Got a bird

[Sgp0511]

So I picked up an 88 firebird yesterday. It's a v8 auto, but when I decoded the vin it says car came with 305 but Ty I bought it from says its a 350. How can I tell without pulling the motor what size it is? So basically it needs head gaskets as there's water in the oil and a new starter. Used to have a 99 bird v6 5 speed and that thing was awesome so I hope this bird lives up to my previous one. Only thing is its an auto, how hard would it be to get a junkyard 5 speed and swap?

 

[Sgp0511]

Also new to tbi, what are the metal lines going to the head by the spark plug on each side for?

 

[melsg5]

check the vin number on the engine block pad in front of the passenger side head, the digits should match the tail end of the vehicle VIN. In addition see if there is a letter code stamped on the same pad.

 

[92 Sunbird LE]

Small Block Chevy Casting Number is on the back of the block ( raised numbers) where the trans meets the block ( drivers side)

Check the number here:

http://outintheshop.com/faq/casting/castings2.html

Doug in P.R.

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[92 Sunbird LE]

88 and up FBody T5 Manual Trans can only handle so much torque without HD parts upgrade, thats why only 305's and a few low power 350's in IROC's were used .

A T56 might be a better option if you have more than 300 ft Lbs TQ in your current motor.


Read here:

http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/transmissions-drivetrain/527841-how-much-torque-can.html

Doug in P.R.

 

[92 Sunbird LE]

The tubes are air injection lines for emissions............( 89 TPI engine shown - simular to TBI)

Doug in P.R.