Ok, what's the trick to getting that thing licensed in CA?

Nice.

rjp

I am about ready to order my new engine for my 86 El Camino. I will probably order this:

GM Goodwrench - 10067353 - New Chevy 350 CID, 5.7L , V8 - Universal Crate Engine, Factory Replacement for 71-85 GM Cars & Trucks

It is the older style 350 with a two piece main seal, but my intake will bolt right up. I will probably need a new flex plate but that is less than 70 bucks. If I go with a later model engine like this one:

GM Goodwrench - 12518298 - NEW GM 1987 - 1995 5.0L, 305 CID, 8 Cylinder Engine

my intake will not fit and I would need a different intake. The amazing this is I could buy a 1986 engine but is costs $750 more!

Now I really need to figure out my exhaust. The current stock exhaust manifolds are the exact same ones that were on the 350 from what I can find from the part numbers. If I stick with my current manifolds the old exhaust will bolt up and I am done. I can do everything for under 2 grand.

If I change to headers I will need to redo the exhaust and likely go with a dual exhaust. That will cost some bucks. I hate the sound of headers and prefer the quiet of manifolds. The ram head manifolds I have found all point down right in the middle and would not fit my application.

I need to find some muffler shop that has been in business for ages and has a pile of old ram head manifolds in the back from guys switching to headers. ;)

[QUOTE=GH85Carrera;6359651 I hate the sound of headers and prefer the quiet of manifolds.[/QUOTE]

:confused:

I just don't understand this. Is this in English or a foreign language or something?

;)

To each their own. I'd love to have something that I could run headers and mufflers and no cat on. I love the sound.

I'd go with the 350, swap the flexplate and stick with the exhaust manifolds if I were you. (assuming the exhaust manifolds do indeed fit the 350 which I suspect they probably do.

Because you have insisted this is no race car and just for economical transportation.

Will a V6 fit in there?

Maybe same power and better gas milage?

Crazy talk I know.

It'll be more expensive to bolt a V-6 in where a V-8 already lives. With the V-8 there are several parts that will swap from the existing engine to the new engine. To swap in a V-6, you'd have to buy a complete engine instead of a long block.

Pay yer money & make yer choice...

Edelbrock.com - Crate Engines - Small-Block Chevy - Introduction

I'm still in the LS1 camp....

You do have rear end choices for your G body, bolt in.

80's Olds 442 or Buick Grand National turbo 8.5" 10 bolt posi, bolts right in

Yea, that is true, but they are very rare, and demand is high.

I ordered the crate 350 Goodwrench engine. It will arrive next week. Everything I need to do th engine swap for $1,721.55, even the break in oil & oil filter.

Make sure you have the oil priming tool that goes in the distributor hole. the oil system must be primed before you start it. I've seen people make this mistake before with SBC's.

if it's already been test run then he won't need to do this, it's just to prime the pump for the first time.
if it hasn't been test run then it's a very good idea.

All this talk of engine upgrades - if you don't have a shift kit in the 2004R, I can tell you an automatic can be transformed by a good quality shift kit. I've put in dozens of these for friends and family over the years. I wouldn't think of owning an automatic without one.

Tranny Source Rex

+1 on the shift kit.

It has the shift kit. It has a full lockup torque converter. The rear end is a limited slip rear.

Just a basic overhaul kit. Stay under budget.