1989 camaro engine swap...need advice

[jodyg]

I'm in the process of replacing the 305 throttle body engine in my 1989 RS with a gen 1 carbed 350 that I recently acquired.

I need to know what's involved in this swap. I will be bypassing the computer on this install....is the transmission electronically/computer controlled? What about the engine wiring harness, will everything work since I won't be using the computer?

Will the existing fuel system work properly with this engine?

All insight, advice and suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks...

Jody

[N20LT4Bird]

The transmission is cable controlled, so you will just need to set up a bracket on the carburetor to accept the detent cable. The speedo MAY be electronically driven.....that would be easy enough to check by sticking your head under the car and looking for either a cable or elec plug on the tailshaft of the tranny. The fuel system will be interesting.....typically your carb'd engine would have a mechanical fuel pump, which would require changing the fuel sender in the tank. But, you might be able to use the electric in tank pump to feed your carb......I think the TBI's only run about 15 PSI on those cars (dont quote me on that). ITs definately a do-able project.....

[Disifer]

Another good source for any information would be at www.thirdgen.org.
They have a whole engine swap section.

[TraceZ]

You can use a Holley adjustable fuel pressure regulator to step down the pressure from the pump and run a line to your carb. I'd recommend installing a small in-line pressure gauge so you can adjust it accurately.

You can pretty much tear out the existing engine harness. You will need to re-use the wires for the temp sender(driver's side head), tach and oil pressure. I would recommend using a distributor from a older model car with the coil in the cap. Those ignitions only require 1 wire to run. Get a 1 wire alternator, and a carb and you are all set.

Dont forget to run a wire for the electric choke.

[jodyg]

Thanks guys. The engine is complete with the older type distributor and a new Edelbrock 750 carb. I work for a company that remans alternators and starters, so I already had one of the guys build me a one wire alternator.

[jodyg]

I just picked up a posi unit and 3.73 gears that I'll be installing as well. The engine has a small cam (not sure of the specs), do I need to replace the stock converter with a stall?

[N20LT4Bird]

Depending on the power band of the cam, a higher stall convertor could help to take advantage of it on launch.....

For instance, if your cam puts the power band in the 3500 - 6500 RPM range, then it would be wise to go with a 3000 or slightly higher stall convertor. This way, you will be able bring the RPMs up, pretty close to your power band on launch. So, in a nutshell, it depends on what cam your running....