Swapping a 1996 Chevy Truck 305 to a 350 What Do I Need to Change

The Chevrolet 350 engine is a small-block V8 engine known effectually the world for its durability, performance, and smoothen, quiet operation. Information technology has earned its reputation as i of the most pop, sought-after, and overall all-time engines of the 20^th century. It has get the standard bearer for all Chevy small-block engines.

Effigy 1: Seen here is a minor block Chevy 350 crate engine. Source: Ohio Speed Shops.

Gearheads particularly enjoy how easy to rebuild the engine is, owing to its plethora of off-the-shelf aftermarket parts. The 350 was mass produced with an exceptionally uncomplicated design that facilitates easy upgrades. It is tough, affordable, reliable, and can suffer plenty of abuse.

Farther, it may well be the virtually transplanted engine in the history of automation, equally it has been put into Fords and any number of other vehicles across Chevrolets.

While the 350 was discontinued in 2002 to brand room for more fuel-efficient models, information technology lives on in the hearts, minds, and engine bays of drivers around the world. All in all, it enjoyed 1 of the longest production runs of any engine ever produced.

But what model twelvemonth 350 engine is the all-time? What's the 1 Chevy 350 to rule them all? That's what we're here to discuss today.

Sources: On All Cylinders.

A Bit of History

Effigy two: The original Chevy 350 from 1967. Back in the day, this fiddling guy could get an impressive 295 HP. Source: Mecum Auctions.

First produced in 1967, the original 350 was developed from the original small block V8 engine produced by Chevrolet. As a loftier-functioning 350-cubic-inch power found, it was used initially in the Chevrolet Camaro. In fact, it's first advent was as an L-48 choice for the 1967 Camaro.

Notwithstanding, the 350 subsequently went on to power the Corvette, the Nova, the Caprice, and numerous other vehicles. Buicks, Cadillacs, and Oldsmobiles take all featured the Chevy 350.

Figure 3: A 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, i of the commencement cars to boast a Chevy 350 engine. Source: Automobile Evolution.

Power output and torque ratings have, of course, varied quite a bit throughout the years. However, the original Chevy 350 put out 295 HP and 380 lb-ft of torque. Another fun fact: the engine's verbal displacement is 349.85 cubic inches (5.seven L if yous go by metric). Merely the "Chevy 350" makes for a much catchier proper name, if we do say so ourselves.

A fuel-injected version of the 350 was added to Corvettes starting in 1985. By the early 1980s, computerized emissions systems became the standard along with throttle trunk fuel injection systems.

Sources: CarsDirect; Novak Conversions; On All Cylinders.

The Chevy 350 Throughout the Years

There have been quite a few variations across the decades. Hither is a somewhat exhaustive list (not bookkeeping for the numerous sub-variations of each that have been produced for various specific vehicles over the years).

Variant	Start Yr	End Year	Notable Features
L48	1967	1980	Hydraulic cam; Quadrajet carburetor, power output of 300 hp and 380 lb⋅ft (515 N⋅m) torque; x.25:one compression ratio
L46	1969	1970	2.02 / one.6" valve heads; 11.0:1 pinch ratio; high octane gas
ZQ3	1969	1974	300 HP; 10.25:1 compression; hydraulic lifters; Rochester Quadra-Jet 4-barrel carburetor.
LS9	1969	1986	Used in C/1000/Thou 10/20 trucks nether 8,500 lbs.; Rochester 4-bbl carburetor; 165 HP.
L65	1970	1976	250 HP High Performance 2bbl Rochester carburetor.
LT-1	1970	1975	Solid lifters; eleven.0:i pinch; 178 high-performance camshaft; rams' horn frazzle; max of 370 HP.
L82	1976	1989	Rochester Quadra-jet 4bbl carburetor; dual-aeroplane aluminum intake manifold; hydraulic-lifter cam; 9.0:i compression; 250 HP.
LM1	1979	1988	4-barrel carburetor; maximum 175 HP; mechanical ignition points; computer-controlled spark system.
L81	1981	1981	190 HP; 8.2:one compression ratio; cam and calculator control spark advance; "smart" carburetor.
LT-9	1981	1986	160 HP; viii.3:ane compression; carbureted with Rochester Quadrajets.
L83	1982	1984	200 HP; 9.0:1 compression; "cross-burn down" fuel injection.
L98	1985	1992	Tuned-port fuel injection "TPI"; 230 HP; aluminum cylinder heads; pinch varying betwixt 9.0:i and 10.0:one.
L05	1987	1996	Used in Chevrolet/GMC trucks in the GMT400.
L31	1996	2002	5.7L V8 truck engine; combustion chambers and intake ports; compatible with all older pocket-size blocks; eight bolts attaching the intake; 255 HP.

Source: Wikipedia.

What's the Best Chevy 350 Engine?

Okay, on to the main event! Out of all the 350 engines produced throughout the years, which one takes the crown?

Plenty of people are going to take plenty of dissimilar opinions on this. Ask 10 Chevy fans well-nigh their favorite variety of engine and y'all'll probably get 10 unlike answers. But we've washed our best to compile a somewhat objective listing of some of the best 350 engines out there.

LT-1 (1970)

Figure 4: An LT-1 installed in a Corvette. Source: Wikipedia, courtesy of Rich Niewiroski Jr.

When it first came out in 1970, the LT-1 was a marvel of technology. With a high-performance 178 camshaft, solid lifters, and a carburetor with a special aluminum intake that could reach 780 cubic feet per minute, this engine was able to churn out 370 HP when fitted into a Corvette. At the fourth dimension, this was a big number indeed.

CLICK HERE FOR A VIDEO Demonstration OF THE LT-1 IN A 1970 CORVETTE.

However, Chevrolet was forced to steadily reduce the power output and torque of the LT-1 to run into new emissions standards. In 1972, the power was reduced to 255 HP. The 1975 version of the LT-1 ultimately succumbed to new emissions standards that brought its horsepower all the fashion down to 145 HP.

The LT-1 was the last and arguably greatest of the old fuel-guzzling, emissions-spewing 350 engines. Those original LT-1s from 1970 volition get down as some of the best engines of their time.

Sources: AutoTrader; Hot Rod Network.

L98 (1992)

Effigy 5: The L98 was a sleek redesign of a archetype engine. Source: Corvsport.

We've picked the 1992 version of the L98 because it represented the 350's successful metamorphosis into an emissions-friendly, fuel efficient engine. Information technology was a rebirth for engine, in a mode, and the original L98 remains ane of the nigh popular 350s ever produced.

New to this version was a TPI (tuned-port fuel injection) system and aluminum cylinder heads (released nigh halfway through the 1986 model yr). The resulting engine could reach 230 HP, a figure that steadily climbed to 250 HP over its years of production. The 1992, with its ability to max out power and torque while maintaining tight emission standards, is our pick for the best L98 engine.

This engine was placed in Corvettes primarily, merely as well made its way into Camaro and Pontiac Firebird models

Sources: Corvsport; ItStillRuns.

L31 (2002)

Figure 6: The "Vortec 5700", meliorate known as the L31. Source: Speedway Motors.

From a purely technical standpoint, the near recent version of the Chevy 350 would naturally exist the best of the bunch. Marketed every bit the "Vortec 5700" engine, but known internally by the moniker of L31, this engine was used primarily in GM vans and trucks until 2002. Nosotros talked to a few folks at Bob King Buick-GMC in Wilmington, NC, who added that "the 2500 and 3500 all come with a three-yr 100,000-mile warranty on whole engine cake associates" and are all extremely reliable despite their age.

Notable features include cylinder heads with combustion chambers and intake ports very similar to the LT-i. For this reason, the L31 head is compatible with older small-block engines and is easily upgradable and tin can be popped into all kinds of trucks, vans, or SUVs. Merely be aware that a item intake manifold is required, owing to the 8 bolts used (four per caput) to attach the manifold to the block.

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO UNBOXING OF A CRATE VERSION OF THE L31.

According to Rosedale Chevrolet in Roseville, MN, the L31 is an extremely dependable and versatile engine, and "y'all can put in just nigh anything, information technology'south been produced off and on since the mid-1950s." Dale Willey Automotive in Lawrence, KS added that "the aftermarket dealers tin can give you the best information nigh picking up a L31" and highly recommended checking out any aftermarket seller for an excellent status used engine or parts. Nonetheless, "we tin can say that the L31 comes with cylinders that piece of work with most older models" of Chevys. For this reason, this engine is quite flexible and easy to whatever vehicle you need.

Every bit the well-nigh recent 350, it is too one of the most readily available today. As the near modern 350 out in that location, it is known for its strength, reliability, and durability (much like the trucks information technology goes in). You can option i up used or get a half-finished crate version at a very reasonable price.

Source: AutoTrader; interview conducted with representative from Roseville Chevrolet, Dale Willey, and Bob King Buick-Chevrolet (08/31/2020).

Bonus Feature: The New 350 V8 Service Engine

Figure 7: The new 350 service engine, made to be a low-cost replacement for older GM vehicles. Source: GM Authorisation.

This very year, GM released a special service version of the Chevy 350 to serve as replacements for older trucks and vans. Though it uses a novel 4-bolt block and includes new cylinder heads and block castings, along with a forged steel crankshaft, this engine is in all essential respects a modern upgrade to the classic Chevy 350. Y'all can order yours and discover more information here.

Source: GM Potency; GM 18-carat Parts.

Determination

Effigy 8: A classic Chevy Corvette from 1972. Source: Car Gurus.

At the end of the day, the all-time year for a Chevy 350 engine comes downward to ii things in a higher place all else: classic feel vs. modern functioning.

If you want a classic Chevy 350 in its heyday, earlier emissions standards clamped downwardly on the make, aim for an LT-i from 1970. Grab some aftermarket parts and restore it to peak performance in no time at all.

On the other hand, if you want the all-time performing 350 that meets emissions standards and still packs plenty of power and torque the L98 from 1992 and the L31 from 1996 on (or the new service engine mentioned above) are both fantabulous choices.

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Source: https://www.car-engineer.com/what-year-is-the-best-chevrolet-chevy-350-engine/