So I have a 1983 Pontiac Firebird. Base model. Red. It came factory with the 2.8l v6. 700r4. I bought a 305 out of a 89 T/A. What are your thoughts? What can I do to beef it up and make it run nice and what can I do to the car that looks good in your opinion? All opinions welcome. Thanks!

 

everyone is going to tell you to scrap the 305 and get a 350 or an ls ... lol ... is it a tuned port 305? ... if not, best thing you can start with, imo, is scrap the heads (if they are factory LO3 heads with the swirl ports) and pick up some better factory heads (if money is tight) or a good set of aftermarket heads ... thats my ... as for looks i like them dropped, tinted, and a nice set of rims

 

Figured that lmfao. But it's not the tuned port. It was a throttle body. But I picked up a edlebrock Torker 2 carbureted for it.

 

The torker 2 intake is a bad mistake. Low, short runner single plane. It will kill off A LOT of your low and mid range torque.

You need an edelbrock performer intake.. Heck even a GM stock iron 4bbl intake would be better than the torker 2.

Do not use any carb bigger than a 600 cfm (IMHO that's even too big for a stock-ish 305)

Put a set of 1-5/8" tube headers on it.

If you want to do a cam swap, then add a cheap elgin $100 cam and lifter kit, 204/214@.050"

Don't waste money on aftermarket heads for the 305 as you will limit your valve size (can't run any bigger than 1.94" on a 305 due to it's small bore) then when you upgrade to a 350 you will not have the 'best' heads for your new bigger engine.

 

I have an 83 2.8 as well, planning on swapping in a V8 in the coming weeks. Keep us posted with your progress!

 

No way!? Can I see some pictures of yours?

 

 

Damn! I'm jealous. Mine has hail damage.. So it's a project but I never wanna get rid of it.

 

Mine was someone else's project like 20 years ago. Been trying to undo their mistakes and slowly make it my own!

Your best bet might be to track down a wrecked V8 parts car and use that. There are many little things that'll run up the bill quickly!!