Camaro Spectre

Ok so I have been tossing around a few ideas so I thought I would jump on in here and ask those of you whom have done all of these different things to TBI's.

I've had my 91' RS 305 for a year now and have in the past say 6 months been tossing around the idea of a bigger engine, or a total rebuild and adding different parts to it. I've gotten more serious about it in the past month as i know its time to get the engine rebuilt or put a new one in as the previous owner had been an older lady whom only used it as a highway car and didn't even take very good care of it (bad wires, plugs, fuel pump, a/c shot, original clutch with slippage, barely ever changed the oil from way it looked when i first changed it, warped manifold & blown gaskets) ofwhich I have fixed all of it myself except for the clutch since I have owned it and I am planning on changing that out soon enough.

So the question is, which would be more cost efficient for my needs? I plan on using it as a daily driver like I do right now. I don't need something with a lot of kick as the biggest cars we have running the streets are almost stock 350's & 351's in this town with only some timing and exhaust work done. There is only 1 guy whom has put a lot of money behind his ride and thats a friend of mine who owns a CRX. He is currently in the process of dropping a turbo on it.

So would it be more worth my time to rebuild my 305 and change out many of the parts on it? (ex; cam, install headers, dual instead of Y, etc) or keep driving with my 305 for the time while I build a 350 from ground up (which will include me putting headers on)? I am keeping the TBI setup as I like it thats why I thought I'd ask you all. The nearest track to me is about 100 miles away, so a lot of what I do is street racing with a yearly trip to the track for a weekend.

I live in Nebraska FYI.

t/adreams

iTrader: (1)

Sounds kinda like me. I've entertained the idea of a small build like you're talking about, especially since I've gotten accustomed to the bit of power it has. The way I figure it is I want it to run well, be able to have some fun with it, and romp on it occasionally, I plan on leaving it at the mild build it is.

Buuut, since this isn't about my plans, you'd probably be be very well suited to a decent cam, some new heads (swirls suck), ignition, and I/H/E. If you have the 2.73's that I do, definitely consider something better out back for a beneficial "kick in the pants."

BMmonteSS

Welcome to the boards, you've come to the right place for the best TBI tech on the net.

Couple quick pointers:

First use the search function as every question you can come up with right now has been answered before.

Second, don't bother rebuilding the 305 as it's cheaper to get a 350 block and build it.

Third, due to the speed density design of the TBI system anything you do to increase power will cause problems with the ECM. Luckily we posses the power to completely retune the ECM using FREE software and cheap burning hardware. With complete control of the ECM you can make around 275 hp on the stock TB and well over 400 hp on a big block TB. Once you have added a complete exhaust, tuning will be mandatory. Don't bother with the mail order chips they are useless.

My suggestion is to swap the clutch, add some decent rear gears (3.42/3.73) then move on to bolt on's that will fit on your 305 but work well on a 350 (exhaust, intake, tuning software). Then you'll be all set for the 350 swap.

Dual TBI

In my opinion, if you have enough motor for a new motor, put in a 350. A stock 350 motor has a significant performance advantage over the 305. You can also improve the performance of the 350 for less money than the 305 and get a greater improvement.

If you have the additional money, it's a no brainer!

Dual TBI

In my opinion, if you have enough money for a new motor, put in a 350. A stock 350 motor has a significant performance advantage over the 305. You can also improve the performance of the 350 for less money than the 305 and get a greater improvement.

If you have the additional money, it's a no brainer!

Camaro Spectre

I have no doubt that a 350 has great significant advantages over the 305. I had just thought of asking the question for some oppinions as if/when I do a 350 swap I want to do it right to get the most out of it, and not the half-hearted job my friend did on his.

I've loved my 305 and still do but Its got its share of mileage on it (the previous and only other owner other then me drove it for about 148,000 miles & heavily abused it. I've put about $1,000 in parts and time under it myself getting it running in top shape again but not changing or rebuilding it & its total mileage is 158,458 on the body & engine).

So I'm glad for the input so far guys.

How much do you think it will cost to build my 305 up to a pretty decent engine?

How much is a crate GM 350? Not one thats instantly runnable the minute its out of the crate but just the block? As if I do a 350 I am going from ground up and going to put lots of time into it.

hmm92

Yes a 350 would be nice, but what about the electrical, computer etc ? same questions here, but decided on a replacement LO3. but what headers, manifold,etc do i use, just ordered the motor from chevy today.

91 camaro racer

iTrader: (2)

yeah when i swapped to a 350 i loved it. full throttle in my 305 is barely half in my 350!! by the way, where in nebraska do you live? i live in omaha.

Camaro Spectre

I'm a North Platte guy