Hello!

I was hoping that someone, or anyone, may have some intel for me on a few subjects regarding my '89 Camaro.

In the coming weeks (and months) my father and I will begin the grueling process of taking my engine out and rebuilding/replacing parts of it.

I aim to have it bored out. So my first question here is, are the 305 and 350 engines based off the same block? I know the stroke is the same (3.48) but the bore for a 305 is only 3.736. If they are indeed made from the same block however, does that mean it is possible to bore out mine to 350? I know for sure I can bore it out about .030 I believe. But even if I can bore it out more, is that recommened by anyone?

Another question: because of my car's height (its been lowered) my father and I were entertaining the idea of pulling the tranny out with the engine, as I aim to do some rear-end work as well, and trying to maneuver the tranny under the car will be hell. Its an automatic, unfortunately. How much do auto transmissions weigh? If the engine is taken apart down to the block, can the tranny be taken out with it? He has little experience with autos, we have both only taken out standards. Also, though this is more of a fantasy, are wuto to stick transfers practical? I've read of them being done, but unless its a proven and tried practice, I won't even bother attempting such an ordeal.

Lastly, if anyone has done this on a Camaro before, any tips you may have that may save me from a terrible headache, or worse, terrible and wasteful spending?

I am almost certain my dad and I can do this, since he has years of experience with chevys. But it will still be a trying task.

Thanks for any help or comments you'd like to make.

 

I have always found that pulling the trans and engine together go more smoothly on these cars.

As far as switching to manual, its been done thousands of times I'm sure. Its just a matter of having the right parts available to make it happen.

 

I haven't done a 3rd gen but I've pulled engine and trans together in many others over the years,should be doable.
Get the radiator out that will help a lot.
No you cannot bore a 305 to a 350 but they are the same on the outside so you can replace a 305 with a 350 and everything should bolt up just fine.
Nothing wrong with doing a .030 over on a 305 but if you want more power ditch the 305 in favor of a 350.

 

Thank you, both of you.

@ Y2K: After looking at the engine bay for quite a while, I did think pulling the radiator out would be the only way to remove both the trans and engine. Looks like that's what I'm going to be doing, so thanks! And as for the 350, I'm probably going to pass. I just want a little more power, nothing too drastic. A passing gear would be nice, haha. Plus, the car is a bit of a rarity- a lot of options from the factory and stuff. I don't want to change it too much, now that I really sit and think on it.

Thanks, this is already helping me a bunch.

 

Horizon, not trying to offend you but what options does the car have that makes it a rarity?

Is it a 1LE car?

 

None taken, NJ. But I do wish it was a 1LE, haha.

There's really nothing rare about it, to be honest. To me personally it is only because I have never seen one similar to it. I've seen a good amount of Camaros in my tri-state area, but again, this is just from my perspective. Its a 1989 IROC convertable with an auto. I have yet to see another convertable camaro that's a 3rd gen.

 

Ah. Convertible.

I had never seen a convertible in person until I met a guy off another Camaro board a few years ago selling parts. He had a bright yellow IROC Vert and now he also has a Firebird vert, not sure on the years of either. I probably wouldnt change it that much either in that case if it is in nice shape.

There were only 3,940 Z28/IROC convertibles made in 1989.

 

Ah, then I am not alone in seeing so few convertables. I don't feel silly now, hah.

Also, my car has many power options. I got a catalog of Camaros for all 4 generations, and it gives so much information, its incredible. For instance, only 17.8% of Camaros built in 89 had a power front drivers seat, and only 26% had a power remote control mirror for the passenger side. My particular car has both those options, and a few more.

So yeah, I don't want to be a typical teenager hot-rodder that I once was, and just goes in and tears it to pieces.

 

Do you have any photos of your car to share with us?

 

Do you have any photos of your car to share with us?