Thread: FI 305 swap for Carb. 350...how?

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I have a blown 305 in my camaro right now, just bought it that way...I also have a brand new 350 I built and would like to put it in the car. The blown motor is fuel injected and the new one is carburated, how do I make the swap, what will I need to buy or do? Thanks for any help you can provide.

Please explain what kind of injection unit the 82 Camaro 305 has......

You could get: A 151-cid inline 40-cylinder with electronic fuel injection (EFI) was the base engine. Options included a 173-cid 102-hp EFI V6 and a 305-cid 145-hp V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor. Z28 buyers could pay $450 for an optional 305-cid 165-hp Crossfire fuel-injected V8

As far as I know it is the crossfire 305...I wouldn't think there would be that much to do in order to swap it with the carb. 350. Pull the old motor, new engine mounts, maybe new hedders with exhaust, drop it in....don't know from there!

I talked to guy today, he said that all I have to do is cut all the wires get them out of the way and drop the new motor in. I would also need to disconnect the electric fuel pump in the gas tank in order to use the pump already on the 350. Then run a line from the tach to the distributor and I would be golden. Does that sound about right? I thought it sounded good. Maybe have to run a few different fuel lines, nothing major.

If it is a crossfire, it has two throttle body injection units.

I wouldnt just "cut all the wires" because you can really get in trouble if you cut the wrong wire. Instead, find the computer that is mounted under the dash on the passenger side and unplug the connector(s). Your new engine will install just like the existing one. You may have to buy a new Camaro trottle cable from an 82 wiht a 305 4bbl carb....buy a new one, the old ones wear and if they break, you have no throttle. (they are cheap, too). Tape the engine ends of any exposed wires that are not used

After you get your engine running, you can determine the wires that are unused and cut them. Wires like the temp sender, the starter, etc. are used. If you use your existing distributor, look to see if it has a second pigtail that comes from the distributor body (not the cap). This is the electronic spark control wire.....your car wont run if this is not plugged in.....you can jumper two of the three wires together.....I think that it is the first and third wire but perhaps someone can remember for me.

You should also find a wiring diagram for the current setup in case you have to trace starter wires, etc.

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your electric fuel pump puts out 12psi.....you can get a regulator and cut that to your carb's input requirements (usually 6 psi or less). Block off the mechanical pump. These Camaros had some history of vapor locking (not sure which models) so keep the electric pump.

One last note, does your state do a visual emissions check? If your core supprt tag is for a crossfire, they may freak at a carb. Of course, if it looks like the 4bbl version, they should be OK

I just used "cut" as a figure of speech, I intend on moving them out of the way. I have ordered a complete rebuild manual for the 1982 model so I hope to have all wiring diagrams plus other useful info on the car. There are zero emissions inspections for me, but I am in the military and move often...if I head back to NC there will be. They don't worry about the type, just if you have mufflers or not. Thanks for the help, if you have any other advise please feel free to send it my way. This is my first camaro project.

Why not use the FI w/your 350? Better mileage,smoother running & probably more torque.

It caught on fire at 120 mph. Not a lot to save from the original

THAT was some bad news. Sorry to hear that. Glad you are ok.

Turns out the car is the 1982 Z28 Pace Car model, other than the motor it is completly stock as far as I can tell from all information of the car on the internet. I beleive $800 cash wasn't a bad deal!