1st post! My dad held on to my 85 Z28 from high school and college days. We have been talking about restoration for a while, and now the talk has turned to reality. I know the car has a few years before classic status, but we need opinions on whether or not to keep factory setup. I do not have rpo info with me, but here's what I know.
85 Z28, 305 TPI, 700r4, 3:42 gear, and t-tops.
Any opinions on whether to keep setup?

I would keep the setup, but if it was mine I might want to consider a few upgrades:
1) 350 - unless you have the matching numbers block hold onto it if you do.
2) Headers & Cat Back
3) Sub-Frame connectors - A must with any 3rd Gen
4) LArger Brakes Especailly if your planning on putting in anything other than a stock engine. I recommend Baer, expensive but worth the price for your life.
5) If you like the stock look keep it, but a cool paintjob might do the trick.

John

If you intend to upgrade to a 350, I would strongly suggest that you convert to an 86-89 style TPI, or better yet, the 90-92 speed density setup. The 85 computer is unique to that year, is not as advanced as the newer computers, and most importantly, has much less aftermarket support for adapting to a 350. The newer computer will make your life much easier for that sort of swap.

The TPI computer is the main drawback to an 85 compared to other years. Otherwise, the 85 is really pretty much the same as other years and is a great car to build. Enjoy!

I agree, - forgot that detail

Not sure what is needed for the upgrade, but I know you need the 7165 ECM and the MAF for sure for the 86-89 MAF type.

As for the SD system there is more involved but everyone seems to beleve that its worth the swap. You need the 7730? ECM and a MAP sensor, you have wire in the MAP sensor. Then you have to re-pin the ECM for the 7730 to work.

Since were on the topic, I can get an 85 TPI T/A probably for really cheep as it has been sitting at a local mechanics garage for at least 3 years. The engine is shot (blown), so its a push car right now. Body is in OK condition, you can see where they spotted in the paint because of Rust, and the interior needs some help. What would you consider a fair price? I thought of offering them $200 and see if they take it.

John

Thanks for the input! The more recent computer system sounds like a great idea. How hard are donor cars to find?

Really all you need is a few parts to convert it over. Although I have never done it, it sounds like once you do it its pretty straight forward. Of course if you have little or no understanding of how the system works in the first place it might be a little more daunting.

You might consider keeping your eyes open for a POS that you could swap everything over, that would be the easiest way... But like I said I believe all you do is swap some components and re-wire a little and its done.

check out the DIT PROM board, and start reading posts, there are some stickies that will help you through it and get you understanding how to convert it over. And possibly more importantly how these engines work, its pretty simple once you understand it. Carburators, now thats complecated.

John