305 to 350 Engine Swap
 

I am about to delve into my first engine swap.:metal: Never done one, never been involved in one. I have been reading and reading and reading on the forums. I feel pretty comfortable taking this adventure on myself. Currently 1983 2wd 305 with a 700r4.

Here is the motor I have chosen, stock 350. http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Perf...rentProductId=

Along with a new water pump and still deciding on the headers. It seems that everything from my 305 will match right up to the new 350. But since this is my first engine swap. what are some of the more looked over items that I need to pick up? Examples any gaskets, seals any little tools that make the job easier. Any insight would be great.

Re: 305 to 350 Engine Swap
 

I did it on my 88 gmc and pretty much everything was a direct swap.
I'll be doing it again on my 87 over the winter.

I went with edelbrock headers which ended up sucking and I would never buy them again.

I'm thinking about the same motor as you have or to do the junkyard ls swap.

Re: 305 to 350 Engine Swap
 

as far as tools timing light, vac guage, also I liked using the engine leveler.
also I used a bunch of zip lock bags and a sharpie to label everything and also a camera since it was the first motor I ever did.

Re: 305 to 350 Engine Swap
 

My swap was pretty similar, I changed the intake and carb out too. Try to keep your old sensors, you might need a few trips to the home center for an adapter for the water temp sensor and stuff like that. also dont forget to plug the dipstick side you dont use and if you move it to the other side I think there is an inner tube that also has to be moved. The engine does not really come with any instructions or anything.

I went with Hedman headers and have been very happy with them. I got the coated but not the elite. Mine had plenty of room being a 4wd.

I also removed all the smog stuff while I was at it. I should have gotten different plug wires so I could cut to length and router better.

I have ~1500 miles on mine so far and am happy overall.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psf3d6b93c.jpg

Re: 305 to 350 Engine Swap
 

I used that same engine for the swap into my '86. You'll likely need an adapter for the temp gauge sender. I tried using a 70's pickup sender that fit the hole in the lock, and it read very high during break-in. Gave me a good scare. :)

I bought a brass adapter from the plumbing department at Lowe's and reused the old sender, and everything was fine then. Just a heads up...

Slonaker