Im currently running a 305 4bbl in my 82 trans am. Im saving up for a new engine but im getting mixed messages about whether to stick with the carborater or switch to fuel injection. Can anyone explain the benifits of having one compared to the other?

 

Your decision has to include input such as emissions testing/inspection yes or no, and intended use.

There isn't any reason your current system couldn't be used on a 350 and remain emissions compliant. It will run fine and probably make more power than a fuel injection system would, if all of the supporting equipment is properly chosen and installed.

Fuel injection typically yields better gas mileage. It can also be easier to start in winter, and have better driving manners. However, the cost to install such a system will require many miles to pay back the cost of the changeover with improved fuel economy (although that point will come quicker with today's fuel prices).

 

Im just looking for street legal power. Would I need a new transmission if I switch to the 350 carb due to the horsepower increase. I belive I have a munzer (sp?) tranny right now.

 

if you have a 4-speed, (you lucky sumbitch) you have a borg-warner super T-10. if not, it's a th200c. (assuming it's stock, of course.) and you could definitely use it with a 350.

 

i do have a 4-speed. Is that unusual for my car?

 

Not unusual, but probably not as common as an auto.

BUT - theres a catch... if you have the Super T10 setup, then you have a pretty stout transmission, and it should handle a pretty decent 350 just fine.... but the vast majority of the 4-speed cars (2/3 to 3/4 of them) did NOT get the ST10, but the Saginaw 4-speed. Its much inferior to the ST10, and won't last as long behind a stout 350 if you are mean to it.

The best way to tell the difference is to get under your car and clean off a small spot on the trans casing (not the side cover).... if the trans case is IRON then you have a SAGINAW. If the case is ALUMINUM then you have the ST10.

 

not unusual, just uncommon.the th200c is junk, get rid of it.. but if you have a 4 speed, i'd keep it. especially if it's a T-10. if it's not, drive til it breaks, and then put a stout 4 speed or 5 speed in it.

 

This comment about the 200c is wroung. I have the 200c in my 82 Firebird along with a 350TPI motor. The 350TPI install was done back in 98 with all new parts. The 200c was rebuild the last time in 1992. The 200c now has more then 120,000 miles on it. If the 200c is build right, it will last and last. The biggest problem is finding someone that can rebuild it correctly.

The 200c is not trash.

As for doing a TPI conversion to an 82, yes it vary doable. And can be very dependable. The trick is to plan, plan, plan!. The conversion is not cheap, but for everday driving its more desirable then a carb.

Here we go again another carb vs TPI thread.

 

I'm not getting in another "mine's bigger" discussion about the merits of TPI vs. Carb. that's not the question at hand. I'll agree that any transmission can be built, especially when a competent builder gets his hands on it. but for the money, why build a 200C when you can get a 700r4 to handle more power, it has OD, and is overall a better engineered transmission? but beyond my personal feelings, he has a 4-speed anyway. (lucky schmuck). I still think he should drive it til it breaks, even with a 350 with his induction of choice, and then replace the broken one with either a beefed version, a newer 5-speed, or an already beefier 4-speed (like a muncie or a richmond 4 + 1).

 

I have a lifetime warrenty on the 200c. If it every goes bad the next rebuild is on them. I think I wait until it goes bad, if it every does. I don't think you really got the point, the 200c if build correctly will handle the power. The 200c also has a better first gear ratio then any of the th350s, or th400.

A 700r4 swap due to it overdrive would also required required a rear gear change. I would also had to have another drive shaft, transmission cross member, and touque arm. When you add up all of that stuff, its much cheaper to keep the 200c.

 

Am I mistaken,or isn't the 200c just a light duty version of the 350?I was thinking the cases looked identical,but the differed internally.Just curious,not going to comment because wherever there's a car guy,there's an opinion of the "best" tranny.

As far as induction,IMO,I'd go TPI or another form of EFI.Yes,it's pricey,but sit down and figure up a good carb and intake deal,and so is that.I've got damn near $1000 tied up in my carb and intake.Not saying TPI makes more power,just that it's hard to beat the response and reliability of EFI,even if it costs a little HP.

 

Unfortunetly if you have a problem with EFI it tends to be more expensive/complicated to fix and sometimes harder to dignose compared to a carb. Its electronics vs mechanical.