91 rmw for an lt1 rmw swap

So I have this question. There is a later moder RMW lt1 with a newer motor and  bunch of suspension work done for sale. Looks like mine will be needing a new transmission and some engine work. Whst would you guys recommend, selling mine and buying the LT1 or keep foxing mine. Oh I got the 91 with a 305. Just did complete brakes and spring swap. Since the wagons are selling like hotcakes these days I'm wondering.......
The only thing I don't like about the lt1 is that it is gold

RoadKutter - What do you use the car for?

Sometimes you're better to keep/fix what you have because you know what's good/bad about it whereas a different car may have quite a few unknowns.

Othertimes it's the other way around - you can't fix what you have for less than what the replacement costs.

What tells you that you need a transmission and engine work on your 91? Do you otherwise like the car, is it in good shape?

Yeah, I do like my roadie. It’s not perfect but I’m trying to figure out long term if it’s better fix a 305 or go with an LT1. I’m going to find out how much the transmission is going to need. A rebuilt 305 will set me back $4k. So I’m probably looking at $7k for drive train worst case and then I still need to find and fix all my water leaks. Living on the wet coast of Canada doesn’t help when you have a soggy car.
I guess comes down to which avenue will be more worth wile at the end

How much will the 94-96 RMW cost you?

How many miles/year do you put on? Is this your only/daily transportation?

What's wrong with the engine/transmission that you think you need rebuilt ones? How many miles on the 91?

500 000 km on my roady, it drive the car pretty much daily. Like I said it's going to the shop to for an estimate on the transmission. The lt1 had a newer engine in it and a rebuild transmission new dual exhaust as well.
Guy is asking 5k for it. Recently a 91 Caprice wagon sold for that much

Well, if you're thinking $7k for engine & trans on your 91 and can get the 94-96 for $4.5-5.0k (presumably all Canadian $), I'd say get it. If the 91 really does end up needing that much work, then you can decide which one to keep. If the 94-96 ends up not being everything you thought it would be, you'll probably be able to re-sell it for minimal loss/gain.

I'd still like to know what makes you think the 91 needs a new engine and/or trans - 500k Km (310k miles) is nothing to scoff at, but those engines will last a long time if properly maintained. If it burns a little oil but otherwise runs well, starts good and gets good MPG, just keep adding oil?

You could always upgrade the 91 with a used LS engine and its trans. The total cost can be less then the cost of the 94-96 if you do it yourself. On the other hand, the only newer one you want is a 96, because the 96 is an OBDII, and can be diagnosed with current equipment. The 94 and 95 need special equipment from that era. The equipment can be purchased/is available, but you must get/use it yourself. Garages do not keep that on hand anymore.

If you do need to rebuild the 305, I would swap a 350 in there, it can't be that much more honestly, and you will have alot more power, tbi to tbi, it's a simple swap. I have nothing against the 305 (have had several as dailies), but if I pulled one out, something else would be going back in.

If car inspections are an issue, they look pretty much the same, so who would know until you tromp on it

That all said, an LT1 wagon will always pull more $$ down the road.

I think it pays to keep in mind that the 91 is at 300K miles, so unless it has/get a very thorough restoration it is nearing end of life on a lot of the components. Personally I would go for a 96 OBDII like Fred mentioned in the150K or less miles if the option was there. You could easily spend double that on a 300K car to get in good shape and you would likely not get it back at resale, if that matters to you.

If you can get a decent mileage 350 (LO5) and its computer from a PNP yard, you will get your best bang for the buck. You should get a rebuilt trans for it too. You are looking at about $350 for the engine, and $1000-1500 for the trans, plus your efforts to remove and install the above.

The next best deal is an LS with the trans, computer, and wiring from a PNP yard. The letter U in the truck VIN is the 6.0L. Total cost for the combo is about $1000-1200. You need another $500-1000 for installation, and your labor. Wiring is not all that difficult, just time consuming.

A third option is to get a Vortec 350 (truck engine 1996-1999) and a 4L60e with its wiring harness, and computer. It has better heads, and makes more power than an LO5. Always have the heads and block checked for cracks, as they are notorious for cracked heads. You can use an LO5 block with the Vortec heads. Price will be on the upper end between the LS and the LO5 install.

The only SPECIAL EQUIPMENT a 94-95 LT1 wagon needs is a cheap laptop and an ALDL cable. The rest (Software) is available on the internet for FREE. The car be tuned and diagnosed for FREE.

That said, keep what you have. The TBI cars are easier to maintain and the parts are cheaper.

Want more power? Do like Fred said and get an LS for it.

So an update. After a second opinion, the transmission shop guy said that it’s the smoothest shifting car he has seen in a while (for this model) and all I need is service. Apparently the things it’s doing is normal for that year and was later fixed by GM. So money saved.

Also called a local engine rebuilding shop and a fresh 305 will cost $3300 Canadian plus $2000 for install.
That said I also found another shop advertising on CL with LS and Vortec for sale. Will have to call next week and see what is available.

Guess I’ll stick with the one I have. Now I have to figure out what is causing this intermittent surging/hunting since it’s not the transmission like I’ve been told earlier.

Thanks for all the input guys!

Try the hose between the pump and output line in the gas tank. It sounds like what mine did a number of years ago.

Can you tell me more?

You must remove the tank, and sender unit to check the hose. There is no other way to verify it.

Geez, not again! Well if the tank has to come out again can anyone help me find a new sending unit?

You may not need a new sending unit, just the pump. If you need the whole unit, they are available, new, on ebay. The hose on the new unit may be an inferior one, so get a good one if you get a new sending unit. It may also be different from the one on your unit. The black one that is sort of "S" shaped is a good one.

Well, the pump is 3 years old and the sending unit is not good. When I had the pump replaced the mechanic couldn’t source a new one. I’m going to give eBay a try.

S shaped unit or hose?

I’ve been able to find this https://www.ebay.ca/itm/384013589447?fits=Submodel%3AEstate+Wagon%7CYear%3A1991%7CEngine+-+Liter_Display%3A5.0L%7CModel%3ARoadmaster%7CMake%3ABuick&epid=81691409&hash=item5968fe5bc7:g:QlwAAOSwLCdgSmGy

I referred to the hose at the beginning of the sentence.

The assembly you referenced is not compatible, and it comes with an LT1 pump. Here is a compatible one, but the pump is also for an LT1, and can not be used with the LO3 (305). You should be able to sell the LT1 pump to recoup some of the cost: https://www.ebay.ca/itm/333919594935?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20201210111314%26meid%3D6b7ad924c6a4428cb50c58b10117c257%26pid%3D101195%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D384013589447%26itm%3D333919594935%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplAMLv9PairwiseWithPLXWeb&_trksid=p2047675.c101195.m1851&amdata=cksum%3A3339195949356b7ad924c6a4428cb50c58b10117c257%7Cenc%3AAQAGAAACAF3Ra7atSpQVa7MlIXHC%252FZVrUhFE34RQBDYWWEFKfvbWcCcq%252FOgHB4528aE9RyhxCGBuFJgz0c%252FFONaHTbptmOTB2G54Gm36ApMi%252BmrX3YIeiCJeOpBo9GkV1O%252B9K6KzwxjICVVIYvaeRt0fALyD97YWekSLjv61TAmnTLmZeDOWr5vuvXjpPgc4%252BD0FtIlEUH2NyurVzbaV698BN3g%252Bb4npFENA8gHV2T2JX4kUh6o6TTSXOQ1tp9dI1W2HJAmx2MIL79lgYbBO2IuffqIwkbvJ%252FR9G9mY2pgc2P8vr0O9fJD%252FSxJly%252FhYRoONeXvgvWFtI5lWLlq7M0PNc1LSPFhqmMnG71bGToaTLgIPe51stZUiAN%252FspRHlmpiO24fC1NM%252FSOIlpobwzRdwkuE7XVlTeezvD%252BbxnKECe%252BmjrNOQJ%252BWVYUjqhlKnFtVnf2lVc%252BFbKowOYe1oR048X7wmdU%252FXf4z29TxjmO9wfHpuF%252BbXutJ%252BLT8RHrPs3OpbAUxGgsQkDbMItbKRjt%252FGMatr9ul%252B0ZXoIu7ir5HBLHq2NqOxv4oWEeT%252FbZe6eJreo0qhzvZmOVOmm0PVd8uYQpf3ExG3P8QRNq%252Bx22slGG4jOvVBAcvK2MUtDQSjZ1Dqr7iJMxwuCpPypa%252F9wIpB6O%252BXg1qwu3nXi4%252Bj0CoajDbdqRPyE%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2047675

This is the OEM style unit, but does not work as well. It does have the correct pump: https://www.ebay.ca/itm/393403592926?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20201210111314%26meid%3D0eaf4f8cc25140f5be7682a2e8023bb6%26pid%3D101195%26rk%3D7%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D333919594935%26itm%3D393403592926%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplAMLv9PairwiseWithPLXWeb&_trksid=p2047675.c101195.m1851&amdata=cksum%3A3934035929260eaf4f8cc25140f5be7682a2e8023bb6%7Cenc%3AAQAGAAACAMlJWj69rwLIOt8xn6nNfQd2HOp3ImWs96oWNC9O%252FdYCgS8oWyN8fvCnWXO2z38f8bg0LmbfhPro3b3C8R7Q0CyhaD2C3yK0Kai0Bb78FLvaAk8gV3ZBr8B9EL9GK5kKOVhJ5EJ9sguT3NDAdfJ1Uq6wzmZeCfVVjxi2AX4m4KoMvYbZgATxkxYXIx18Lzmd7JBVIZ%252BbtXtOGzkKzoObBOS%252Fvr%252BJLK%252BmYhxw0phWSdFrNPSjuWb2hmMDsXhH5S7WvtLhEk1pZ3QG35309gdI7QgOC3feKJUeY24Xc51k7Vg6Qj7XZkwMsf4OU0qBlUSJJ9IEKvnlEPDjbojK%252FMchJ%252FaVsTN6qzNvVS6LQM6HAQ8lFWde59pZ4RFZoOeZODsm3d1wqVfgU78O2%252FqIBL2Pkvpf55yuTq91uMyrf4ry13QmxvV6vRDypkZ080bbj0mfeRiqUw3lg2f%252FMIH%252B9VFTOs2dQF3uPD%252B67PI7v9AFdFxYgkddMHUBCGqZInqtWJA4QKY%252FH9TDC3kGYpNDpbKRMNbbFGYsG5%252FvhQdDM4PwiBYWm0TZeCzyIkNj9IQD1Bsm%252BEeZnvCr3LBSJbM9IvH3iWba9NsJwZs59J1%252B%252BpeI6dSfQbhiWGBIS0PuT6T7LAfOjPPueyUmYGvMkKPCnuRnXEZdIvtpVtBsHABn2%252BeQp%252FYV%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2047675

Make sure the pump you get is the correct one for the engine. Delphi is a good brand. Bosch is a bad one. I would use the pump you have in the car now, with the new sender, unless you do not feel comfortable with its age. The pump you want is a FE0115 Delphi Electric Fuel Pump. You should be able to order it at your local parts store. Ebay USA price is $40 USD. AC Delco is good too: https://www.ebay.ca/itm/171483619801?hash=item27ed3861d9:g:D4gAAOSwvvtfNFtl

The clear hose is the bad one that I referred to, and will break soon after installation. The sender is designed to keep the pump in contact with the bottom of the tank even if it bulges. There is a little bit of spring pressure you must overcome when installing it.