In 1979, the Chevrolet Camaro was available with a choice of three engine options. The bone stock Camaro, called the Berlinetta, was fitted with the 250 cubic inch six cylinder engine. The RS Camaro came standard with a six-cylinder engine, but could be optioned with the larger 305 V8. The Z28 Camaro came from the factory with Chevrolet's venerable 350 cubic inch V8. Dropping a new 350 engine into any of these cars are quite easy, relatively speaking, because the engine mounting points all align perfectly.
Tools Used: Automotive hand tools, Engine hoist, Engine stand, Engine lift mounting plate, ChevroletCamaro repair manual
Install a 350 Engine
Remove the Original Engine
Drain the engine's coolant system, then proceed to remove all hoses, wires, and lines attaching the engine to the car. Remove the throttle linkage from the carburetor, then remove the carburetor from the engine. Install the mounting plate used to lift the engine by bolting it into place on the intake manifold.
Drain the transmission by removing the transmission pan, then unbolt the transmission from the engine. Remove the hood of the car. Remove the fan shroud, then unbolt the headers from the exhaust system.
Unbolt the engine from the engine mounts on the left and right of the engine.
Hook the engine hoist to the mounting plate you installed, then hoist the engine out of the engine bay. Lay the engine aside, then remove the mounting plate from the old engine and bolt it onto the engine to be installed in the car.
Install the 350 Engine into the Camaro
Hoist the new engine onto an engine stand and install the necessary parts not included with the crate motor. These include the starter, fan and fan belts, timing chain, pulleys, and the headers.
Lift the engine into place in the engine compartment of the car, carefully lining up the transmission and bolting it into place first. Remember to refill the transmission with fluid before attempting to drive the car. Replace the engine mounting bolts and tighten them down to the necessary specifications according to the Camaro repair manual.
Reattach the hoses and lines that were removed from the original engine. Use a restoration or service guide to help you through reconnecting the maze of connections. Install the coolant lines and the fan shroud.
Install the carburetor, throttle cable and then bolt the headers to the exhaust system.
Reinstall the hood then fill the engine with oil and the radiator with coolant. Follow the crate engine's instructions for breaking in the engine before driving as you normally would.
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