Hi im Josh Yeager i just got a 85 trans am this weekend from my dads friend that let it sit for a year and it wants to start but aint quite there yet. according to the friend it has a nocking sound in the engine and if you let go of the throttle while driving it, it will just die off. when i try to start it with year old gasoline in it, it idles sometimes up to 5 seconds then dies or wont even budge if you hit the gas. the diagnostics code is coming up as 33 but we dont have the users manual. this is my first car ever and i would like it to be a project as well with my father so if anyone has any information regarding this, your reply will be greatly apreciated. and also if i financed for a new 350 to put in it would i still be able to use the tpi (tune port injection) on the 350 or no??

 

Welcome to TGO.

Go to this link / site, it'll help you with diagnosis of trouble codes plus a lot more; http://www.chevythunder.com

Also, are we to assume it's a 305 in the car now? The TPI you have will work on a new 350. You'll need new injectors as part of that plan plus a new tune for the chip. Check out the link above, it'll give you a lot of useful information.

Good luck

 

ya im like 90% sure its 305

 

If it's the original engine it's a 305. 350's weren't available until 1987.

 

so its a 5.0 liter does that necessarily mean its a five speed or no

and if i was to finance a 350 to put in it would that be wise and would i still be able to use the tpi?

 

An '85 305 TPI car would definitely be an automatic. Yes, you can go ahead and use the TPI on a 350 as long as you get a 350 with pre-'87 heads. You can use it on '87 and later engine but you'll have to modify the intake to fit the later heads.

 

5.0 liter is the engine size. It has nothing to do with the transmission.

 

ok do you guys know where i could look up code thirty-three on the diagnostic check in the car?
cause it flashes 1,2.. 3,3.. 1,2.. 3,3..
and my dad and i think its something to do with the fuel lines, or someplace to due with fuel like the pump, or a busted line, or somethin,. I just know when i turn the key it roles over and wants to start but will idle for about 5 seconds till it dies or if i press the gas It wont idle at all it wont even get to the very moment of starting.

keep in mind it is year old fuel in it

CAN ANYONE HELP GIVE ME VERY USEFULL FEEDBACK
NOT TO SAY THE PEOPLE WHO ALREADY HAVE HASENT HELPED I JUST NEED MORE INFO

 

Josh here on TGO there are other places where a engine/tech question should be posted. Have you done a search for "trouble codes" here? If nothing else it will lead you to a more appropriate board for your question.

Good luck with your problem. And if you have a body question come on back and post it here.

 

Josh I don't know if you posted this question anywhere else yet but I was wondering if when you first turn on the key do you hear the in-tank fuelpump come on and pump up for a few seconds? If not it could be the relay mounted up near the brake booster or the fuel pump thats in the tank. A search here on TGO should get you some good info on how to test it.
And there is an inline fuel filter under the car about even with the back of the drivers door. Changing the filter and putting in some fresh gas mite not hurt.
Good luck.