I want my Trans Am back - NJFBOA - Home of New Jersey's Camaros and Firebirds

TransAm619 · 03-26-2007, 07:57 PM

ok, so as most of you kno, i have an 86 305 TPI Trans Am. The motor is seized and the car has sat for the last year. Ive always wanted it runnin again but lately ive really been wanting it done, im thinking since summer is coming and mainly cause my mom hates it sitting in her driveway.

I have a few questions tho.

Lets say i was to buy a 350 and another tranny (still auto). Wat else is absolutely necessary for the swap? Keep in mind i want the car back but i dont have the money to go nuts so only the absolute necessities right now.

Also, lets say i buy this combo. anybody wanna help with this swap? or anybody know a shop that would do this? or what it would cost?

How long would the swap take?

and one last question... should i just throw in another 305, would it be that much easier? i really want the 350 but speed isnt a necessity since i got the SS. I just want the car back

\Rant

-adam

JSPERFORMANCE · 03-26-2007, 08:08 PM

R&R engine & trans with swapping out necessary parts - around 15 hours, my labor rate is $60 per hour which makes it in the $900 area for labor at my place.. Hope that helps you get your budget together..

TransAm619 · 03-26-2007, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSPERFORMANCE

R&R engine & trans with swapping out necessary parts - around 15 hours, my labor rate is $60 per hour which makes it in the $900 area for labor at my place.. Hope that helps you get your budget together..

i kno im probably sounding annoying, but ive never done anything like this and just the idea of getting the 86 back is driving me insane... in a good way..

but is there any oher major things id need to buy?

WayFast84 · 03-26-2007, 08:25 PM

350 shortblock, gaskets etc do you want to keep tuned port? It might be cool if you just got a 305, then saved for an ls1 swap, cause your car is sexy,

JSPERFORMANCE · 03-26-2007, 08:26 PM

all of your fluids, gaskets, ignition parts, belts, hoses, etc. I really dont know your car so its kinda hard to tell you what you will need..

TransAm619 · 03-26-2007, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WayFast84

350 shortblock, gaskets etc do you want to keep tuned port? It might be cool if you just got a 305, then saved for an ls1 swap, cause your car is sexy,

well, im planning on buying a complete motor.. its like, ready to drop in.. so i dont need any of the gaskets and junk..

and nah, no LS1 swap.. this is gonna be my "cruiser". i really dont wanna make it anything rediculous, i just want it back

and thanks, i think its sexy too

JSPERFORMANCE · 03-26-2007, 08:34 PM

unless you mean complete as in plenum to pan water pump to flexplate, you will need gaskets

Transambob027 · 04-04-2007, 01:59 AM

don't know if your done already but, if it's going to be your driving car just get another 305 and if the trans isn't to bad keep it just look it over first. If your going to do it yourself it easy just double check your disconected everything and get a good lift.

Transambob027 · 04-04-2007, 02:01 AM

o yea if you didn't already know this an new engine is about 1.500 to 2.000 + core fee for you old engine (about 500)

Untamed · 04-05-2007, 11:05 AM

I had HardcoreZ28 do my engine swap for me. I elected to keep the 305 in my 88TA because I wanted the better gas milage for cruising since I didn't plan to race it.

If you already have a go-fast toy, then put the 305 back into it with the TPI, and just cruise around. Rebuilding the 305 -may- be cheaper than buying a new one. Of course a running used one may be so cheap that folks are giving them away for free. Just get the gaskets and fluids since your ECM is already set up for a 305TPI. You can always rebuild a running 305 later. Of course if you have the engine out, thats the best time to rebuild.

PM HardcoreZ28 for availability. He has his own business www.rpmrestoandcustom.com