I have a 305 crossfire out of a 83 Firebird that im putting in my 83 Z28. I have the short block, pistons and crack, etc. What are some good combos, like cam, heads, rocker arms, carb, etc, that will get me a good amount of horse power for about $500-$700?

 

where in wi are you? If your anywhere near Borchardts on 27th street hop on in and talk to them. A lot of the ricers don't like borchardts because they do just old school engines. Their our largest speedshop and do a lot of in house machine work, and tend to give out a lot of good advice.

 

Im in Sussex, I know where borchardts is because ive been to one of their car shows, but never really there, i'll have to check them out.

 

Aside from getting sweet-heart deals, stuff free from friends, etc., I can't imagine $500-$700 being enough to do much with a running 305, let alone a shortblock.

Exhaust is #1, and that is going to blow your budget on its own. Without proper exhaust, nothing else you do does much good.

 

What do you mean by proper exhaust? I was going to get some headers for it, and i got rid of the air pump. And get a complete dual system made for it. What are some cheaper heads that will give me a little more power than stock? I have all the original parts so I really just need(want) a little more performance heads, cam, intake(carb) and valve train. Also quick question, what transmission did a 83 firebird(crossfire) automatic come with? 700r4?, because my camaro has a 5 speed and im going to sell the automatic... Thanks...

 

Okay, you've got the whole engine. That's good.

If you're getting headers and doing dual exhaust, that fits with what I was talking about. I assume that is outside of your $500-$700 budget.

The Crossfire had good heads. 1.94" intake valves help them, but all they really need is a little basic clean-up porting and good valve springs. They are some of the best factory heads ever made. Don't bother spending money on different heads for a 305.

With properly prepared heads, something like a Comp XE268 will really wake up the engine. An RPM intake, 600 Holley double pumper, HEI distributor, you should be in business.

In '83, I believe the Crossfire only had the TH700R-4 available with it.

 

Ok thanks a lot, I already have a HEI Distributor. I know a guy that will do full dual exhaust(headers back) for like $300 and a really good job too(he did my friends mustang). What about rocker arms? Do they make a big difference in a 305, or do you think i should just leave them stock?

 

If you have dished pistons try to get some compression by milling the heads. 83' had 700R4 behind Crossfire. Have run 12s with 416 heads on flat-top motor .060 over with stock size valves. That combos not very streetable but you can make good power with a 305. Just remember don't spend too much money on it where it would make a 350 more cost effective. If you have 416 heads they have the same runner volumes as 350 heads with the smaller valves and chambers. Don't remember about 601s or the other 500 something casting numbers. Have also had 283 520 heads on a 305 with 1.94/1.60 valves, pocket ported, and milled to get the compression back. I still have them but this is what I meant about spending too much. I lived in Racine before and know Mike Borchardt. Nice guy, he actually rented a Camaro for me to go to Prom in back in the 70s.