Hey yall, got an 87 SS with a 350 in her at the moment. Never done this on my own before but im trying to figure out what all id need to do to swap out the 350 for a 454. Do i need a different transmission? Different rear axle or re-gearing? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Also, my job doesnt pay that great so i understand it might take me a lil while to complete but i want it done right. Not trying to "half-***" it just because i cant do it overnight.

 

Or if theres a cheaper way to build the 350, im open to options

 

First of all, welcome to the forum!!
Well if you have the time and place to do it, this will be quite the learning project. And believe me, if you tear into this engine, you WILL learn ALOT!!! I, personally, would rebuild the 350 because you know it will fit and you really don't need to change anything other than the engine parts unless they are worn out or broken. If you have the space and ability to take the 350 out of the car, it will make things SOOOO much easier. My best bit of advise would be to go to the parts store and buy the Chilton's Manual for your car. Probably the most valuable tool I own. I prefer Chiltons over Haynes just because of the explanations and the pictures and diagrams.
As far as anything behind the engine such as torque convertor, transmission, rear end/gears...that really depends on what you plan on doing with the car. Daily driver, cruiser, show car, racing, etc.
Keep us updated on what you do and take lots of pics!!
Where you from in Indiana? (guessing from your member name)

 

Thanks! Yeah, im from roughly 15 mins southwest of Columbus area. I was planning on building it for pretty much all aspects, wanna be able to drive daily but wanna a lowkey monster on the streets, haha. Thats good to know though, once i return home i will head out and get one. I appreciate the advise though!

 

Heres links to see what im working with

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Nice!!!

 

Yeah I agree with P343, rebuild 350 you can have a powerful one with the right changes and performance parts. Will gain a lot of horsepower just with heads,cam,carb etc.

 

Alright, cool. Thank yall for the info!

 

Another question, when looking at parts online, it only gives me the 305 or 5.0 type motor. What do i do since i have a 350?

 

It gives you the option of 305 because that is what the stock engine for your car was from the factory. Can you get to the block number? It is located on the flat spot on the front of the block under where the alternator is mounted. Once you have that, you can look up what the 350 came out of.
If not, you can always use 1979 Camaro (RALLY SPORT V8-5.7L-VIN L 350CI-4BBL GAS OHV) when looking for engine parts because they had the option of a 350. Because, basically, a 350 is a 350 when it comes to parts. lol It's like when I look for engine parts for my 84 because I have a 327. I have to look for parts for a 65 vette because that is what the engine came out of (found out by finding block number)