Hey guys, I'm going to be dropping my stock TPI 350 from my '89 into an '85 body that i'll be buying soon. I plan on just taking the wiring harness from the '89 and using that in the '85. Should I expect any major problems with that? Or will it go relatively smoothly? From what I understand the '85 originally had a TPI 305.

 

Use the 89 flexplate and you will need to bypass the vats or swap the column and pass key module.

 

I currently have my pass key cylinder wired to the inside of my center console, so it needs both that key, and the key to the steering column to start it. since I have the pass key separate from the column, what would I have to do in that situation?

 

Here is a few ways to bypass it other wise you would need to rip out the pass key module and wiring and lock cylinder in your center console.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...-i-bypass.html

 

This thought just crossed my mind. The '85 body does not have the gauge cluster, so ill just use the one from my '89. thats fine and all, but the Odometer wont be accurate to the car...Since im rebuilding the engine, can I just zero out the Odometer as long as i include a notice saying that I did so? I've learned its only illegal to zero out an odometer if you intend on lying about it, and if you have a written notice saying that you reset it, it is perfectly fine. I'd like to have it reset and just want to know if i can get it done without causing problems with the law.

 

I'm not sure the laws on older vehicles. The title may say exceeded mechanical limits than I would assume it would be ok to do a roll back. but the right thing to do would be contact your DMV.

 

If it has "Exceeded mechanical limits" whos to say the odometer all zeroed isn't 100,000 or whatever miles?

 

Leave the odometer alone. No good will come of messing with it.

Instead, just check the "mileage unknown" box or "not reliable" or whatever similar weasel-wording your state's paperwork provides.

 

well, if i'm using the gauge cluster from my '89 then it won't match whatever the title on the '85 says. If the title has an actual number then ill set it to that, but if it says exceeds mechanical limit ill reset it and present documentation that says so. I'm never selling the car once im finished with it anyhow.