Another swap question

74elko · Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 9:34 pm Post subject: Another swap question

Well I have searched for the answer on this site and it has a wealth of knowledge, but I couldn't find the exact answer(s) I was looking for. My 305 has just about had it and I plan on swapping it for a 350, I had a couple of questions about this procedure, 1. Will the motor mounts line up(currently has a 1979 305, swapping to an early 70's 350 from a chevelle wagon) 2. Can I use the same flexplate or will I have to switch it for another one, and finally 3. Can I reuse the distributer, any other advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance for any answers.
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-Andrew, 1974 El Camino, finally a 350!

1BadElky · Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 10:21 pm Post subject:

yes to all. they are the exact same engine with the exception of the cylinder diameter.
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Formerly 86Conquista

Currently undergoing resto.
Planned:
-350/?/3.42
-ZQ8 wheels
-Disc Brakes
-More

Steve81OR · Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2008 12:08 am Post subject:

1BadElky is right. Chevy used the same block for all their small block engines up to 1986(ish). The difference in cubic inch displacement came with the different cylinder bore sizes and stroke lengths. Your engine mounts, flexplate and distributor will swap over to the new engine.

My advice would be to upgrade to an HEI distributor if your donor engine doesn't already have one. They are easier to maintain and are much more reliable. You can pick them up at most parts stores for under $100.
Also, don't re-use the 305 heads on the 350.
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1981 Chevy El Camino
1991 Chevy S10
"The only thing collecting dust in my garage... is my broom"

74elko · Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2008 12:21 am Post subject:

Thanks for the speedy responses. Those were the answers I was hoping for, and the only thing holding me back from buying the motor(besides the cash). I hope to go buy my motor thursday and have it in by the end of the weekend, just so long as no problems arise, money is a little tight, but as long as I can get my elky running right and HOPEFULLY feel a power difference it will be okay and money well spent!
_________________
-Andrew, 1974 El Camino, finally a 350!

74elko · Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2008 10:39 pm Post subject:

Well heres an update. Over the past two days I bought the motor and have slowly put it in, but now there is one problem it wont start! I know the motor is good, I turn the key over and the starter wont spin, it worked before I took the other motor out. I ran out of daylight today, so until tomorrow does anybody have any suggestions? Oh and also I have to use the stock carb it came with, because the intake manifold has some odd design where the carb goes on the intake, it has 2 little holes in front and 2 larger holes behind those and when my edlebrocks butterflies(or whatever they're called) open up they wont fit in those holes so I can only go about quarter throttle, any way to change this besides switching intakes?
_________________
-Andrew, 1974 El Camino, finally a 350!

1BadElky · Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2008 11:15 pm Post subject:

you can go to a parts store and buy an adapter plate to use you squarebore carb on a spreadbore intake.

as for the starter, check the electrical. does the solenoid even click? if you have power to the solenoid, you can test the starter by running a jumper from the battery to the starter and just bump it quick to see if it will turn over. obviously, don't put your hands in harms way.
_________________

Formerly 86Conquista

Currently undergoing resto.
Planned:
-350/?/3.42
-ZQ8 wheels
-Disc Brakes
-More

74elko · Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 5:05 pm Post subject:

Well got the starter working had a wire on the wrong post on the solenoid! Embarassed

Boy that starter is a pain to put back in. But now I have another problem the motor cranks but it wont start, I think it may have to do with switching over to electronic ignition and now the timing may be way off. Any simple way of fixing this?
_________________
-Andrew, 1974 El Camino, finally a 350!

CoyoteOn2 · Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 5:19 pm Post subject:

Set timming mark to TDC, check & align rotor to #1 plug, double check for proper fireing order. If elect. wireing is correct, that should start the engine, then you'll need to fine adjust the timming.
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74elko · Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 5:45 pm Post subject:

CoyoteOn2 · Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 6:21 pm Post subject:

That is correct > With the mark set there, your rotor should be pointing at the spark plug wire that is going to the #1 plug, (front plug drivers side). That is also provided you are on your compression stroke of # 1, and the distributor is installed correctly.
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Keep the Shiney Side Up
The Rubber Side Down !!
aka Larry

74elko · Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 6:24 pm Post subject:

how do I know if Im on the compression stroke of no.1?
_________________
-Andrew, 1974 El Camino, finally a 350!

464elky · Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 6:59 pm Post subject:

If you have the marks lined up at 0 it will either be at the position of the No.1 wire or it will be 180 degrees off pointing at the No. 6 wire.
To make sure if you have had the distributor out you will have to disable the ignition (remove the wire from the + post) - remove the No.1 spark plug and stick your finger in the hole (assuming you don't have anything that will screw into it) and have someone bump the starter until it blows on your finger. Then ease it around until the marks are back at 0 and you will be on the compression stroke. At that point install the distributor with the rotor pointing at the #1 wire on the cap.
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CoyoteOn2 · Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 7:12 pm Post subject:

The least complicated way ~~~ Remove #1 plug, Then unplug the coil wire, THAT'S IMPORTANT You don't want it to start. Place a finger over the plug hole, have a friend crank the engine over and over, as the piston comes up on the compression stroke on that (#1) Cylinder, you will feel the compression, it will want to blow your finger away from the hole. You may have to do this a few times to gauge it just right, but as you feel the air, have the helper stop cranking. Look at where the mark is at, if it's past to "0" mark, use a socket on the center bolt of your crank pulley, turn it counter-clockwise to line up the mark. If it's before the "0" mark turn it clockwise to the mark. That is where TDC will be. Also~~~ your helper has to be quick when you tell him to stop. Another way is to remove all spark plugs, and turn the motor by hand with the socket till you feel the air at the #1. Easier to turn engine by hand with ALL plugs removed. Then of course there is also the way to determain tdc by removing Driver side Valve cover and watching the rockers close on #1.
NOTE: Every other time the mark comes up to "0" is TDC on fire stroke, and every other time it's on Exhaust stroke. YOU NEED IT TO BE ON FIRE / INTAKE STROKE, then the rotor should point to #1
_________________
http://elcaminocentral.com/gallery-album_CoyoteOn2s77Cage.html

Keep the Shiney Side Up
The Rubber Side Down !!
aka Larry

74elko · Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2008 12:46 am Post subject:

Thanks for all your guys help, shes up and running now just got her done about two hours ago. Sure is nice going from a 305 that couldnt burnout on wet pavement to a 350 that can burnout with ease, jeeez now only if I could figure out if this is the 250 or 300 horse chevelle motor.... oh well whatever it is Im happy with it!!!
_________________
-Andrew, 1974 El Camino, finally a 350!