Engine swap question

Dumbell · Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 1:38 pm Post subject: Engine swap question

My '69 has a 305 ci engine in it right now, but I was planning on putting a 350 ci from my dad's Camaro in it. Question is, will it hook up to the tranny will no modifications? The tranny is a saginaw 4 speed.
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When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car.

87ElCamino · Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 1:48 pm Post subject:

The bellhousing for the Saginaw should bolt right up to the 350. You'll need to install an input shaft bushing/bearing into the crankshaft of the 350.
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Ernie
87 El Camino
Rolling Eyes

"To be Old and Wise, you must first be Young and Stupid"

Dumbell · Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 2:05 pm Post subject:

Okay thanks. Would that be all it needs?
_________________
When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car.

theelcaminofactory · Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 3:18 pm Post subject:

rtabish · Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 3:19 pm Post subject:

you didn't say what the year was of your dads 350, or if it is from an automatic or manual tranny car, but if it is from the same time frame [+/- 10 years or so], there should be no difference in the back of the blocks.

small block chevies are "PRETTY MUCH" identical on the outside for most of the production run of the engine....something like 1955 to the mid 90s, and you can still buy brand new SBC engines from any number of places. the only differences in the blocks is where the mounting gussets or holes are located for various add-ons [and of course the deck height on some blocks]. this wouldn't have any effect on the tranny mount or engine mounts, which are all the same [there are, of course, exceptions to this, like the older front mount engines and some truck engines].

this would leave only finding a flywheel and pilot bearing for a 350...not the flex plate you have on automatic cars. but like theelcaminofactory said, be prepared for all the incidental little things, too.
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Rob Tabish
Missoula, Montana
77 El Camino
83 Toyota Landcruiser
81 Honda CB900F
81 Honda CB900Custom

theelcaminofactory · Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 3:34 pm Post subject:

Crankshaft flange diameter could be different, one piece rear main seal motors have the small diameter crankshaft flange, two piece rear main seal motors have the large diameter crankshaft flange...you need to use the corresponding flywheel or the flywheel won't bolt up to the crank....and if you do need to replace the flywheel then you need to get the one with the correct number of starter gear teeth...or then buy another starter motor. Also a newer 350 could be an externally balanced motor and your current motor internally balanced...that could also cause you to buy a new flywheel. If you can post the casting numbers and year of both motors, I might be able to help you avoid some headaches.
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Dumbell · Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 3:56 pm Post subject:

Okay here's more info for you guys.

The 305 in it isn't stock. That's pretty much all I know about it.

My dad isn't sure about the 350 either, he just knows it was in his Camaro (1971) when he got it. It was from an automatic car.
_________________
When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car.

theelcaminofactory · Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 4:18 pm Post subject:

The year of both cars is not what's important...I doubt that the motor in the 71 Camaro is the original, but it could be...we know your motor isn't the original motor in your Elky. Post the casting numbers and year of both motors. Whatever the outcome, it's not a difficult or expensive match of parts...if you have to do anything at all.
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"The day we lose our will to fight is the day we lose our freedom" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8

Dumbell · Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2008 4:50 pm Post subject:

I haven't checked the numbers on the 305, but now I know that both are pre '86 or so since both oil dipsticks are on the right side. So I guess the flywheel on the 305 should work for the 350.
_________________
When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car.

Dumbell · Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 4:05 pm Post subject:

The 305 is from a '79 Camaro and the 350 is from a '71 El Camino.
_________________
When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car.

rtabish · Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 4:22 pm Post subject:

well there you go! must be a sign from the car gods, eh? Happy

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Rob Tabish
Missoula, Montana
77 El Camino
83 Toyota Landcruiser
81 Honda CB900F
81 Honda CB900Custom