mucker15

I have a 305 1987 Trans am 74k original miles. I just installed new Platinum Plus Bosch Spark Plugs plus KN oil Filter and a switch to synthetic Mobil One. Tomorrow I am adding a KN air filter all ideas I got from Third Gen, thanks alot so far the car is more responsive, oh plus I bumped the idle up a bit. So after all that I need some advice: Are underdrive pulleys worthwhile? will they cause my car to stall? Is just a flowmaster muffler and high flow cat going to make a big enough difference alone or do I need to order a whole flowmaster system? Also Lower temp thermostat how low can I go with out effecting my cars heat? Can a comp chip mess up the way my car runs? Whats the best option for chips? Is a high performance throttle body ok to put on a stock motor is it worth it? Air foil? Any response or ideas will be greatly appreciated, I dont want to go nuts ripping anything apart the car is too nice and stock for that. Just want to ad a little horsepower on a budget.
Thanks
Mike
Mcals@aol.com

87350IROC

iTrader: (2)

mucker: There is more info on this site than can be put in one post. But a really good start would be headers, catalytic converter, and a catback exhaust. The headers are the best bang for the buck for horsepower on a stock car. A catback won't do much for power, but is worth it for the sound alone. Check out the exhaust forum for recommendations on brands, ect. Headers really woke up the top end of my car.

mucker15

thanks for the response

jamon8

iTrader: (3)

I feel like a thirdgen preacher

subframe what!!!!

oh yeah connectors

mucker15

Added the KN filter today there is definately a difference. got a 180 thermo too thats going next, Any one know if the MSD wires are worth the 85$ price or am I just as good with 8mm accel or mallory wires?

87transGTA

id just go with the 8mm accel wires i have those on my 350 tpi t/a and had the msd wires b4 but the price on the msd wires is pretty high to and i didnt notice a diffrence in either of the wires its just up to how much u want to spend

mucker15

Thanks, for the help. Im getting there the few changes I made are working great so far if I get a little more throttle response Ill be happy. any other suggestions are very welcome

wanab03ss

iTrader: (20)

with a 305tpi, dont bother on anything you wont be able to transfer to a 350, that said full exhaust or at least headers. Youre best bet and most noticable are going to be rearend gears, especially if youve got 2.73s, transgo shift kit and a new servo. If you feel comfortable with it porting and polishing the intake and heads are definetly a good mod. Airfoils are point less, the stock air filter housing will move as much cold air as that 305 can handle, that thermostat wont do alot considering your fans are programmed to come on at 225 deg.

87transGTA

definatly go with a knn filter and larger throttle body and air foil u will feel the better throttle response well i atleast did

wanab03ss

iTrader: (20)

the k&n will definetly help, maybe your throttle body was shot before you bought the new one or really dirty but the lower tpi intake wont out flow the stock 48mm throttle body so its impossible that a new 52mm would add anything over a perfect operating stock throttle body,,,especially on a stock 305.

mucker15

The KN did make a difference the car breaks the wheels lose from a stop now didnt do that before and its much more responsive and thats only with new Bosch Platinum Plugs Synthetic Oil and A kn Replacment filter, Thanks for the info on the throttle body for the money instead I think I am going to add Flowmaster 80 series mufflers and a high flow cat from flowtech. Any other suggestions for Mufflers or anything else is appreciated. Thanks for all the help so far!
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Good to know Accel or Mallory 8mm it is

Tonysz383

The TPI was made for a 305 so if you get a good 3" exhaust system (SLP cat back it's the best) with a set of 1 5/8 headers, it will make big a difference. Get a 180 deg thermostat and take the guts out of the bottom of the filter housing by cutting out, so you have unrestricted air flow to the filters. Don't waist your money on a larger TB, the 305 does not need more air than the stock TB flows. I you run 93 octane with the stock chip, set the initial timing 4 to 6 deg higher than stock and listen for detonation, also get an adjustale fuel pressure regulator and set it a 47 psi. The stock coils is no good, it was the same one the 4 cylinder cavaliers used, get an Accel super coil or an MSD coil, it will make you engine pull strong to the red line. Intall a set of 1.6 ratio rocker arms, you will get .030 more lift and about 3 more deg. of duration @ .050 lift. The base plate has the most restriction in the TPI manifold, so if you are going to replace anithing on you TPI intake do the base plate, after that it will be the runners. The plenum can use a clean up on the outer edges just after the TB holes, so with care smooth out this shap edges. Like I said before the stock TB is more than enogh for the 305. A set of 3.73 gears will be good thing to get your car off the line faster. If you have any othe questions just ask, I'll be glad to help.

Dale

iTrader: (12)

A larger throttle body only helps extend your RPM range. That said, how often do you take your motor above 4500RPM?

I didnt notice "alot" on the airfoil. But then I was having other problems at the time I put that in.

If you have a maf sensor car, take them K&N's back out before it gives you a headache.

Just adding a muffler wont do much but change the sound. Your gain is more by smoothing out the bends of the whole system.

As for chips. All the over the counter chips suck. Stick with your stock one, or learn how to program your own.

I'm not a fan of the Platnium plugs in cars that didnt come with them. But I would install a good brass cap, and possibly upgrade to the hypertech ignition coil.

Rear gears. Install the ones for your usual driving. If you do alot of hwy miles, you want the 2.73/3.08. If you do nothing but in town, you can go to 3.23/3.42 for the off-line help.

Other things that are overlooked. All the fluids, wheelbearings, ball joints, alignment, bushings, etc. While they dont add power to the car, if its all nasty and old, it steals the power you are making.

mucker15

Wow thanks alot Bro, In the next few weeks I am going to do the exhaust I hope if money allows, Will the wires make a performance difference ? and is it true that a 180 thermo wont make a difference becuase my computer is set to turn the fans on at 225. And when I do add the thermo are there any computer adjustments involved or is it basically install and go , thanks in advance

Dale

iTrader: (12)

Being your in the north. I would keep the stock temp t-stat. Now down here in the south is another story.

Good wires help get the full spark in the cylinder.

Tonysz383

Even in Chicago a 180 deg. thermostat will work fine. I used to live in Ohio and my car ran good over there. The factory 195 deg. is for emissions and fuel economy.

Tonysz383

Install an adjustable control switch on your left side fan and the 180 thermostat. That will take care of your high temps. You don't need a chip to control your fan. The right side fan is energyze by thermo switch on the right side head. You can get one from Jegs that will turn the right side fan on @ 200 deg. SLP makes the best 3" cat back and shorty headers for the F body. They will fit you car perfect, just bolt it on, plus they are made out of stainess steel. Also the SLP system sounds good. Before you spend money on wires, replace the weak *** factory coil. A good coil will make your enine pull harder at high RPM. Remember to move your initial timing from the stock 6 deg to 8 or 10 deg. BTDC. Also increase your fuel pressure to about 47 PSI. If you do all this your will be very happy with your car.

Steve89GTA

I know you just put them in but I would definitely remove the bosch plats...they caused some issues with my 89 TPI.

mucker15

I heard this before what did they do? also what is the conflict with the KN and the MAF So far the car is running great.

Dale

iTrader: (12)

I hear the bosch plats either miss-fire alot, or dont last long. Ive played around with different plugs at different times in whatever I was driving. Even down to experimental plugs that arnt even on the shelf(at that time). I just seem to get the best luck running what the car came with stock.


As for the maf. The k&n filter has oil on it, thats what grabs the dirt. The oil slowly flys off the filter, and sticks on the maf sensor wire. After time, it causes the maf to give false readings. Thus making your car run like crap. It happens even worse after you clean the filter and put more oil on it. Mine lasted less then 1000 miles before I was getting screwy maf readings. I cleaned my maf, and put in paper filters I had from my old v6 car.


Also, many years ago, a board member in the v6 section had access to air-flow testing equipment. He tested a basic paper vs K&n. Clean for clean, they flow similar. Dirty for dirty, the k&n flowed better. Who wants to run a dirty air filter? Im currently running paper filters I have had for over 3 years and they are just now starting show some color. If I cant afford 12 bux for paper filters every few years... do I need to be driving?

wanab03ss

iTrader: (20)

I like my k&n and have had no problems with it,, I think the big difference is the camaro dual filter intake thats a straight line into the maf then throttle body, as opposed to the trans am where the oil has to go stright up, around the lip of the filter box, straight up again,make a 90 deg turn and the go for a foot or so before it hits the maf.

mucker15

Thanks a lot for the info,, My TA has a stalling problem, it shows no codes at all and runs great but at idle it stalls sometimes. Im thinking its the distributor any ideas, if im right anyone have any experience with a mallory distributor ?
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Thanks im going to take my chances so far its running great (except for small stalling problem) I really appreciate the info, all you guys have been a big help to me.

Chevy86 IROC-Z

iTrader: (17)

1. TPI was made for 305's and 350's. The only thing that changed was the vacuum mipples on the passengerside rear, EGR gas ports, the grooves on top of the plenum moved further back.

2. 180* temp is usless when the stock temp setting for fan turn within the PROM is at 225*

3. detonation isnt always audiable

4. AFPR set to anything higher than OEM specs will severly shorten the life of the injectors because of the added force of the FI internal plunger to overcome the added pressure of the fuel.

5. Not called a base plate, its called the TPI intake manifold

6. "cleaning up" the plenums outer edges just after the TB holes? Not cleaning up. Rather shaving the EGR passage walls and shaving down the walls of the 2 intake ports on the plenum.

Tonysz383

1. The TPI was make for the flow volume of a 305, tha't's one of the reasons why the 350 runs out of steam @ 5000 rpm.

2. 180 deg thermostacs work great even with the stock chip, because when you are rolling down the road your fans don't need to run and your engine will run a lot cooler. TPIs keep a lot heat due to their designe, lots of metal.

3. I ran my car for years with the initial advance set @ 12 deg. and never had a priblem, the car ran alot better, it had beter throttle response.

4. I've run fuel pressure @ 50 psi on my IROC and my Turbo Integra for more than 10 years and have no problem with the injectors, come over my house and I'll show you. When you get pass 60 psi is when you may have a problem.

5. The TPI manifold is made of the components, the base plate, the runners, and the plennum. If you don't know what you are talking about don't said anything!

6. If you look at the plennum, inside just after the TB holes, there are two shape edges, they are not good for the air flowing in. Air flow does not like edges or sharp turns.

My car ran mid 13's without changing the heads on plain street tires. When I got a set of trick flow heads and intake, it ran 12.50 @ 112 mph 1.72 60 foot, on streets. That was without the ECU tune the right way. All the mods that I talked about work. I'm going with a turbo set up next.

wanab03ss

iTrader: (20)

Holy crap, this thread is back from the dead! What did you end up doing to the 305?

Tonysz383

Man, don't blame me for this, Chevy86IROC-Z was the one that did it last night. The dude tryed to talk trash about my advise, and he doesn't even know what the base plate is on a TPI manifold. LOL. Man your car looks good. I'm going Turbocharge with mine. I have two new T-4s, HKS intercooler and waste gates, Greddy Type R BOV, Alcohol injection, and lot more for it. Just need the money for a good block.

Chevy86 IROC-Z

iTrader: (17)

"2. 180 deg thermostacs work great even with the stock chip, because when you are rolling down the road your fans don't need to run and your engine will run a lot cooler. TPIs keep a lot heat due to their designe, lots of metal.
Wrong. The Camaro's ECM was programmed to turn on the fans at 225* for 1 sole purpose, to help the engine burn the fuel more thoroughly. What GM didnt realize is that at this higher temperature, there was the chance of having higher upper cylinder temperatures which would run a high risk of detonation. To fight back detonation, they featured the knock sensor to retard the spark advance. Besides, all 80's GM vehicles where made with,,,,, you guessed it, cast iron. Bottom line is all engines have a lot of iron, except aluminum engines."

"4. I've run fuel pressure @ 50 psi on my IROC and my Turbo Integra for more than 10 years and have no problem with the injectors, come over my house and I'll show you. When you get pass 60 psi is when you may have a problem. Still a bit high but GM suggests a lower pressure unless,, you have a aftermarket FI set which can handle more FP."

Tonysz383

Like I said before a running the engine hotter is only for fuel economy and emissions. A cooler running engine makes more power. Go to the track and ask anybody that goes there all the time, What thermostac are they runnig? All will say 180 or 160 deg. Oh, wait a minute you have never been to the track. LOL

TP specialty and SLP recomments turning the fuel pressure up to 50 psi. Oh, you don't know who they are, but you know more than they do about making a Camaro go FAST... LOL LOL

Dude, IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT, DON'T SAID ANYTHING.

Chevy86 IROC-Z

iTrader: (17)

I'm not your "Dude." Besides, go to the classifieds section and look at what I'm selling. I may not know aftermarket parts and performance parts but I do know what I'm talking about. You think I don't know anything. Example, the 160 temp thermostat is recommended for Hypertechs ThermoMaster MEMCAL, not PROM because they're product is a one time programable chip. If it had the clear little window on the chip, then UV light could easily erase the programming that is stored. Also Hypertech recommends that in order for the 160* thermostat and the MEMCAL to work properly, that the fan thermoswitch that goes into the passengerside head must be switched out with their temp switch. This thermomaster memcal, which I had, was just junk. It can easily be copied by extracting its bin file. To my findings, the only diffenerce I found is that the spark tables where slightly modified and the fan turn on was lowered to turn on at a lowered coolant temperature. But this doesn't work if the coolant sensor is bad because it may send a false reading to the ECM. Then again, if the temp coolant was bad, it would trigger a troublecode of 13 or 14. Ohh, and yes I've been to a few tracks ( Mexicali Mexico, Pamona California, and in Denver CO).

spade

iTrader: (3)

**UPDATE**


this car was sold and became down payment for a 5thgen..... he now runs ny5thgen.com

Tonysz383

Thanks God, maybe that will make Chevy IROC86 run his mouth about something else. LOL

Chevy86 IROC-Z

iTrader: (17)

No more comments? One more thing. If your gonna try to talk down on me, make sure you do it right. Your slang is a bit off. I believe you meant "thank god." Not "thanks god." See you around senior.

Tonysz383

Ok, this is my second language, I can't spell. BUT YOU STILL DON"T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT. LOL Bring your ugly Z to VA and I will show you 88 Tail lights. By the way just because you sell parts it does not mean that you know about TPI cars. LOL LOL

Chevy86 IROC-Z

iTrader: (17)

88 tail light? You make it sound like your tail lights are different than mine old man. Your the one with money. Bring your IROC over to So Cal. You sound like a big old man. Hahaha. Be a real man. Join the regular US ARMY you weekend warrior. What is your rank? Still an E-5 after serving 15 years of weekend duties as CQ at the barracks?