Heya, i own a 1992 Pontiac Firebird w/ a 305. my motor is on its last legs, it can barely hold oil pressure and often just drops to 0, it smokes like a chimney after idle or just starting, and generally has no nut. BUT, i also own a 1978 4 bolt main 350. Now, im only used to working on old cars like my fathers 74 Javelin, so i know mostly nothing about the way a firebirds computer works. Now, for all intents and purposes i would like to go old school, just because i am accustom to working with basic motors. now i would also like to go carbed on it just cause i know squat about tbi. i was wondering what parts of the computer i would have to keep or if i could just do away with it completly. and also i was wondering if the computer has anything to do with the tranny (700r4).

seems like you guys know your cars like the back of your hands, so im hoping you all would be able to help! thanks alot guys!

also you can aim me: Jollypuff420

thanks again

 

Hey, I am getting ready to do the same thing although with a little luck ur should change over a little easier if u are going stock. let me know. I should be changing mine in a couple of weeks, if u want to wait maybe i can tell u what problems i had. I am installing a set of shorty headers,, that should be the only difference.

 

yea, mines gonna be a little while, gotta redo the whole suspension, brakes, tranny and gears, and stiffen the frame with sfcs, so its gonna take time and money.

 

You don't say where you live, but if you have emissions inspections/tests, forget the carb.

You can leave the computer where it is (a few ounces isn't going to hurt you). If you like, you can trim back the unused wires in the engine compartment afer you get it running and are sure you don't need them. The ECM does lock the torque converter clutch when you get up to cruising speed. Without the signals from the computer-controlled induction and ignition, it won't perform that function. But, you can get a kit that will do that without the computer.

I tend to be old school just because I'm old. I'll tell you, though, I wish my '57 ran as well as my Camaro does now. I knew squat about how the computer worked 3 years ago. No time like the present for you to learn. I can tell you from my occupational experience (rockets, mechanical engineer) that computerized feed-back systems beat open-loop mechanical systems hands-down every time (at least, when done half-way right, even if the mechanical system is as perfect as it can be). The cost is higher for computerized systems, but the benefits/cost ratio is, too, over the long run.

 

I did the same sway on my 89 305TBI.

not only will your T.C. not lock up, but your fuel pump wont pump either.
You can remedy this buy either re-wiring the exisiting pump and rigging it to a swtch, or putting on an aftermarket pump like the holley and then riggng that to a switch.

 

Well, i live in mid NH, so i can do whatever i want, just aslong as its not to radical, no one cares around here