Estimates on a 350 swap for accessories and time?

[dtobin87]

So I want to rip out my tired old 305 asap and throw in a 350 (most likely a Goodwrench unless I can find a great deal on a used LT1) . I am very busy and only have 2 days off per week. Ive never done any engine swaps, but my oldest brother has done it more times than I know. Is it possible to do one in a couple of days???

Also would everything from the 305 transfer over to a new 350?

[LOCKJAW]

Motor swaps usually present many challenges, small and large. Count on surprise. A skilled auto mechanic might need two days, assuming required tools, equipment and clean work area are available. Having all gaskets, belts, hoses, fluids, etc. on hand is important.

The time required depends on skill and experience and any unforseen problems. WORK SAFE!!

[DOUG213XRJ]

All parts from the 305 will bolt on to the 350.


Doug

[novelle]

If your brother helps you, an engine swap can be accomplished in a weekend. You would not be able to do it on your own in that allotted time frame. Having everything ready and at hand will make everything run smoother but there's always that Murphy's Law thing. Do your research and start accumulating the parts and tools needed to perform this swap.

[zach01s]

if i have the new motor sitting in the shop i can easily get the old one out and the new one set in place in a day (including cool off periods for when something gets me mad lol) the following day it usually only takes a couple or three hours to finish everything up, pick up tools clean up etc.

if im hustling and need to get it done fast i can get one completeley done in 12-14 hours by myself, assuming it goes reletavley smooth. as stated above the key is having all your new parts (plug wires, plugs, oil filter etc. ) on hand.

in general if you have air tools and a cherry picker or chainfall, one guy can easily pull a motor in 2-3 hours. expect it to take 40-50% longer time wise going back in. Some people like to stab the engine/trans in as a package, others prefer not to remove the trans if its just an engine swap. if you do the latter it makes it easier to line the motor and trans up if the transmission is supported and as high in the car as you can get it. i use a second floor jack, transmission jack, or a heavy duty ratchet strap across the frame holding it up by the pan.

[dtobin87]

Originally Posted by zach01s

if i have the new motor sitting in the shop i can easily get the old one out and the new one set in place in a day (including cool off periods for when something gets me mad lol) the following day it usually only takes a couple or three hours to finish everything up, pick up tools clean up etc.

if im hustling and need to get it done fast i can get one completeley done in 12-14 hours by myself, assuming it goes reletavley smooth. as stated above the key is having all your new parts (plug wires, plugs, oil filter etc. ) on hand.

in general if you have air tools and a cherry picker or chainfall, one guy can easily pull a motor in 2-3 hours. expect it to take 40-50% longer time wise going back in. Some people like to stab the engine/trans in as a package, others prefer not to remove the trans if its just an engine swap. if you do the latter it makes it easier to line the motor and trans up if the transmission is supported and as high in the car as you can get it. i use a second floor jack, transmission jack, or a heavy duty ratchet strap across the frame holding it up by the pan.

How much would you guess a shop would charge to do the swap?

[darbysan]

I've seen estimates from $700-$1200 for an install. By the way, CA smog laws will make it tough to do an LT1 swap, plus it is Much More complicated. If you do a swap, transfer everything over and don't tell the smog guys

[OLD GEEZER RICHARD]

Hey Devin , DON'T BE IN A RUSH , because you always overlook OR forget something and set you back a bit .... Like everybody said , do your homework , have all your tools you will / might need , hoist / short chain , oil & filter , new engine mounts , tranny mounts if needed , look at all your hoses / belts to see if they can be re-used or chunk them ... I myself believe in that if I'm getting a new engine , then get all new hoses , belts etc. and I have a large tub or bucket to put your dirty nuts & bolts and clean them , I myself use tranny fluid and a small brush ..... Just to be on the safe side & don't cut corners because it will bite you in the buttski later , I know .... Thanks the Geezer

[chevcamino]

Depends on the skill level of those involved. It took about 7hrs + to swap my 305 for the crate 350. Unless your accesories are new, or close to new, may want to consider going back with "new" a/c compressor, alternator etc !! One thing that saves most of the time is a good air compressor, and air tools. 3 of us did mine, ran into the biggest problem with the exhaust manifolds. Plan it out first on paper of just what needs to happen with all ...plan your work, work your plan !!

[darbysan]

Trying to paste from an Excel spreadsheet my steps for an engine install I did recently. Engine was a TPI engine, so made some changes for carb application. Use this as a straw man- others can chime in and correct me where I'm wrong ( I'm married, so I'm used to it)

DESCRIPTION

Move Tool Box
Pick Up Hoist and Stand
Position car in garage
check to see if hoist will fit
disconnect the battery
Install shipping blankets over fenders.
Remove Hood after drilling/marking location
Set parking brake
Jack up front and rear- use jack stands
Unbolt driveshaft
Install Trans Plug
Install Baggie with Zip Tie Over Plug
Disconnect Shift Cable
Disconnect Trans Connector
Disconnect Shift Rods
Disconnect the speedometer cable
Unbolt Trans Cross Member
Unbolt Trans Mount
Unbolt Exhaust Headers
Unbolt cat Air Pipe
Unhook Fuel Delivery and return lines
Disconnect Trans Fluid Lines at Radiator
Disconnect Power Line to starter
Loosen engine mount bolts
remove lower alt/ac mounting bolts while below
Remove Power Steering Pump Hose and drain
Remove Smog Pump hoses if easier to get to
disconnect O2 sensor, Oil Sensor,
Drain Oil,remove oil filter
Drain radiator by removing lower radiator hoses from engine
remove oil filter adapter

Lower Rear of car
Lower Front of car
remove Air cleaner
remove fan
remove radiator hoses and radiator
remove Alternator
remove AC Compressor- plug lines
Remove AIR pump
remove lower pulley
remove water pump pulley and pump
unhook all electrical connections to motor
remove distributor cover
Mark all Vacuum lines / electrical connections on engine
remove Carb
remove distributor
disconnect Grounds at back of heads
remove steering shaft
remove valve covers if concerned about damage.
place cardboard protection in front of AC condensor
Tie up all electrical/vac hoses out of the way

connect hoist to engine
Apply slight lift to engine, remove engine mount bolts
Jack up rear of trans, remove trans crossmember
Let rear of trans down
Lift engine 1" check for interference/wires/etc
If all clear, continue to lift/tilt to get engine clear
remove / replace engine mounts (Optional)
clean / paint engine compartment as available
remove exhaust headers, plugs, plug wires
remove dip stick, starter,
remove mounts from engine
Remove oil, temp, knock sensors, oil switch, temp sensors, water plugs etc,
set engine aside for further parts needs
Plug all intake and distributor holes on new engine
remove trans from engine- place on work bench for ease
attach new engine to engine stand
Attach engine mounts
install knock sensor, water temp sensor, oil sender, oil filter adapter
Install starter- check spacing- attach wiring to starter

Install exhaust manifolds
Attach new engine to hoist
Install new flexplate- use lock-tight on new bolts
attach trans to engine
connect Torque Converter bolts to Flex Plate
install trans dust pan
Connect Trans lines to pan


install engine into truck
Lift rear of trans with jack/leveler as engine gets close
install bolts in mounts
lift rear of trans with jack and install cross-member
Install trans bolt to crossmember

If everything is stable, remove hoist
Jack up front of car
jack up rear of car
finalize Trans install to cross-member
install driveshaft
install trans connector
install trans shift cable
install shift rods
Connect exhaust headers to y-pipe
connect cat air pipe to cat

Lower car- both ends
Install crank pulley
crank engine to #1 TDC Compression stroke
Install Choke Switch
install intake manifold
install thermostat and housing
Install Plugs, plug wires
install carb- attach fuel lines and Vac lines
install temp sensors/bypass in intake
install valve covers
install oil filter
add oil to crankcase
install water pump
install AC bracket
install AC Compressor and lines
install Alt Bracket
Attach PS lines
Attach Alternator
Install belt
install radiator and hoses
install fan
Attach all wires to engine- double check
install intake hoses
Fill radiator
Prime / pre-oil engine
install distributor
connect battery
check starter operation with button
check pulley alignment
Fire it up!
Look for leaks.
Set / Adjust Timing

[darbysan]

Parts to consider for your swap, again from my spreadsheet:

Water Pump( worth changing now if old- cheap insurance)
Water Pump Gaskets ( will come with new pump)
Dampner( if engine doesn't come with one)
Oil Filter Adapter ( get from old engine)
Oil Filter
Oil
Engine Mounts (Optional)
RTV Gasket Stuff ( Sensor Safe)
Flexplate ( again- cheap insurance and easier to do now)
Intake gasket
Priming Tool ( Maybe rent??)
Lift Block ( Maybe rent ??)
Misc Fuel Line, Rad Hoses, Vac hoses as needed
Exhaust Gaskets
Antifreeze mixture
spark plugs if plugs are old- same for plug wires, Dist cap, Rotor.
Fuel Filter
Power Steering Fluid- Good time to flush and fill.
Trans Fluid ( in case some spills)
Kitty Litter / Oil Dry for spills

[woody31]

I would be skeptical about doing it in a weekend..best to have a extra car to drive just in Case..

[HKDUP87]

Originally Posted by OLD GEEZER RICHARD

Hey Devin , DON'T BE IN A RUSH , because you always overlook OR forget something and set you back a bit .... Like everybody said , do your homework , have all your tools you will / might need , hoist / short chain , oil & filter , new engine mounts , tranny mounts if needed , look at all your hoses / belts to see if they can be re-used or chunk them ... I myself believe in that if I'm getting a new engine , then get all new hoses , belts etc. and I have a large tub or bucket to put your dirty nuts & bolts and clean them , I myself use tranny fluid and a small brush ..... Just to be on the safe side & don't cut corners because it will bite you in the buttski later , I know .... Thanks the Geezer

xxxx2 take your time I have numerous threads with pictures on my engine swap from tools needed to final start-up. I took my time and did it right. my photobucket has all the pictures and video's to look at also.

I had a great time doing mine and I didn't know spit of how to do it till I asked.


I was quoted $1000.00 to do the swap.