Tech / General EngineIs your car making a strange sound or won't start? Thinking of adding power with a new combination? Need other technical information or engine specific advice? Don't see another board for your problem? Post it here!
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hey guys. I was wondering what is the best rebuild kit I can buy for less than $400 and still pass California smog. I have an 87 firebird that I have just switched to tpi. 081 heads. I need to have enough power to beat my brothers 94 mustang
We are going to need much more information if we are to give your any intelligent answers to your question.
First off why do you need a rebuild kit (rings shot? bearings spun? just an old engine?)
Second, when you say "rebuild kit" this is what comes to mind. http://store.summitracing.com/partde...0&autoview=sku
However as these are stock rebuild kits designed to return your engine to stock specs i wouldnt expect any gains over stock. You could easily install a new cam, heads, intake, tune at the same time and find some more power.
Did you put in the TPI exhaust when you did the conversion? If not, start there. Like Hooker 2055HKR headers, Catco 9118 cat, and whatever '86-'90 TPI single cat cat-back you like.
Beating a '94 'Stang with a California emissions-legal 305 TPI ain't going to be easy. Or cheap. If $400 is your total budget, you're done before you start.
Forget about a "master kit". I'd also say forget about rebuilding the 305. A 350 TPI was available in '87, build that instead. Put in an emissions-legal computer-compatible cam from one of the majors while you're at it - those "master kit" cams are no different than factory. And, unless you're getting a better cam, there is no need to replace it.
i'm with five7kid on this one, if $400 is your budget modifying a 305 to come anywhere near close to a ford 302 windsor will easily exceed that budget. However if you can find a donor car with a strong 350TPI all you have to do is swap the motors and computers. voila more than enough torque to stomp on mustangs
I will put a 350 in later. Its not for ever. I just need to get this engine running and back in my car. so if any one knows where I can get a good rebuild kit I would appreciate it.
The rebuild kit i posted above is one of the cheapest i've seen. Just keep in mind you may need to have the block bored (depending on how much damage the last 250 000 Kms did) and honed for new rings. I would take the block on down to your local machine shop, have them measure the bores THEN buy the appropriately oversize rebuild kit. As far as the cam goes, 87 must mean you have a flat tappet block? if so check out the summit branded cam/lifter kits, it doesnt get any cheaper than that!
