Hi,

This is my first post here.

I have never owned a "muscle/sports" car before, I have always driven trucks. However, I have always really like classic cars. After driving my friends stock 1987 carbed 305 Firebird. I want a 3rd generation Firebird.

I have always liked the Chevy 350 (who doesn't) when I do get a Firebird, I want to make the swap. I have been doing some reading, and realized it will be much easier to start with a 305 rather than a V6. The only thing I don't like is the problem with the chip. I don't like them to begin with. Is there anyway to get rid of that stuff and just run a straight carbed engine?

P.S
Sorry for the long post.

 

There are ways. Whether it is possible depends upon the emissions testing in your area.

Personally, I don't think it's wise. You're throwing out a perfectly good system for a lesser one.

 

Thanks for the help.

When did Chevy/Pontiac start making F-body cars with the chips?

 

1981 (in the US, later elsewhere like Canada and overseas) which was the last year of the 2nd gen f-body. That's even before the third gen F-body existed. Of course, that was a computer controlled CARBURETOR setup which is very easy to take off the compter and go back to older mechanical-only systems. The computer controlled carbureted engines continued to be used in the f-body right up through 1986, depending on which engine option you ordered. Of course, there were fuel injected engine options as well on the third gen. SO it really depends on exactly which engine option you're talking about whether it's carbureted or true EFI up through 1986. 1987-up all engine were fuel injected, whether TBI (throttle body injection on low performance engines) or TPI (tuned port injection on higher performance engines). Regardless, ALL 3rd gens had some sort of ECM and chip running things whether carbureted, TBI or TPI.

Ditching the computer is easiest on a computer controlled carbureted engine, next easiest would be a TBI engine and then last would be TPI.

 

Damon,

Thanks for all the info!

What will I need to get/do to make the non computer setup run well? Right now the only thing I know I want is about 300-350 hp, and at least 3.73 gears.

 

If you want to ditch the computer from an engine currently equipped with a computer controlled QJet and computer controlled distributor it's very easy. Yank the computer controlled pieces and drop in non-computer controlled versions of the QJet (like used on zillions of cars in the 1970s, also available from the aftermarket in performance versions) and a non-computer controlled HEI distributor (same basic recommendations apply as on the QJet).

This will not gain you much HP (in any) but you can then tune the whole combo just like in the old days- jets, rods, springs, weights, etc.

 

With and after market carb, is there any type I need? Also, if I run a carbed non CC engine, will I have any problems with the check engine light or any other electric problems?