factor. They make good torque, but if you plan on winding it up to 6000+ RPM, you'll need a different intake set up.

There is a nice sized aftermarket for retrofitting FI on older engines. It isn't that big of deal anymore. Anything from tbi on a carb intake on up.

 

The TPI would be an okay motor..but for $2000...i know you could find a LS1 and all the accessories.

P.S. come on now, TPI 305 isnt THAT bad. Not to mention my LG4 305 has shown many stock 350s how its done ;P