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This is an explanation of what I went through to install a 350 into a Camaro which had a 305.I also performed a TPI install at the same time so some pictures may be different.

Required items not including tools:

  • 350 CI engine. If you are installing a long block make sure you get the right year. 87 - later has a steeper intake to head connection.
  • Make sure the long block has all of the accessories on it. If not you may need:
    - Fuel pump block off (Injection only)
    - Oil pump bolts (you can reuse old bolts)
    - Oil filter connection (you can reuse your old one)
    - Flywheel
    - Oil pan maybe

You must decide whether you want to remove the engine from the top or the bottom. Removing the engine from the bottom may be easier in some cases.

If you are removing the engine from the top you need to remove the hood completely.

Then you will need to look at the engine and notice all the wires and hoses. You will need to mark all of the wires and hoses as to where they will belong, unless you can remember where they all go. If you are installing TPI from Carb you will have to remove most everything anyway, so marking may not be necessary. 

 

The next task is removal. You will need to remove everything that is connected to the engine, both on the top and on the bottom. If you are installing TPI you might as well remove the complete engine wiring harness now.

Items to remove:

  • Disconnect all vacuum and emission hoses
  • Remove carburetor
  • Remove everything from the front of the engine (water pump, alternator, pulleys, fan, power steering pump)
  • Completely drain radiator and remove all hoses connected to both engine and rad
  • I also recommend punching out a low to the ground freeze out plug to remove the radiator fluid
  • Although removal of the radiator is not necessary I recommend it
  • I recommend removing the intake manifold -- this will allow for more upward mobility
  • Disconnect all electrical connections and move them out of the way
  • Completely remove the headers (and the y pipe if removing from below)
  • Remove distributor
  • Remove heater hoses
  • Remove starter
  • Place the disconnected throttle cable and detent cable out of the way (remove for TPI install)
  • I also suggest removing the oil sending unit from the back of the engine

You will now have to prep the engine for removal. Drain out all of the oil. Disconnect the main engine mount bolts (the one that holds the 2 halves together). Unbolt the transmission. Unbolt the flywheel from the torque converter. Try to dismount the engine from the transmission. This can be done by carefully jacking the engine near the rear of the engine.

Now it is time for the engine lift. Connect the engine to the lift from the front of the car. Make sure the engine is centered in the straps so it does not tilt to much when removing. Make sure everything is clear for removal, and slowly raise the engine. Make sure there are at least 2 people performing this task -- 1 person to jack and one person to prevent swing. Now roll the engine out of the way. This is a good time to clean out the engine compartment. Remove rust and whatnot. Paint pulleys and components.

 

 

Once the engine is out you will need to install the new engine. 

  1. Bolt the flywheel to the new engine. If it does not fit you will have to get one from a junk yard or buy a new one. Make sure the outer diameter of the flywheel is the same as the old one.
  2. Make sure you don't need anything off of your old engine IE: oil filter mount, oil pump bolts, sensors
  3. Install the new oil pump if it isn't already
  4. If you are installing a roller chain or gears do this now. (Note: timing gears will not work on computer controlled vehicles)
  5. Install timing chain cover (from your old engine)
  6. Install the oil pan (note your old pan may not fit)
  7. Install your old dipstick (either now or later)
  8. Install oil filter
  9. Install knock sensor
  10. Install spark plugs
  11. Make sure the block has all of the freeze out plugs in it (very important)
  12. Install either fuel pump or block off at this point
  13. You can install the harmonic balancer now if you like
  14. If you are installing from the bottom you can install the headers
  15. If you are using the intake manifold to bolt onto install it now (Note: if you are installing a short block you will need to install the heads first)
Please note: Do not install the upper engine mounts yet.
 

 

Once the engine is prepped hook it up to the engine lift, making sure it is tilted backwards slightly. Hoist it up and move it into position over the engine compartment. Slowly lower it into position. Now for the hard part -- line it up to the transmission and put a couple bolts in to secure it. You may need to jack the transmission slightly in order to line it up. Now lift the engine to give you clearance to install the upper engine mounts. Install the upper engine mounts. Completely lower the engine and install the engine mount main bolts. Finish bolting up the transmission (remember anything that was secured by these bolts IE: Grounds, Wiring harness, Transmission dipstick, Starter wire holder)

 

 

Now fill the engine with oil and prime the engine. This is very important. Install every accessory that was on the engine. Reconnect all of the hoses and wires. If the task of reconnecting takes more then a day re-prime the engine before starting.

Special note: Be sure to hook the starter up correctly. There are 2 small posts on my starter, only one of them will allow the starter to turn over. Also don't forget radiator fluid.

 

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