After much consideration, consultation, and constipation, I' ve decided to boot the CFI 305 in my '83 Z and replace it with a Carb'd 350. Now. I know that I'll need a Fuel Pressure regulator, already have one. What I need to know is, what else can I trash as far as the computer system? How will the change affect the instrument panel? I know I'll need a trans converter switch. ANY information will be helpful, as I've never done a injection to carb swap before. Thanks in advance oh great gurus of F-body. I know this is a pretty lame post, but I really need to know where to begin. Thanks.....:hail:

 

Heeeyyyy buddy. It seems that you and I are in the same boat. I too have an 83Z with the POS cease-fire injection system. The instrument panel will work fine, you MAY get a check engine light..but you may not. Either way you can just unscrew it. Your torque converter will not lock up at highway speeds. This will mean a 1-2 mpg hit on the highway, and possible increased tranny temps. Some blame this for fragged trannys, but im not so sure (abuse, anyone?). It's relatively easy to wire a switch to lock up the converter anyway, but you dont really need it. You will need braided fuel line...i bought 6 feet and think it will be allright. You will need fittings and clamps, electrical tape and dielectric grease. Oh yeah, and a new engine, unless you wanna keep the 305. Youre gonna need a carb, an intake, headers, an air cleaner, a new distributor thats non computer controlled. What kind of fuel pressure regulator do you have? How new is your in tank pump? How wild is this motor you are planning? You can trash pretty much all of your computer system as far as i know. Im getting the pickup welded to my motor, and hopefully will be putting it in this weekend. I will take plenty of pictures and can see if i can make a step by step dealie for ya. What all do you have and how much are you ready to spend, those are the main questions.
Matt

 

I'm in the process of building a 350 for the swap. Nothing really outrageous. What I'm planning is an edelbrock 600cfm egr carb, the edelbrock performer egr intake, the performer cam kit, shortie headers, borla exhaust, msd ignition, roller rockers, windage tray & pan baffle, trans/oil cooler, etc. Mild upgrades. I do still want to be able to drive the car, but I want it to wake up when I do call on some reserve power. The fuel pump in the car has been there for *** only knows how long, so I'm planning to replace it anyway. Taking this thing one step at a time. My plan is to have the 350 complete before I even think about pulling the 305 (need an anchor for my fishing boat....will probably use it). The engine/trans upgrades are the first step, then suspension pieces, then paint/body, then interior. Would love to see some photos of your car. I bought mine a little over a year ago on Ebay for $900.00, thoroughly trashed with the intention of rebuilding it. Just haven't had the time until now. White/silver stripes/blue interior/t-tops/functional hood flaps.......with really cheesy 14 inch cragar ss mags(I've already got a set of the original 15x7 aluminum five spokes, but why put them on it now?) Anyway, thanks for the reply and keep in touch, I'd really like to know what problems you have.

 

Why are you bothering with EGR parts? You're so far out of emissions-legal, that little piece won't make any difference.

I didn't see "distributor" on your list, unless you are including it in "MSD ignition". Your stock part won't work with non-CC setup.

You paid $900 for a 20-year-old, "thoroughly trashed" car? Ouch.

 

Well i paid more for something a bit less trashed. We all make mistakes (and i cant claim i was drunk this time either...dammit). The main (only) plus about this car is the hood scoops. I'd be happy to keep you posted tho. Just picked up the pickup and some other parts im gonna need. Gettin all the parts you need in the mail is like christmas all over again - i think im gonna put one of Jeg's relations thru college one of these days.
matt

 

as far as electrical system all u need is a few things for the motor.
depending on what you have (electric choke and a few sensors) other than that you can toss it all exept everything like lights and what not. I dont think you do not need a fuel pressure regulator thats what the jets are for. you can use an electric fuel pump but usually its for high horse carb cars you can use a mechanical pump which is the usual. with a good exhaust the car will sound alot better and it is cheaper to modify.

 

Yep....$900 bucks. But, it was one of those deals where the description was better than the car, but not much. The car will start....sometimes. Other times it floods itself out and won't. When it does it idles very poorly, but if you give it some gas it levels out. Valve cover gaskets are leaking like the titanic so it smokes from under the hood. Haven't been able to drive it because the brake proportioning block was gone when I got it and I've gotten three from the junkyard and none of them were the right part, so no brakes. The horn is on a toggle switch under the dash, as are the windshield wipers (who knows). Thankfully I did not buy it to drive so I can take my time with it. As for the distributor, I'm going to buy a 'new rebuilt' one. I'm confused about the fuel pump though. From some of the stuff I've read on here I thought you had to use a regulator....no?

 

Regulator....yes.