I have a 92 Z28 305 5speed that needs paint, motor and misc other things. What I want to know is the motor problems. Should I rebuild the 305 in it and build it up a little and keep the T5 or should I go 350 and put in a 700r4. I want a pretty strong car with a good lopey idle. This is just a car to cruise in and take to the track every once in a while not a daily driver. If I went to automatic would I have to change the ecm to an auto? I have about 3500.00 for motor and about 1000.00 for tranny and the rest for paint. Let me know your thoughts. I don't think I want to go to a 6 speed it seems a little too much for me. If I go 305 could you guys with the know give me some insight on what parts are the best.

Thanks

Larry

 

A mild crate 350 engine pkg (shop around) suitable match to the tpi, a good clutch, an up graded exhaust system and a set of 3.42 or 3.73 gears. Probably burns most of $3500+. The other $1K will disappear while doing these changes.

 

Wadebryant is correct - be careful with your purchases because your budget is a little on the slim side for your plans.

It sounds like you want a car that sounds and looks good but doesn't have to be king of the street. A 'lopey' idle means something different to everybody. The '92 TPI is a speed density system and cannot handle many simple modifications before needing custom chip tuning. Also, TPI favors lower duration cams with smoother idle so don't expect a rumpy-thumpy engine. But an exhaust system can make it sound deep and throaty. Tubular headers will bring out more of the 'lopey' sound (cast iron manifolds are intended to dampen the exhaust pulses for lower noise). But be careful because even a mild cam swap and headers can require custom tuning with your TPI system. If you need that rumpy-thumpy idle then the least expensive option is to convert to a carburetor.

If you are in this just for your own fun and don't need to show everybody you're faster then the 305 is fine. You should be able to pull low 14s in the 1/4 mile without many changes. However, anything you do to a 305 will be more rewarding with a 350. That same 350 engine would likely be in the mid 13s. Either engine can deliver quick 0-60 mph street times. All you need is some extra grunt, a hard launch, and some steep gears.

Basic sedans (and minivans) are getting faster all the time. Even a modified 305 delivers average performance these days. If you want to set yourself apart with 1/4 mile speed then my advice is to not invest a dime into the 305 and upgrade to a 350 or 350 stroker. However, I think your budget is too slim to pull off a powerful 350 swap because of all the peripherals needed to make the rest of the car to perform.