Puttin a 350 in a 91 Camaro (T-tops)

Question

Just bought a 91 Camaro RS and want to put a 350 motor in but heard is too much for the rear end and it would twist the rear and the t-top and crack the windsheild since its a t-top. is this true and if it is, is there anything i can do to prevent it? thanks!

Answer 1

I have a 1992, with a 350 i it.  It will not twist the rear end, or break the rear end.  The 3rd gen camaro's are designed on a unibody frame, that does flex alot.  And there are alot of them getting cracks along the roofline right behind the corners at the window, from the flex.  But this has more to do with bad suspension and cornering forces than engine size.  You can install sub-frame connectors (under the car) to correct and strengthen the car - they run about $200 or so - they are available in bolt on or weld on versions.  Alot of folks bolt them in themselves, and then have a shop weld them.  Also, you can install strut tower braces (under the hood) for about $150, and that helps.

But before anything, install the "wonderbar" - it is a steering brace that keeps the geometry correct in the front when cornering, they are about $100, and worth every penny!  Alot of Camaro's have the power steering pump cracking the frame upfront from the flexing of the steering on the front suspension.  This simple steering brace was factory installed in all the cars with 350's in them, it connects to the swaybar, and its about a 20 minute install.

http://www.thirdgen.org - everything 3rd gen camaro