I have a 1983 Firebird that came with the L4 4 cyl. engine (got it really cheap and body was good). What i wanted to know is, i am building a 305 for her and was wondering if there are any tricks or tweeks that I will need to do to get this to work. I already replaced the coil springs and shocks/struts and will be replacing the other front suspention with a kit from PST. I am building the engine from block up to have a good combo of fuel encon and power, I was locked into the 305 per emmision laws in my state (Oregon). The engine will be a stright forward 4 bbl carb set up with out any computer control ( unless I have to do something with the computer), shorty headers, ect. I know basics like new engine mounts will be needed and I will be replacing the shreded T5 with a TH350 or a 700R4. I dont expect any problems but if any of you all know of something (like computer set up, Does this year even have a computer?) I will take all that you can give me.

Thanks y'all
Kevin P
Hillsboro, Oregon
kjprince@comcast.net

83 Firebird
01 Grand Am
65 C10

 

You've covered most of it, but it's basically the same as a V6 to V8 swap. See https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...threadid=229665 .

I think you are a little off-track with regard to emissions requirements. You aren't limited to a 305, but you are required by federal law to have computer controlled induction and ignition systems. Whether that is enforced by inspection and/or testing in Oregon, I don't know - you'll have to determine that yourself (might try looking at the appropriate regional forum).

The federal requirements say you must have the emissions controls supplied by the factory for the chassis or engine, whichever is of the later model, or certified aftermarket replacement equipment. Most likely they won't split hairs over what year your 305 is, but you could put a '92 TPI 350 in your '83 chassis, for instance, and be completely legal. Whatever you put in just has to have been certified as the same type of vehicle (passenger car, in this case).

A lot of us do the "stealth" thing - it looks like what the factory put in, it sniffs as good as what the factory put in, but it isn't really what the factory put in. However, a non-computer-controlled system most likely won't pass a visual inspection as conducted in the typical tree-hugger friendly states.

 

thanks for the info......do you know of some good anftermarket shops online that would sell those computer controlers and what i do to hook it up. I have never done this type for conv befor ( only worked on 60's and befor cars and truck that dont have any kind of computer controls to it) so im kinda the blind leading the blind on this one lol. Also the info on my limitations for the engine i got from Oregon's DEQ dept themselves. they said this kind of restriction is for '78 and newer vehicals same with altering the exhast from stock set up (ie going from single to dual pipes). Oh when i clicked on the link you put up there it was dead, though it might be this computer ( im at my work rignt now =).

thanks again.....keep the info comming if anyone has anything thing else to put there 2 cents in on this.

 

Hmm, not sure what happened to the link. Let's try again https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=229665 .

It's the "V6 to V8" Important/Useful Information sticky at the top of this forum.

The best way to get all of the controls etc. is via a factory V8 donor car. Having it side-by-side with your car as you do the job is the easiest way.

 

hmmmm have another dead car in the drive way.......i think my wife would kill me then track you down just for suggesting it to me lol. So what would happen if i just didnt hook up the computer at all and just made it LOOK pretty for the DEQ people (if i could)? Just wondering are you the moderator for this board? Just wondering

 

I live in Tigard, and got my Camaro through the DEQ after about the 3rd time in. Each and every time they never opened the hood, they didnt even know if there was a 2nd exhaust pipe or not.

Go ahead and do whatever you want to your car, basically as long as you still have catalytic converters and your SMOG Pump and AIR pump, as well as EGR valve you'll still be able to pass emissions with flying colors.

BTW, why a 305 instead of a 350? I'm currently building a 350 to replace the spun bearings 305 in the Camaro right now. Granted my parents are all too happy about having 3 engines in the garage right now, along with my Camaro that's been sitting there since the end of summer lol.

Oh, and I get tested at the Sherwood DMV since it's closest to me if that helps you any with where you need to test.

 

I hear that. I'm only 18, but my parents already hate that I have two cars at the house.

With regards to emissions, well Five7 pretty much already covered it all. Seriously tr for a 350.

And last but not least, emissions laws are why I love living in Canada where there aren't any.