Hi,

I have a 1986 IROC-Z, with a 305 QJ, and a 4 speed AT transy. Both of those items have a lot of problems, and I want to replace them with better ones :-)

I am just an amatuer at this, but I want to do it right. I'm taking the car off the road until I have the $$ to complete the swaps. I'm hoping $6k will be enough. Is this a reasonable expectation, or am I just insane?

What I am asking for really is suggestions and advice. What type of engine would I benefit from most (HP and MPG)? What is reasonable for my budget?

What type of transy would have to go with it? I'd like to have a top speed between 130 and 140, but I still want to maximize acceleration.

As a sidenote, my transmission either has to be an AT, or a MT with a hand clutch (I don't know how to rig that up, but someone might). My right leg is artificial, and its illegal for me to drive a regular stick.... An MT is preferable, but not if its going to cost more than $2k.

Any suggestions/comments/advice would be GREATLY appreciated!

 

Given your situation, I'd stick with the automatic trans.
The 700R4 can be built to handle a reasonable amount of power, and while it's not cheap, neither is a good manual trans that will handle 400 ft/lbs of torque.
Pro-Built transmissions can hook you up with a great trans.
As far as the motor goes, usually it's a lot less expensive to go with a carb, but if you need to pass smog, you'll have to retain that nightmare electronic Quadrajet.
Switching to TBI or TPI injection's gonna require a new computer and wire harness. If you can find a TPI donor car with all the wiring, computer, and intake setup, it's not too difficult of a swap.
Then all you'd need is a long block with a TPI compatible camshaft (and a custom chip if the cam's not stock).
I bought my crate motor from goautocenter.com.
http://www.goautocenter.com/
They have several options available and a 300 HP 350 crate.
Also Scoggin-Dickey has a great selection of crate motors with lots of options. Both companies use new gm parts with warrantees.
http://www.sdpc2000.com/default.htm
I'm using the 300 HP 350 from Autocenter with TBI and a custom chip. It passes smog in CA as a 305 and smokes Mustang Cobras.
It gets about 16 mpg (mixed city/freeway) and makes gobs of torque. Actually the T5 trans I have is going away because of the torque (accelerated by some abuse).
If you don't need to pass smog, your options are far greater, and you can make quite a bit more power with less money.
If this is the case, just buy the 330 HP gm crate and put a carb on it.
Keep in mind, you'll need a good exhaust system to make decent power. It's easy to spend $1000 + just on this.
-Rich-

 

Thanks a lot for the info! I'm checking it out now :-)

Reading these boards, I realized there are so many options, and everyone has an opinion on what is best. I really appreciate your input!