Does anyone have any info (ideally a link to a state document) that outlines what I can and can't do regarding swapping out the motor on my 81 elky.

for instance if I upgrade to a 350 from my 305, what happens if I get a 350 out of an older car, or a newer car?

what if the car I get it from only has single exhaust and I want dual?

Fuel Injected or carbuerated..

Things along those lines.

My guess is that I would have to meet the requirements of the year the motor was produced if it was newer, but in the case of an older one what happens...

Thanks

It depends on the situation. Basically, if it "looks" like the original package nobody will look further. In other words, if you swap out a small block and reinstall all the emmission devices, you're good to go.
If you have a certain package in mind, give me a ping and I'll be more specific.
BTW... NEVER say engine change to the State.... always say ENGINE REPLACEMENT!
I know that sounds anal, but you gotta trust me.

There are always many options available to explore.

Any upgrade to the motor will be done on an engine stand until ready for drop in as she is my daily driver, and while I can manage for as much as a week downtime I really need to avoid it.


i guess what I am wondering is, I have a 305 in my 81 right now, first year of computer control.

Here is some possible paths:

Do somethinglike the article in the other thread about pumping out a 305. Lots of shiny new parts that draw attention, but if they all have CARB smog legal stickers, thats all that matters?

Drop in something larger, 350, a friend was talking about a 407? not sure if that is bored out or what.

options for something bigger, 454 and son... doesn't it have to be from a newer year?

One of the old LT / LS models from a vette, really haven't gone down this path of research yet.

Mostly the driving factor is what kind of motor finds itself my way. I am scouring the paper for ones waiting to be hauled away by pissed off wives :) for little to no cost and then tearing down and building up, with the guidance of some buddies who build performance racers of all ages and styles, most work to be done by except what needs machining and such, unless that is an easy and cheap skill for me to do / learn w/ tools..

Any solution I would like to run dual exhaust 2"-3"as appropriate... I'd like to be able to put in flanges where I could take off the catalytic and replace it with a Y pipe when not going in for inspection. Can you flangethe cat and still pass as they are more suspect of you taking it off?

I am guessing the y pipe is fully unsupported.

Anyhow I know these are pretty basic and not really at the what should I get phase, i am mostly wondering what constraints I have to worry about smog wise to apply to my selection.

Thanks again.

GoGoPWR,
1) If you stuff in any components that are ARB approved FOR YOUR MODEL, you're OK. I don't know what post you're refering to, but if you're approved ... you're approved.
2) A 350 looks basically the same as a 305 if you mount up all the 305 components. I doubt you'd ever be called on it, even if a smog tech caught it. Having said that, I see little gain from the 350 if all the smog is still hung on it. Although with a little valve and cam tweaking you may get some balls out of it.
3) As for the BB option... Make sure you have done your homework. I'm not a big block fan, mostly cuz I can't afford the gas!
4) The vette package option is more viable than you may think. No law says you can't UPGRADE the existing package. ANY newer year model power plant package can be used. You must ensure that when you're done, your EC's newly transplanted power plant has all the same components, controls, and devices as when it was operating as a 'vette. The people serious about performance, driveability and compliance usually choose to transplant the entire package.
Time and Money are your main concerns.

Be sure to also check out Team Chevelle (http://www.chevelles.com/), they have alot great engine info for you.

Lemme know if I can be of any help. I work the South Bay area.

DANNY