Third Generation F-Body Message Boards - Tech / General Engine https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/ en Sat, 18 Apr 2026 14:40:31 GMT vBulletin 60 https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg Third Generation F-Body Message Boards - Tech / General Engine https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/ Hard Starting Issue Making Me Pull What is Left of My Hair Out https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794653-hard-starting-issue-making.html Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:20:34 GMT Starting Issue on 305 TBI driving me insane and is getting progressivly worse. This used to happen every once in a while when I got it 2 years ago, now it happens every time I got to start it: ... Starting Issue on 305 TBI driving me insane and is getting progressivly worse. This used to happen every once in a while when I got it 2 years ago, now it happens every time I got to start it:

When I turn the key, the car will crank and fire only to die half a second later. It will do this about 4 times before it finally starts and goes into idle. I can also rev the engine right after it fires to keep it going and get into idle. Seems to run normal after that until lately. If I turn the AC on when warmed up, it will stall sometimes unless I rev it a bit before turning on the compressor.

I have thrown the parts cannon at it:

2 New IACs

New TPS

New EGR

Rebuilt TBI

New Fuel Pressure Spring

New acdelco injectors

New ICM

Spark plug are a year old as are the cap and rotor

New Fuel Filter

New CTS

New Fuel pump relay



No engine codes and WINALDL is reading that it is running slightly rich, blms are usually under 128. Vaccum test shows 21 in-Hg. The kpa readings form map seem normal, the temp reading from the CTS seem correct. TPS .57v. Only thing I have not checked is timing.



The pump primes when I turn the key and I also tested the fuel pressure, priming goes to 9psi and running at 10 psi. If I give it a rev, it is steady on 10psi. Seems to be low but still in spec or GM's 9-13psi. Does this feel like an ignition issue or fuel issue? Any ideas what to test next?
]]> Tech / General Engine Smykster https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794653-hard-starting-issue-making.html For the 305 Crowd: Engine Power Channel https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794634-305-crowd-engine-power.html Sat, 11 Apr 2026 16:04:13 GMT Spoiler:
460 HP!

]]> Tech / General Engine skinny z https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794634-305-crowd-engine-power.html Recommendations for replacement gas tank https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794618-recommendations-replacement-gas-tank.html Wed, 08 Apr 2026 22:52:41 GMT 1984 Trans Am that has the original gas tank so I want to replace it before any issues. Basic tank with sender, LG4 motor has mechanical fuel pump so no fuel pump. Any recommendations on where to... 1984 Trans Am that has the original gas tank so I want to replace it before any issues. Basic tank with sender, LG4 motor has mechanical fuel pump so no fuel pump. Any recommendations on where to purchase a tank and sender as I have heard of nightmares with fitting and fill neck issues, part #'s would be great. And yes I know its not an easy job because everything has to be dropped. Thanks ]]> Tech / General Engine TA392 https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794618-recommendations-replacement-gas-tank.html no start https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794609-no-start.html Wed, 08 Apr 2026 02:46:11 GMT Want start changed fusible links with fuses, pickup coil, battery,checked starter, changed switch, fuses good ,relays Want start changed fusible links with fuses, pickup coil, battery,checked starter, changed switch, fuses good ,relays

]]> Tech / General Engine NASCAR https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794609-no-start.html What is this stuff?!! https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794606-what-stuff.html Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:04:05 GMT 1982 Camaro Z28 305 carbureted. Smog pump and most everything related to it has been removed - I think. In the picture the vacuum hose circled in red is cracked and dry rotted and it connects to... 1982 Camaro Z28 305 carbureted. Smog pump and most everything related to it has been removed - I think. In the picture the vacuum hose circled in red is cracked and dry rotted and it connects to what looks like a filter circled in blue. Could those be remnants of A.I.R. system? Finally, I don't know what the gizmo is that is circled in yellow. I apologize for being such a newbie but I am trying to learn. Thanks in advance!
]]> Tech / General Engine markyd2160 https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794606-what-stuff.html Where do I start? https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794600-where-do-i-start.html Mon, 06 Apr 2026 19:58:36 GMT Alright, ladies and gentlemen, I have 92Z28 looks like it came stock with a tune port 305, the tuned port has been removed and some type of a small block has been installed. I was told that it was a... Alright, ladies and gentlemen, I have 92Z28 looks like it came stock with a tune port 305, the tuned port has been removed and some type of a small block has been installed. I was told that it was a 383/700 R4 The front chin spoiler has about 4 cracks in it. The rear bumper cover has one crack in it. The interior is not mint, but it is not terrible at all. Of course, the dashpad is cracked.

They put an aftermarket external fuel pump on it, w/ a carburetor on it. It will run, and idle seems to run pretty good. It does not have any exhaust orders, just open headers. None of the wiring appears cut as far as I can see. The the windshield is cracked. The rear trunk hatch motor is not operational. Seem to have very little rust that I can tell. All the air conditioning stuff is there except for the compressor and the hoses.
We got hood blisters. It is a 25th anniversary heritage edition. Ttops made out of plastic.Where do I begin? Please give me some ideas....

1. Check the casting number and see what type of motor this is?
2. How can I ensure that this is a 383 stroker?
3. Has anybody know a reputable paint shop anywhere near johnston county , north carolina , zip code 27524
4. I know I need to measure the ttops , but if they are thirty inch , can I just replace them with glass ttops
5 it looks like they unbolted the metal fuel lines so that they could put their aftermarket, pump down beside them. So all I should have to do is hook up the fuel lines again to connect an in tank pump, correct?
6. Am I correct in thinking that the chin spoiler and the rear bumper cover are going to need replacing or can they be repaired?
7. Left foglight is an excellent condition , right foglight is broken (i have replacement in barn)
8. What'll be the best budget stereo system to put in this.I would like to have 12in. subs , and an amplifier
9. Do I need to discuss replacing the entire weather stripping package on the car?Especially for the ttops or will the paint shop automatically , do it
10. It has 2.73 gears in it. I just located a GT4, G80 ($175) rear end that I am going to try to pick up tomorrow. Is there anything in particular I need to know to try to test it before I leave the junkyard?

Not trying to make the same mistakes I made on my 1st one. I want to do this one right!!!!

Goals:
Non-leaking stops
Straight, clean , body and paint
Clean interior w/fourth gen or better seats
Nice hitting stereo (still need a place to put ttops)
If the sbc doesn't work out I have a 6.0ls w/862 (I'll throw 54-453-11 cam/springs/ls7 lifters/ and muscle car oil pan/perf oil pump/ 103k miles, carb intake) 750 carb
Use the 700r4 until it quits
Gt4/g80 combo
And just get a 3200 stall

I was going to put motor in my colorado, but if this sbc is no good or no fun, ill drop it in this car when the paint is finished.

All is temporary ultimately im saving for a L8p/6l80 and want a disc brake rear maybe 3.90 gears w/Lsd

I DONT RACE!!! What do yall think? I know its a lot. Pics and videos coming.

Oh is a 3200 stall, 3.73 gears and 3.06 1st gear in the tranny overkill?
Because it sounds fun to me.....

]]> Tech / General Engine budget builder https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794600-where-do-i-start.html Workshop Manuals? https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794591-workshop-manuals.html Sat, 04 Apr 2026 14:58:02 GMT Hi everyone, Does anyone know a good place where I can download workshop manuals or even the original owner’s manual for my ’88 RS? I’ve been searching around but haven’t had much luck finding a reliable source.
Any recommendations would be appreciated.
Thanks! ]]> Tech / General Engine Stevenylor https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794591-workshop-manuals.html Routing of Fuel lines? https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794579-routing-fuel-lines.html Wed, 01 Apr 2026 21:03:32 GMT Went to change my serp belt and noticed fuel lines are running through the belt, making it not possible to remove belt or install new one. Car’s an 87’ 305 but someone switched it to a serp system... Went to change my serp belt and noticed fuel lines are running through the belt, making it not possible to remove belt or install new one. Car’s an 87’ 305 but someone switched it to a serp system at some point.

Is it possible to just adjust and reroute the metal lines somewhere else to the manifold or do I need to replace. And what is the correct location there suppose to run?

Thoughts on someone else’s dumb decision?


]]> Tech / General Engine cotto1122 https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794579-routing-fuel-lines.html no start after i stall it https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794575-no-start-after-i.html Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:56:27 GMT my Camaro ran great until i switched it from an automatic to a 6 speed. It never stalled when it was automatic but now i tend to stall it with the 6 speed pulling out. When it stalls it will not... my Camaro ran great until i switched it from an automatic to a 6 speed. It never stalled when it was automatic but now i tend to stall it with the 6 speed pulling out. When it stalls it will not restart it just cranks and cranks unless i shut the switch off and turn it back on and listen to the fuel pump run then i restart it and it fires up. Is there a check valve in the fuel system to keep pressure in it for a short period of time or do i have another problem. I have replaced fuel pump, fuel pump relay, fuel filter, and fuse. Other than that problem it runs great ]]> Tech / General Engine my92z28 https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794575-no-start-after-i.html Timing cover curiosity https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794565-timing-cover-curiosity.html Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:06:25 GMT Timing cover off my 305. What’s the tube on the timing indexer for? Fyi- this cover came in the 305, but it also had a bolt on indexer which I used to time the engine. The bolt on was far right of... Timing cover off my 305. What’s the tube on the timing indexer for?
Fyi- this cover came in the 305, but it also had a bolt on indexer which I used to time the engine. The bolt on was far right of this welded on version and timed us correctly. This weld on seems way to far out of place? Curious. Enlighten me.

]]> Tech / General Engine AGELE55 https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794565-timing-cover-curiosity.html 1984 Trans AM H.O. Correct fuel pump part number? https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794538-1984-trans-am-h.html Sat, 28 Mar 2026 03:46:14 GMT Ive been searching online and I cant narrow down the correct fuel pump part number for my 84 TA H.O. Can anyone help? Ive been searching online and I cant narrow down the correct fuel pump part number for my 84 TA H.O.

Can anyone help? ]]> Tech / General Engine chesee48 https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794538-1984-trans-am-h.html What is this? Can I remove it? https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794536-what-can-i-remove.html Fri, 27 Mar 2026 22:50:00 GMT I bought this 82 Z28 carbureted all original. The owner prior to me had removed the smog pump but most of the rest of the AIR was still there. Recently I noticed this lever near the carburetor un... I bought this 82 Z28 carbureted all original. The owner prior to me had removed the smog pump but most of the rest of the AIR was still there. Recently I noticed this lever near the carburetor un attached. I traced to this device (see pictures) that is located in the driver side front of the engine bay. BTW it is a TH200c that does not have a TV cable since it uses vacuum instead. Is it a smog equipment remnant?


]]> Tech / General Engine markyd2160 https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794536-what-can-i-remove.html <![CDATA[Pulling Engine, Can't Remove Trans Bolts]]> https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794532-pulling-engine-cant-remove.html Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:23:51 GMT I'm pulling the 305 out of my 86 TA, and I have everything removed except for the transmission bolts around the bellhousing. They seem to be incredibly tight, and even my impact hasn't been able to turn them. I tried hoisting the engine about 1/2" to relieve any tension that the motor may be putting on them, and even that didn't seem to help. I would like to avoid pulling the entire trans, as I don't have a shop or a lift and I've just got the car up on ramps. Does anyone have any tips on getting these bolts undone? Thanks so much! ]]> Tech / General Engine surfer_brooo https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794532-pulling-engine-cant-remove.html Pulley Noise???? https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794521-pulley-noise.html Wed, 25 Mar 2026 04:31:49 GMT Today I went out to start my 90 Trans Am 350 TPI and it started up just fine. After about 2 minutes of running I started hearing a loud whirling noise almost like a bad pulley???? Assuming it was the... Today I went out to start my 90 Trans Am 350 TPI and it started up just fine. After about 2 minutes of running I started hearing a loud whirling noise almost like a bad pulley???? Assuming it was the alternator pulley I grabbed a screwdriver and put the metal end on the alternator and the other end to my ear but the noise wasn’t coming from there. As I was looking around the engine bay trying to see where the noise was coming from it suddenly stopped? I let it run for a while but the noise didn’t come back. I turned the car off and started it again and no whirling noise???? Any ideas? I did change the AC compressor last summer but didn’t have any issues? Thanks in advance. ]]> Tech / General Engine Thirdgenstudent https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794521-pulley-noise.html Sum-8810 LS Firing order cam for 305 sbc https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794507-sum-8810-ls-firing.html Sun, 22 Mar 2026 08:48:48 GMT Hey folks, I have purchased the sum-8810 cam with my beloved ls firing order for my rebuilt 10:1 sbc 305. This cam is far to radical for this engine an my plans. So I sent it to an cam expert... Hey folks,

I have purchased the sum-8810 cam with my beloved ls firing order for my rebuilt 10:1 sbc 305.
This cam is far to radical for this engine an my plans.
So I sent it to an cam expert and they told me unfortunately they can not regrind that cam to make it tamer.

Here is the problem, I can't send the cam back to summit. Either I have to sell it or I have to use it now.
Question for "use it":

Is it possible that it can be street driven, if I use Rhoads V-Max Lifters with them to restore some of the vacuum I will loose with that amount of overlap (17° @ .050")
If I dont install it at 3° advanced but 6° instead, and in combination with the Rhoads lifters, do you guys think Im able to drive this cam on the street?

Greetings,

Chris



]]> Tech / General Engine Chris_Formula https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech-general-engine/794507-sum-8810-ls-firing.html