Just swapped the 305 from my 1983 GMC Sierra (CA emissions), with Goodwrench 350 crate motor. The only modification is the Edelbrock manifold. I don't know where to set timing, engine temp stays between 200-220 degrees. Running the stock 4bbl carb. Do I need to change the ECM, adjust the carb., run a different fan. This is my first time doing this. Need some help please.    

You're probably pretty close. This set up uses a Q-Jet with the primary rods electrically controlled. The O2 sensor signals mixture ratio to the computer which then adjusts the metering rods to try and keep cruise in the range of 14.7 pounds of air to a pound of gasoline.

If the engine isn't lean surging or rich bucking and the plug color looks dirty white to medium brown, then the mixture is pretty close. Dry and white showing lean while sooty to wet black is showing rich. So if the engine runs smooth and the plug color is in the normal range, I'd call it good.

The Mr. Goodwrench engine runs a pretty mild cam and fairly low compression, I'd expect the timing specifics for the 305 would be good for the 350.

Engine temp is largely controlled by the thermostat, however, a fresh engine should have a new radiator and heater core. By the time the engine has aged to replacement so has the radiator, heater core and all the hoses. I think 220 degrees on the coolant is a bit high. I'd rather see a cruise temp around 190-195.

Since you need to meet California emissions I'd put it into a shop that can sniff the tail pipe before I went to the emissions station just to make sure it's clean. You should replace the catalytic converter as well. These wear out and with enough miles on the truck to replace the engine, you can figure the converter is also at the end of its life. A universal converter is a sufficient replacement. Don't go nuts with pipe size on these things, they're sold with pipes that range in size from 2 to 3 inches. There is a lot of good talk about buying the 3 inch to reduce backpressure, but the cores on all of these converters is the same, so pipe size in and out is a moot point. If you need more flow you'll need two. But that isn't legal in Calif. even though they'll work just fine when tucked up nice and close to the engine. I have an S-15 with a 350 init and just put unqualified thus not legal duals on it. Which include dual cats, it true duals from the headers to the chrome tips. I just went thru the Washington state sniff test which is the same as California, except here they don't inspect the configuration, only the result of what comes out. It blew really, really clean; the specs says you can't exhale more than 200 parts per million of unburnt hydrocarbon, it tested at 7 in cruise and 9 at idle. They want less than 1.5 percent of the exhaust to be carbon monoxide it puts out .02 percent. The CO+CO2 mix needs to be greater than 6% the output was 15.32. I suspect my pizza and beer breath is dirtier. so the lesson here is that dual cats will deliver the goods on clean air. Having replaced the factory single "Y" pipe, converter and muffler with tuned length collectors after the shorty headers, an H style crossover, dual cats, mifflers and tail pipes the thing has picked up a good 15-20 horsepower and in commuter mode has increased gas milage by almost 2 mpg. The downside is that if you get on it, the mileage goes away very quickly along with rear tire life. but it puts a bigger smile on my face.

Bogie  

Bogie,
You are the MAN! Thanks for the positive feedback. I went to two different GM dealerships and the best they could come up with is to look for tech manuals at the library. You made my day. Thanks again.

Hubastank  

when you are up for modifying parts and others and if you are not sure of it, better see the professional mechanic and let him do it for you,   the mechanic knows the parts what should be done and be replaced with a new one...that's the thing i did for my car, i'd took it the shop and have some mods and replaced my catalytic coverter with a new one..