marinevet1977

i just got a 85 Z28 305 carbed. when i hit the gas it does not have the power, car does not die or stall, its just slow. what should i check for loss of power?

Quick_Trans_Am

iTrader: (2)

Start with the basics. How are the spark plugs? Where's the timing set? Fuel filter ok? Give it a tune up and make sure those things are in good functioning condition before digging deeper.

campin1983

iTrader: (4)

Well how much power do you think you are supposed to get from the car? Aside from some of the late model TPI 305's, most of the 305's were emissions choked dogs that didn't perform well at all. Do you think that it simply doesn't have enough power for a V8, or are you actually struggling to get it up to speed?

marinevet1977

i had a 87 irocz i know the tpi has more power but my dad has a 85 el camino with a 305 same engine and a 4bbl and it seem like it has more power then the 85 Z28.

campin1983

iTrader: (4)

Well according to the history stats on the car, this thing came with 155 hp. I'm not sure about the El Camino's, but I do know that the F-body's 305's were often pretty badly hamstrung by emissions and stuff.

My 180 hp L03 is slower than my Mitsubishi Lancer by a decent amount. So if that gives you much of an idea of where its at...

Also, how many miles does the motor have on it, what is the general condition of the car? If its even slower than it should be, it could be anything from needing an oil change to a motor going south. Does it hesitate or does the tranny slip? Does it do anything unusual?

marinevet1977

the car has about 136000 miles on it, the motor sounds good, i think it might be the carb because the guy that rebuilt it (as he says he did) the butter flies doesnt seem to be opening, it does have the a stock exguast system and the tranny was rebuilt and its not slipping, i do plan on dropping a 350 in it, sence i dont have to do to many mods, the 700r is a good trany but i want to goto a five speed. got pic of car on my profile

campin1983

iTrader: (4)

I'm not a carb expert by any means, but between the milage, the misfunctioning carb and the fact that its a 305, I wouldnt expect much out of it.

But you are absolutely right. If the body is good, it sounds like a prime candidate for a 350 swap. Tons of people on this board do it, and most will tell you its not worth even bothering with modifying that 305. There are some excellent guidelines on how to do the swap, and looking through our engine swap forums should give you a plethora of info on how to do it. If I keep my firebird long enough, I'll be doing the same

marinevet1977

ok thank you for the info