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Necoa #: 12601
Location: 9(IN,KY,MI)
Joined: Oct 09, 2008
Posts: 7
Year: 1987
Model: El Camino
Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 12:35 pm Post subject: Picking an engine.
Hello, I'm brand new to this forum. I need help picking an engine that'll fit up to a 3-speed auto tranny. I'm thinking a new 350, but I want to know if the 327 from a '02 Silverado will fit. I'd just like a list of motors that'll fit. Thanks for the help, and I hope I'll be a good member of this forum.
Necoa #: 6381
Location: 7(AL,GA,TN)
Joined: Nov 02, 2005
Posts: 1019
Year: 1986
Model: El Camino
Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 5:21 pm Post subject:
That's not the 327 you're thinking of in the silverado. That's a Gen IV small block. more commonly referred to as "LSx" series engines. they are used in 1998-up GMT800 ("new body style") trucks. but the "old body style" GMT400 series pickups used gen I small blocks until the end of that body style in 2000.
the engine you are looking for is any 1955 to 2000ish gen I small block. In 1986 (1987 for trucks) the blocks began using a 1 peice rear main seal, and use a different flywheel than earlier ones, but are still tha same ol' engine inside. in the 90's some came with factory roller lifters, and are very desireable
The gen II small block (LT1/LT4) will bolt up to your trans and frame mounts, but uses an entirely different ignition and fuel system. they were used in ine 90's in Camaros/Firebirds, Caprice/Impala, some caddy..
the Gen III/IV small blocks are nothing like the others, as a matter of fact, the only thing they have in common is they share the same distance from bore center to bore center. they use iron or aluminum blocks, depending on application, and they ALL have aluminum heads (except some 6.0L). have 6-bolt mains, roller cam, plastic intake, and are Beastly, but they are not a simple swap, which you are looking for.
any 262-400 smallblock will just bolt right in as a direct swap for you though. you cant look at a gen I from the outside and know it's size... unless you cheat and read the codes, but they are all interchangeable.
that said, welcome to ECC! _________________
Formerly 86Conquista
Currently undergoing resto.
Planned:
-350/?/3.42
-ZQ8 wheels
-Disc Brakes
-More
Last edited by 1BadElky on Thu Oct 09, 2008 5:54 pm; edited 1 time in total
Necoa #: 572
Location: 10(IL,MN,WI)
Joined: Jan 28, 2003
Posts: 3617
Year: 1984
Model: El Camino
Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 7:27 pm Post subject:
Just about any GM rear wheel drive motor can be stuffed under the hood of any Elky...just depends if your looking for a simple swap or looking to do something out of the ordinary. LS motors, big blocks small blocks, caddy, pontiac, olds, buicks, titan rocket motor (just checking to see if you really paying attention). The only thing that you really need to be aware of is whether your using a trans that will bolt up to the engine your using. Older Buicks Olds and Pontiac motors need a BOP trans only because of the different bellhousing to block bolt pattern. A list of all the motors would be several pages long. It would be a good idea to ask questions about if something will work or not before you buy it...that's a big benefit about being an ECC member. Experience of others. _________________ "The day we lose our will to fight is the day we lose our freedom" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8
Necoa #: 6858
Location: 7(AL,GA,TN)
Joined: Feb 07, 2006
Posts: 930
Year: 1970
Model: El Camino
Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 7:47 pm Post subject: engine swap
I paid attention but just where do you put this thing, Mike?
I guess you could mount it in the bed and keep the tailgate down. _________________ Jim
70 ElCamino 461 solid M20 331eaton
http://elcaminocentral.com/gallery-album_album346.html
Necoa #: 12601
Location: 9(IN,KY,MI)
Joined: Oct 09, 2008
Posts: 7
Year: 1987
Model: El Camino
Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2008 10:06 am Post subject:
Thanks for all of the help. I bought the Camino, and it had a 1985 Smog motor 350 from a Trans Am. The engines starting to burn oil, and my dad and I just figured it'd be best to buy a new engine.
Necoa #: 6381
Location: 7(AL,GA,TN)
Joined: Nov 02, 2005
Posts: 1019
Year: 1986
Model: El Camino
Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 4:20 pm Post subject:
if you already have a 350 in there, there's no need to waste your money on another 350 that will be stock and slow.
you can have the block machined fairly cheap if you tear it down yourself, and get a master rebuild kit for the short block (rotating assembly) from an engine shop, summit racing, jegs or Ebay t name a few. you can get flat top pistons which will give a higher compression ratio for more power and better mileage. the kit usually includes pistons of your choice, an oil pump, timing set, cam and lifters (optional, in case you already plan to upgrae), gaskets, freeze plugs... you keep your existing block, rods, and crank (unless you decide to go with a srtoker kit, which will include a new crank and rods, but that leaves the realm of a budget rebuild..)
and you can then get a top end kit from Edelbrock, Holley, summit... blah blah blah that will include aluminum heads, a cam, and an intake designed to work together for the best power and mileage possible. typically, power and mileage go hand in hand, with the exeption of the cam size. You can also make your own kit, or just rebuild your stock heads and get an intake to match your existing heads and the stock style cam that will likely come with the aforementioned master rebuild kit.
if you don't know how to build an engine, that's fine, The SBC is one of the most friendly engines out there to work on. the best guide I've found is called Rebuilding the Small-Block Chevy by S-A Design. you can get it at books a million. It includes a 2 hour instructional DVD. It also includes extra information for performance upgrades along the way. it's the best laid out manual I've ever read. an idiot could follow it. _________________
Formerly 86Conquista
Currently undergoing resto.
Planned:
-350/?/3.42
-ZQ8 wheels
-Disc Brakes
-More
Necoa #: 572
Location: 10(IL,MN,WI)
Joined: Jan 28, 2003
Posts: 3617
Year: 1984
Model: El Camino
Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 5:53 pm Post subject:
Nyeh2007 wrote:
a 1985 Smog motor 350 from a Trans Am.
Are you sure that's a 350 and not a 305 you have...I believe all 85 Trans Ams came with a 305. They were the same 305 motor that came in the Elky that year. 3rd gen GTA Trans Ams were available with a 350 TPI motor...but not in 85. Most likely that motor if it is an 85 motor isn't worth rebuilding...if you want to rebuild a 350, either get a 4 bolt main 350 or get one that has the capability to install the OEM roller cam setup...or stick with the crate motor idea...but shop around for a deal. Also if you do go with a crate motor...watch out for the add on core and freight charges. Chevy makes some really nice crate motors...if there's a Chevy Performance Parts dealer near you, check with them about availability and pricing...and you may not get stuck with a core and/or freight charge. _________________ "The day we lose our will to fight is the day we lose our freedom" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8
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