i am 17 years old and just got my firs car about 4 months ago its a 1985 z28 305 currently its all stock except for a sound system

i want to do some engine mods to get my baby goen a little faster but i only have $1000 bucks to spend any ideas

 

Welcome aboard! Your car isn't an LO3 (fuel injected 305 from '88 to '92) but instead the LG4 305. None the less your money can be spent the same way.

The best first mods to add power would be to replace the entire stock exhaust system with headers, high flow cat, and cat-back. Choose aftermarket exhaust components that are tailored for TPI cars. They will bolt right up to your 305 but will instead have larger 3" tubing. If you do not want to add power at this time $1000 can be spent on suspension items that will really make your car handle great. Sub frame connectors (this is really the first mod anyone should do to an f-body), panhard rod, strut tower brace, and new struts and shocks will make your car handle very crisp without affecting how the car runs. Another way to spend your green would be to rebuild the stock rear end and install a set of 3.42 gears and posi. This would give you added traction and a little more feel in the pants.

Unfortunately your car has many weak links. $1000 can come and go three times over before you really start to get the car dialed in where you want it. So do you want more power, or handling?

If you can do a lot of the work yourself you will be able to extend that $1000 pretty far. If you do not have access to any tools or cannot do any of the work yourself a lot of that coin will go into paying for labor. Fear not, everything you need to know about your car can be found on this website. Take some time to use the search function to explore your various choices.

Good luck and happy modding!

 

I dont know what kinda shape this car is in but I'm assuming it runs and drives now, you should really consider using the $1000 to get the car in tip top running condition.

First place I would look is brakes, inspect your brake lines for rust and pads for wear. Ive bought several vehicles thats brake lines were dang near rusted in two. Its not fun pushing the pedal only to realize you barely have any brakes, especially if your trying to stop after going real fast in your new hot rod !

Second place is tires and suspension components, obviously if you need tires, get them before spending any money on go fast mods (if you can keep the best two of the old ones for burnouts!), make sure your sway bar end links and bushings are in good shape, SHOCKS, check tie rods and balljoints, grease everything. Its amazing how much a simple thing like end links and shocks can help with the handling and overall feel of the car.

3rd place is the motor, change the oil, new spark plugs, wires, cap and rotor (bring up TDC and ensure your timing is correct), fuel filter, look for vacuum leaks on all the lines and around the intake manifold, change the PCV valve, check the EGR, check around where your exhaust manifolds bolt to the head and to the pipe for leaks (usually its just a loose bolt). Also look at the entire exhuast system.

Then its on to the tranny. Change the filter and check the rear seal for leaks. Pull the plug on the rear and at least insure there is plenty of oil in there, if dont wanna go ahead and just change it.

Unless you got one in really good shape Im guessing you'll find $1000 worth of things to fix and maybe tools to fix it ( get a good jack and jackstands if you dont have em already). Depending on whats broken or in need of attention, it may be a good idea to upgrade while replacing it (things like ignition parts or suspension components).