If I were to put a carburated engine and a manual transmission in a 1985-1988 camaro would i still need the computer for anything

 

depends on the engine. You need a non computer controlled distributor and its almost certain you wont pass emission anymore. mainly because it's "illegal" (for lack of a better word) to put an older engine in a newer car, I've done this and love it but I know if I had to pass emission it wouldn't.

Check your local emission shop and see how they pass a car, but most places will do a complete check

there's a lot more to it then just replacing the engine and tranny, the fuel system for starters

 

My state doesn't require emission checks, but I was planing on putting in a GM 350 fastburn turn key engine, and it has an HEI distributor which i assume is computer controlled, what would i have to do to get the computer to work with that engine?

 

most likely it is a not computer controlled distributor, so the easiest way to go would be to simply drop it in with and elderbrock carb for simple tuning and get ready to rip up the streets.

 

that's the best idea i've heard all week

 

im having the same problem, mine is an 87 350 tpi with a 700r4, i know about the t v cable, no problem, the engine is now a carbbed 305 h.o., built up, im goin for mechanical gauges, 2 wire dist. power and tach, accel coil on cap, not much to go on about, stock fuel pump, i dont know if that will mess with it, i think it comes on as soon as the key is turned, turning the engine over or not, but im running the carb 305 with the 700r4, i know the 4 pin connector, but thats reverse lights and somethign, i think the only thing im using is like the lights and that, do i need the computer, do i need the harness, or can i just cut things off, literraly, cut, like the fuel injector wires and that, or no, ill it mess it up, please help!!!!!

 

you need some way to lock the torque convertor in fourth under cruise conditions.

 

Summint and Jegs both sell kits to allow you to maintain the lockup function for your transmission. Other than that, you should be fine pulling the whole engine harness, but you will have to run new wires for the distributer. I would advise pulling the harness over cutting it if it is in decent shape, you can then sell the harness and computer to help fund your project.