I've looked at few cars last few months in my search for my first thirdgen, but they were all TPI because I was pretty strict on what I was trying to find. I've expanded my horizons a bit and am going to check out a 92 RS 305, auto. Basically all this time I've been researching the TPI engine because thats what I was hunting for and know nothing of the TBI. What should I look out for on this 305? I've scanned over this forum for about 30 minutes to get some background and it seems they will go forever with standard maintenence which is encouraging. Car has 90k miles.

 

I dont think theres any peticular one thing to look out for, other then what youd usually look for, like obvious engine problems, rust, mechanical issues, accidents, etc.

The low output 305's usually go just about forever without problems, but that 170 HP wont exactly light up the world. Mine had a hard time spinning the tires when it was stock. Id pay attention to the trans, though. The 700-R4s have a few flaws in them, and the issues really start coming to the surface when they get alot of miles. Probably one of the biggest problems that I ran into where the lack of 2-4 band holding capacity and problems with the accumulators wearing and causing pressure loss in the circuits. They also came with T-5s, which have their own issues as well. The brakes also have issues on high milage cars and its likely the suspention may be worn (shocks/struts, balljoints, tie rods, bushings etc.).

Basically, in a nutshell, test drive the car. Drive it around, do some cornering, hard acceleration and braking, and see how it performs. Also inspect it and look for obvious problems like any rust, engine noises, poor trans. shifts, collision damage, lack of matenence, etc.

 

The 305 tpi has about 50 more hp than the tbi. with the 5 sp you don't have to worry about an old automatic and you get more hp to the rear wheels. I think you'll be happier with the 305 tpi 5-sp. Don't settle for something else in your search for what your looking for. You might want to check the clasiffieds forum. Lot's of cars for sale. You wouldn't settle for a red head if you were looking for a blonde, would you?

 

Well I decided to focus more on a clean body and interior since I plan on eventually turning this into a project car anyway. There is a big empty patch 8 inches deep next to our driveway that will hold an additional 2 cars and my dad said once we get it filled in I could have the space for a project. I mean if I want to eventually swap something else, why should I be really picky right now about whether or not the 305 has TBI or TPI? Right now I just want a dependable DD (thats not a V6) with a drivetrain that will last until I really decide what I want to do with the car. It will be a learning experience for me, i'm just not ready to start hitting the track quite yet....car noob here.

 

I think if it's going to be a project car you're better off going with the TBI auto. TBI is relatively cheap and easy to modify for higher performance ...there are also a lot of intake manifold choices because you can go single plane as well. You can get the same level of performance as even the hotter TPI setups a lot more cheaply and easily.

Also, you can build the TH700-R4 to handle a hefty dose of torque and hp if you have the right parts ...easily more than the rear-end in these cars can handle. And the 700R4 has an excellent spread of gears. I rebuilt my 700R4 with a TCI kit and a Trans-go shift kit and my car will spin the tires changing every gear (going into OD as well ...under the right conditions).

 

What conditions are those? First time i've heard that claim!
I'm thinking, 4:56:1 gears and a wet track.

 

Depending on the shift kit, yes, they can spin the tires in every gear. Normally, though, the kit should be set up to give firm shifts, and not ones that are overly harsh.

The nice thing about a car thats equipped with a T5 is that its alot easier to swap in a good manual since the car already has the provisions.

 

Alright well i'm going to go take a look today The thought of possibly getting my first 3rd gen is pumping me up, its always been a dream car. Assuming good condition and no/minimal rust what should I offer him? Asking $2500. Blue book is $3300, $3000, and $2500 for high, med, and low respectivly. Are there any problems with the brakes that could be hidden even if the brakes seem to perform well? Or can I pretty much assume good brakes if they work well. Also how does Illinois smog compare to CA smog? According to Carfax (for what its worth) it never failed in IL however has never been tested here in CA. Its only been in the state for about 3 weeks. And no, it has never been registered in Louisiana, that was the first thing I checked!

 

California is tough on smog!!! But watch where you get it tested.
There are a lot of crooks out to take your money there. Get it done at a reputible shop or one highly recomended.

 

If you can find a TPI car I would go that route. My old 305 TBI camaro was a dog. Especially with the 2.73 gears. Recently sold it and bought a sonoma. Which has a 4.3 TBI. With 165hp. Ouch only 5 less than the 305 TBI. But it does have vortec heads just not vortec injection.

350 TPI is best overall but will be harder to find.

But if you plan on a huge buildup any v8 car will do.

 

Sqzbox,

...uphill on a gravel road.

Seriously, I have 3.42 gears and to get the car to "chirp" going into overdrive you have to hammer her on a slight upgrade ...the car won't do it if you're cruising along a flat road and gently accelerating. It'll chirp from 1st to 2nd easily and 2nd to 3rd without too much trouble. The tires don't go up in smoke or anything, but it's a nice firm shift with an audible "squeek".

Surprised the hell out of me the first time it happened (the day I put in the new gears and broke them in) ...especially the OD shift.

--
Casey

 

Darkshot,

Also ask if the heater core has been replaced. They are pretty well noted for going out on our cars. If it has not been replaced, you might want to consider replacing it. It will save you a passenger floor board full of coolant.

I also have purchased the 305 TBI. I would have liked more HP but it has been a good solid car. And I have done quite a few mods to it.