i have an 86 IROC with a weak 305. i want to got to a carb setup. what will i need to do? will the tranny still work? what about the speedo? any help would be appreciated.

 

actually, you probably will get more HP from the fuel injection. as far as switching to a carb goes... it depends on if you want emissions equipment or not. if so... try a carb off of an earlier model trans am or IROC cause you'll need the computer and the rest of the electronics.

A definate requirement is a new manifold. The tranny should still work (especially if it's a manual), same with the speedo (unless you are going to change the differential).

If you are really looking for more power, try an engine swap. That's what I'm going to do to my 84TA. That is, if you have the money.

 

Ok...here we go!! My friend has already done this swap and I'm getting ready to do it myself!! Thankfully you CAN get rid of the computer all together!! You already know the basics that you'll need....intake, carb, etc.!! I'll list here the little stuff that you must have when doing the swap!! First things first....you need a non-computerized distributor....vacuum advance HEI is what I recommend!! You need a mechanical fuel pump and some fuel line!! You also need a mechanical oil pressure guage because you have to unhook the electric oil pressure switch because your intank fuel pump runs off the oil pressure switch (also disconnect the fuel pump relay)! You'll need some vacuum line, a carb fuel filter (leave the inline back by the tank there too....the intank pump can be left as well or taken out, your choice)! You'll need a throttle cable because the TPI throttle cable will not work (the only place to get one is at a salvage yard of an earlier carbed firebird or you can get one directly from GM for about $30)!! You'll also need a throttle bracket, return spring and bracket, and a drop base air cleaner of some sort!! That's about the basics!! The tranny and speedo will be fine...no swap needed!!

And oh the joy of having a carb over TPI!! Unlimited possibilities on what cam you can use!! Sure, you can use about any cam with TPI too....with a custom chip (what a pain)!! How 'bout this fact too......no injectors to go out, no fuel pressure regulator to go out, no EGR to mess up (unless you're staying Emission legal), no TPS to go out, no IAC to go out, no Mass Air Flow or MAP sensor to go out, no more electric fuel pump to jack with in the tank, no more computer to go out on you!! And you can get just as much HP out of a carb with LESS money!! All the money you'll save you can use to buy a better set of heads...or build a bigger engine!! The possibilites are endless!!

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1986 Trans AM
305 TPI
200,000+ miles (speedo/odometer non-funtional! Odometer reads 142,000)
4 Wheel Discs
9 bolt Borg Warner Rear
Completely Stock
Soon to upgrade to a 350 converted from TPI to Carb, Edlebrock Carb, Edlebrock Performer RPM Intake, Headman Shorty Headers, Vortech Heads (possibly ported), comp Xtreme Energy cam, proform HEI distributor kit w/MSD 6-AL Ignition box!!
Current project: Keeping my car running until I get the money for the above mentioned project! :-)