Ok, so I have been all over the boards and I am a newbie to all of this. I just bought a 1988 IROC, 305 TPI, with 5 speed manual, convertible. The engine looks great and is the original with only 54,000 miles on it. However, I want to make it into a nice street rod without making it look like one.

The problem:

I am not someone that deals much with anything mechanical and to be honest, all of the previous threads have me spinning with rations and compression rates and stuff like that. Money really isn't a problem but the knowledge is.

So here is what I would like to try and do. I want to use bolt on parts to increase the horse power but still keep it simple. I don't need 450HP because I am sure everything else will fall apart if it is left stock. I don't have a chip and to be honest don't know where to find one. I am not sure of engine codes or how to even go about getting this done.

The Sad:

I am 31 y/o and just getting the car I first fell in love with. However, I know nothing about cars I plan to never get rid of this one. Need some help if anyone is so inclined.

Thanks.

 

the thing with bolt on parts is the money adds up fast for the parts but the horsepower doesn't. start with some headers and some fresh pipes all the way back, then maybe add a cold air intake or ram air set-up with some good air filters

 

The exhaust was already done (full system) except it has regular heads I think. The stock ones. They are the only thing int he engine area that is showing some age. What is the difference between cold air and Ram?

 

There are a few things that you could do... First off, if you are talking about HP or just going fast? Because you can change out your gears for 3.73's and a posi and that will really make a difference in how fast the car accelerates, but won't do anything for HP.

Headers / ypipe and a good flowing cat is a good starter. The TPI system is good enough for a basic 305 small block. Unless you change heads/cam you don't need to change the TPI intake.

The thing is that there are so many little things you can do to the car to improve here and there. There isn't really one major bolt-on that will make magical horsepower (excluding super/turbo charger).

Also, the TPI air intake with the dual filters is plenty good enough to supply your engine with cold air. No need for a "cold air" intake, it's already a cold air intake!

 

Nitrous is simple and easy, not full on all the time. 50-75hp shot after an exhaust would make a huge difference on how it behaves and if set up properly should be very safe for your engine. With a TPI IMO the cheapest power after an exhaust is probably going to be the ECU calibration followed by porting. A cam wouldn't hurt either but you're definitely going to want some ECU calibration after that for sure.

 

He mentioned not being able to burn a chip or wanting to do this. Also, nitrous on a street car? I don't know about that.. IMO it's more for racing. The next big thing, really, would be cam/heads to really open up power, then porting the TPI to increase air flow for the increased capability of the cam/heads. Again, TPI doesn't make high HP, good low and mid range power so a cam and head combo to fit that, along with some porting of the TPI intake to match, would be good enough for any street car IMO, then tuning the PROM to accomodate for the changes (fueling, MAF tables, etc.) will also help get the car to run properly and maximize power and efficiency.

Something worth mentioning, that before you add these HP mods to the car make sure it's running properly by doing the basics like using a good synthetic oil (mobil 1, royasl purple, valvoline, amsoil, etc.) making sure all fluids are flushed and filled properly, all filters are good enough or upgraded (like a K&N air filter), spark plugs and wires, dist. cap & rotor, sensors like O2 & MAF sensor functioning correctly, etc.

 

A chip is going to pretty much be a requirement. This is a MAP car being an 88. Even minimal mods will require the ability to do some form of tuning. Definitely going to need something with cams heads and an intake. It's also some of the easiest power to get as well. Even if you have to hire someone it's worth it.

I mentioned nitrous as this is the section for it. A turbo/blower is a huge undertaking so this leaves nitrous. Easy to install HP in a bottle. Otherwise this should probably get moved to tech/general engine. It would likely get more answers there too.

 

Thanks for the information. It seems that everyone all agrees a cam and chip are the way to go. Anyone know a good website to find a chip and how do I know if I am buying the right one? I did some looking already and it seems that there are several different kinds of chips for the year.