Hi Guys, I;m new to Thirdgen.org, but what a wealth of information on this site.

I have always had a love for the thrid generation Camaro ever since my first car was a plain jane 85 Camaro going through high School. Eventually the 2.8L gave up and the car was scrapped.

Fast Forward 16 years Later...and here I', looking for a project car to play around with. After many vehicles I've owned, you still always remember your first. Ok I'll get to my point...

I purchased myself a 1989 Iroc that needs some TLC. The engine is a 305 TPI. Automatic Transmission The Guy says he was driving down the highway and it just started to vibrate with loss of power. He shut it down. and there the car sit for 5 years untouched.

When I check the oil there is obvious signs of antifreeze in the oil, which tells me head gaskets or worse. So as this is a project. I'm trying to decide what to do for this bad boy.

I realtively mechanically inclined. I can figure most of things out, but have never taken on a project like this before. So I am looking for Feedback on what I should do with this. I would consider myself a rookie with great troubleshooting skills lol.

Budget: $5000
I'll probably drive this car one a week during the Summer Months.
I would say I would like to get to 350-400 Horse Power

I'm a liitle confused with the TPI. If I would be able to utilize this technology with a bigger motor, or if it would need to be replaced. Also, any changes in the wiring.

Perhaps a motor that is compatible with this technology?

 

You can use TPI on a 350 and some use it on a 383 stroker. It makes alot of torque but seems to run out of steam at about 4500 RPM.
Are you asking 350 - 400 HP at the flywheel or RWHP? Rear wheel HP will mean a much stouter engine and probably at least a 383.
With that power comes a need for a stronger transmission and possibly rear. Also think about subframe connectors.