Hello. I drive an 88 camaro with a 305 TBI (blah) and well, it's too damn slow. I want to swap it out for a Tuned Port 350, but before i do i want some info on what i'm getting into. I plan on building up the 350 over the winter, and when finished, drop it in. I want to keep it very driveable as it is my daily driver. Should i keep the TPI setup, or carb it? I want something reliable, that will still make some power. Thanx in advance.

------------------
'88 CAMARO 305
OPEN AIR ELEMENT
FLOWMASTER CAT BACK EXHAUST

COMPUTER CHIP
HYPERTECH 160* THERMO.

 

1st answer the "e" question: Do you have to pass any emissions testing or inspection? If so, that will greatly effect any recommendations regarding TPI vs. carb.

Take a look at the tech articles. There is one on switching to TPI (I think it specifically says carb to TPI, but the same things apply).

A full donor car would be the best way to go about this - either buy the whole car, or take everything off of it you need.

------------------
82 Berlinetta, orig V-6 car, now w/86 LG4/TH700R4. 2.93 limited slip. Cat-back from '91 GTA, ZZ3 intake, Accel HEI SuperCoil. AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Daily driver, work-in-progress (LG4 w/'87 LB9 block, ZZ3 cam, ported World 305 heads, Hooker headers & y-pipe, 3" Catco cat & 3" cat-back, Spohn SFCs).
57 Bel Air, my 1st car. '66 396, 9.7 CR forged TRWs, Weiand Action+, Edelbrock 1901 Q-Jet (Holley 3310 on the way), GK 270 cam, Magnum rockers, Jacobs Omnipack, 1-3/4" Hedders & 3" Warlocks, TH400 w/TCI Sat Night Special conv & Trans-Scat shift kit, MegaShifter, 3.08 8.2" 10-bolt w/Powertrax, AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Idles smooth @ 600 RPM in D. Best 15.02/95.06 @ 5800' Bandimere (corrected 13.93/102.4 @ sea level).

 

Hi Rice_Cooker_'88,

Being that you live in Maryland, I'm assuming that you have fairly strict emissions? At least I know they are fairly stringent in Keedysville where I once lived.

I am going with a 350 TPI swap for my '92 305 TBI Formula. Are you going with MAF or SD? I have a nearly complete list of parts together, and I was going to send it to you as you requested in another thread, but I know there will be even more parts, too, that I was going send in complete when my project was completed.

Let me know, and I will send it to you.

------------------
1992 Pontiac Firebird Formula (original 305 TBI) The project has begun:
just purchased 350 TPI, Dual fan setup, OEM Posi, GM 3.42 gears and JEGS Ultimate Support Cover for 7.5 rear.

1997 Chevrolet Camaro SS # 379 (1 of 371 Black, T-Top, 6-speed)
1973 Chevrolet Camaro RS/Z28
1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS 350

RIP Dale Earnhardt.

I'm old enough to know better, but still too young to care!--Wade Hayes

 

thanks92. As for SD or MAF, i don't know. whats the dirrerence? i just got the idea in my head to do this. Still debating on wether or not to just buy a whole new car with a 350 in it. thanx

------------------
'88 CAMARO 305
OPEN AIR ELEMENT
FLOWMASTER CAT BACK EXHAUST

COMPUTER CHIP
HYPERTECH 160* THERMO.

 

Well, SD is much easier and less of a hassle in the swap.

As for your debating to just by a 350 car, since starting my conversion I have this to say: Unless you love your car, and can't bear not to have it, it is cheaper and easier to go out and buy a TPI car in the first place. In my case I absolutely love my car, and finding a 350 TPI Formula is hard for the 1991-1992 years (my favorite) and last, I love T-tops and they were not available with 350's. But you would not believe how much this conversion can go to, particularly if you buy the parts new!

Let me know if you want the incomplete list now, or if you want the complete one when my project is done.

 

I don't think you can use a carburetor if you want to pas emmissions, since 87 was the last year for the 4BBL, so a carbureted engine is not a legal swap, even though it may pass the sniffer.

 

Well, my cars starting to get some rust and i'd like to get rid of it while i can. the paint and everything is still good because it's new. The only reason i'd get a new one would be so i can just get my hands a really nice one while they're still available and cheap. You bring up a good point on the t tops. I cant live without mine. Hmmmmm.......looks like more thinking time is now in the schedule. As for the list, just send it to me when you get it all put together if you don't mind. Thanx guys. if you've got AOL Instant messenger, my name is TBIcamaro88

------------------
'88 CAMARO 305
OPEN AIR ELEMENT
FLOWMASTER CAT BACK EXHAUST

COMPUTER CHIP
HYPERTECH 160* THERMO.