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350 SBC engine swap

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Submitted by: Craig McCormick

Question: Can I use the same computer, sensors and carb from my original L69?
Answer:  Yes, in fact I recommend it. This will allow you to stay legal. You 
can also use the same exhaust manifolds, intake manifold and accessories. The 
exterior dimensions of the block are the same.

Question: What about the stock intake manifold? 
Answer:  The stock intake is a dual-plane aluminum manifold and works pretty 
well. If you are using centre-bolt heads you will need an intake manifold 
that's made for these or else be prepared to do some drilling and modification. 
There are upgrades available but IMO there are other upgrades that need to be 
done first.

Question: Does the computer or carb need to be adjusted for the extra cubic 
inches?
Answer:  It does not HAVE to be but it helps to use different secondary 
metering rods in the carb. Some people have recommened using rods from a late 
70's Caprice. In my opinion you don't have to make any changes to the computer 
but there are different opinions about this.

Question: Will my original 200-4R tranny work with a larger engine?
Answer:  Yes, it will bolt-up no problem. The extra hp may shorten its life a 
little but with a proper rebuild it will be just fine. You could also upgrade 
to a 700-R4 but this involves modifying the cross member, shortening the 
drive-shaft and fiddling with the shift linkage and kick-down cable.

Question: What about the knock sensor and other electronic sensors?
Answer:  The knock sensor threads into one of the drain holes at the botton of 
the block so that's no problem. The L69 block has a threaded hole just above 
the oil filter for the oil-pressure sender. Other blocks might not have this 
hole (mine didn't). You can either drill and tap a hole here or else tee into 
the oil-pressure switch that's under the distributor. There's a water temp 
switch that goes into one of the heads but I believe all heads have provision 
for this. There are some other sensors in the intake but if you're using the 
stock intake then this will not be a problem.