Hi There, this is my first post to the forum and was hoping to gain a bit of knowledge on my build. To start, I picked up a really great 66 skylark with a 300, and although it was running, and in great shape. It did need some cleaning up. I ended up buying a 355 built by Automotive Machine and Performance from a 71 skylark. As well as a 5 speed manual Tremec tkx, and a Holley EFI system. As of now, I’m in the process of fitting the pulleys and brackets from the 300. For the most part everything seems to jive except the neck on the water pump is longer. I have questions…Also, I’d like to note that this is my first build. I’ve already had the body off, cleaned up the frame, installed new suspension, disk brakes, fuel tank, and ran all new lines, and have the body back on the frame with new bushings. 1. Should I replace the long neck water pump with a shorter one to get the belts to align? 2. Should I try to find brackets and pulleys from a 71 and use those instead 3. Would anyone happen to know of a billet bracket and pulley kit like those you find for the larger engines? Or would the kit from a 400 or 455 fit the 350? Basically I suppose I’m looking for some general info on the swap, maybe some of your experiences, and issues you ran into while working on your project if it’s pretty similar to mine. I appreciate you taking the time, and if I’ve missed a thread where this has already been covered, I apologize and would love to be pointed in the right direction.
cool project! Did they dyno the engine? Post lots of pics. no there is no interchange from the other engines for accessory kits. No real options except custom which isn’t worth the work in my opinion. I think you need the TA 1236 water pump but I would call TA to confirm. http://www.taperformance.com/products.asp?cat=299
They did do the dyno actually. I'll post some of info. I suppose I could swap out to the short neck water pump, but the bracket for the power steering from the 300 seems massive! I was just doing a little test fit, and I'm pretty sure I'll try and find a different route.
there are 3 different length pumps. the pump from the 300 should make it the same length as the 300. you use the 66 carb linkage also. just might need to modify to be good. put a 350 and b&m supercharger in our 67. i just modified the linkage length. and its a 4 spd no rocket science required
I would swap to a complete 350 accessory setup, should be easy to find and that would likely match the water pump you have. The 350 power steering is much different if I remember correctly. The 300 pump setup looks huge!
If you have any issues with the header fitment try hooker brand headers. They tent to fit that car better than the TA versions.
