Can I use an '86 350 tpi motor in my truck?

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Jorge6.5

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I found a cheap low mileage 350 on craigs list. The motor is from an '86 IROC and its complete with tpi, i think an L98. I need a motor for my truck and this one is close to me. I would like to run my tbi on it with a carb manifold and adapter.

How can I tell for sure the motor is a 350 and not a 305? This will be going in my '90 k1500 with 305 tbi and 5 speed. Will i need anything else to make this swap work and do these motors come with roller cams?

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96C1500

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The casting numbers are probably different on the 350 and 305, if you could find those out. Or you could pull one of the heads and measure the bore

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96C1500

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Also the motor mounts will be the same, I'm not familiar with the TBI but you may have to put a crank sensor on it

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98_k1500

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This would be an excellent swap. Your stock TBI manifold will fit the TPI heads as long as its still got the center bolt valve covers on it. Direct bolt in and TPI heads > TBI heads.
 

98_k1500

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Be wary of the 86 tho, 87 was the first year they brought the 350 back in the camaro, so if it is a 350, it has been swapped. More than likely a 305
 

96C1500

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This would be an excellent swap. Your stock TBI manifold will fit the TPI heads as long as its still got the center bolt valve covers on it. Direct bolt in and TPI heads > TBI heads.
Would his TBI need different injectors? Or are the 350 and 305 TBI injectors the same?

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98_k1500

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They are not identical, but they would work fine. Just swap long blocks. Direct swap and every single thing will bolt up. May want to get a 350 prom/throttle body for it one day, but it would run fine with the 305 stuff on it.
 

96C1500

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That's interesting, I'll have to keep that in mind for when I get an 88-93 4x4 some day

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Jorge6.5

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Thanks for the info.

Good to know the tpi and tbi heads have the same bolt pattern.

I'll have to look up casting numbers on line so I know what to expect when I see the motor.
 

Blue95

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Only other question I would raise would be water pump rotation on the TPI are those different from the TBI engines? If so cooling will be an issue.
 
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