t0astm0nkey

I just bought a 1984 Trans am, It has an automatic transmission, but came with no engine installed, the guy i got it from gave me a 305 from a '92 caprice, its Throttle Body Injected... I want to know your ideas as to what to do to get the most out of the engine... i want to get atleast 270 H.P, but would like to get 300+ from it. I am going to get it Bored (probably .060 over), will get a 5 angle or full radius valve job, get the heads ported and polished, and need a new cam. I wanted to get your suggestions on what cam to get and on anything else i should do...
and NO, I AM NOT GOING TO GET A 350, i dont have that much money, and i know a guy that will do the machining real cheap

Thanks

doc221978

Although a 350 would be a lot cheaper for that power, it's your choice to keep the 305.

For a 305: TFS heads worked over 305 vortec heads (don't remember the casting number), GMPP or Edelbrock intake, 650 cfm carb (the q-jet should suffice), 2,800 - 3,000 stall convertor, and a stiff cam (maybe 228 to 236 duration at .050).

For a 350: Used vortec from a junk yard, with the same intake and carb as above.

Both will need a better exhaust system..... it is restrictive for a stock 305 even. 300 hp out of a 305 has been done many times before, but it does cost more to do. I think it's a very good engine, and I think there are plenty of people on here that could give you a better cam selection then me. I just figured I would let you know the good and bad sides. Good luck.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Welcome aboard thirdgen.org.

Some reality is in order here:

It will cost more to try to get that out of that 305 than it would to buy and modify a 350. And, the 350 would be a better street engine with either level of power.

You don't bore an engine to make it bigger, you bore it to clean up the cylinder walls so the rings will seal properly. .060" is the max the typical factory block can take, so you just settled that engine's fate to its last rebuild. 0.030" over is typically plenty to clean up the cylinder walls.

A waste of time and money on those heads. Sorry.

Need to decide on induction and heads first.

The car originally came with a computer controlled carb. A carb and a 350 would make it a lot easier to reach those power goals.

Atilla the Fun

, you're misled. Machining, pistons, rings, bearings and gaskets to do this 305 would far exceed the cost of a good used 350 long-block. That's a short block plus heads.
Plus the heads you have on your 305 are the no-flowing swirl-port heads, they do not respond to porting, and they will not get you to 275 HP.
To get a good used 350 longblock to 275 horses is like falling off a log. Just add Edelbrock Performer cam and intake, and you need headers and a 3" cat-back.

t0astm0nkey

I found an LT1 that i was thinking of buying, would you suggest that instead?

Gary Berg

yes its a way better platform to work on especialy if you want 300 plus out of it.

t0astm0nkey

i have the original transmission that came in the car, do you know if it will work with the lt1 or will i need to get the 4l60?

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Depends upon the LT1. The '93 is basically a bolt-up, later LT1's went to the electronic control 4 speed overdrive.

The LT1 transmission is a stronger, better one, though. If the LT1 is coming out of an f-body, try to get the 4L60E transmission as well.

And, although the swap is more involved, you're already up to your desired power level with just a stock LT1.

t0astm0nkey

its coming from a 94 f-body, it is also coming with the manual transmission (T5?)

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

That would be a T56, six-speed overdrive.

The '94 throttle body won't have the provision for the transmission throttle valve cable.

Unless you're set on auto, the LT1/T56 combo is a pretty good one.

KrisW

iTrader: (5)

I think in 94, that would be a T56 6 speed if it was factory; the V6 cars got the T5.

Does that engine run? Does it come with the ECM and the wiring harness? The reason I am asking is it seems like an expense far above your original budget. I'm not putting down the swap; I think it is a great idea, it will just cost much more money than slapping a used running 350 in your car.

Good luck and keep us posted on your swap.

t0astm0nkey

your right.. it is the t-56, for the engine (120k miles) the tranny, ecm(and im assuming harness) he is asking $500

Jtufts

thats very cheap i would jump on that lt1's go for 1-2k around here , ******

Atilla the Fun

grab that deal, NOW1 No matter what you hafta do to get it.