I purchased a 76 Orange Flame L82 four speed 2 years ago. The car was in nice shape, but had already had a replacement 350 in it. I'm considering swapping in the Chevrolet crate 350HO, mated to the original 4 speed, dumping the cat and adding the Mid America chambered exhaust. Looking for any opinions and/or advice about the engine, the exhaust, using the stock radiator, or whatever anyone has to offer.
Thanks-
See you at Carlisle

DWCONV,
It a pretty straight forward bolt in. You need a flywheel for the HO engine. Your old one won't work, and a new harmonic balancer is required also. I had my radiator re-cored for max efficiency and replaced my heater core while the engine was out. Are you going to use headers or manifolds? If you use the stock ram horns, you will have to trial fit them to the heads. They usually hit the valve cover due to the exhaust ports are flush on the vortec heads vs. the old style which protrude out a little. (you will see which part of the manifold is hitting) So it's nothing that a little time and a grinder can't take care of.
This engine does give you a good bang for your buck!
Sarge

put a zz4 355hp in a 78 it was a creat engine fromJEG.S need plug wires carb starter and oil filter adapter exhaust manfoldand flywheelfor $3700 for engine

Thanks for the info. This is the first swap I've ever done, so all the info I can get helps. (I do have a few experienced friends willing to help & have the tools and place to do it) Anyway, I'm curious about the new flywheel- did you stay with GM performance parts, or aftermarket? ..I see you also put in the Richmond trans...

david the end of the crank is not the same size on the G.M crate engine is not the same as the one you have jim h

Thanks for everybody's input. How about the Mid America chambered exhaust... Anyone have any experience with that?

DWCONV said: Anyway, I'm curious about the new flywheel- did you stay with GM performance parts, or aftermarket? ..I see you also put in the Richmond trans...

I used GMPP-Flywheel,Balancer,Distributor
Edelbrock performer Vortec intake w/795 cfm Performer Q-jet.
CenterForce Dual friction clutch 11"
Richmond Super T10 replaced the original BW T10 which I literally blew apart. "Ouch"
Have fun with your project!
Sarge

Yeah, I'd put in a ZZ4 or a Fastburn 385 in it!! Very nice choice!

DWCONV said: Thanks How about the Mid America chambered exhaust... ?

From what I've read, chambered exhaust is like a fart pipe on a honda, lots of noise with minimal performance gains. A normal true dual exhaust with performance mufflers will be much better. Depending on your taste, either Dynomax welded or Flowmasters. Joe

I agree!