1987 Firebird 305 ccc automatic.


I need to stay legal but need more HP
I am looking for suggestions. What alternatives do I have with an ECM?
I just picked up the car a couple weeks ago so the only thing I have done is gut the A/C and put on a nice K&N air filter. Is there a better distro like an msd I can use? Also besides doing what is described in the tech articles for my e4 carb is there any other alternatives or is this carb ok? How about an intake or heads and cam? Maybe headers since I can't dual off the exhaust. Please anyone help I am dying over here....I need more power, I think my wifes 6 cyl trooper can beat me....LOL.

To all that reply thank you in advance :hail:

 

I can recommend duplicating my mods without reservation.

Some WA is going to say, "Get a 350." Sure, that will help, but without exhaust and all of the other mods, you'll still be disappointed.

Your engine is a roller block, and the roller computer-compatible cams from Crane aren't quite as high in lift or long in duration, but it sounds like the ramp rate is higher, so the net effect is about the same.

If you don't get the heads, at least port yours and have 1.94" intake valves installed. You also don't absolutely need a different intake manifold, so if budget becomes a factor, save money by reusing your stock intake. The CC carb is fine with the mods suggested in the tech articles, and is the only legal carb part out there, anyway.

You don't need a different distributor, just a better supporting cast. Your '87 is slightly different from my '86, but with an aftermarket coil, and perhaps ignition system like MSD or Crane, the stock piece will do fine.

I've got near zero respect for K&N, as they let just as much dirt through as a paper filter. Open elements let hot air in. A dual snorkel with oiled open-foam element filter will give you the best performance & protection.

 

Hey thanks 57. You mentioned cloning or so your system without reservation. Does that mean you are legal? We have to have very close emissions standards...Col-Ida. Also you said a distro wouldn't be much of a benefit. Looks as though you have changed yours, is that because it didn't make much difference or are you just helping my budget...LOL. As far as the money I have to spend on this, there really is no limit I am not affraid of putting money in the car. Within reason of course, it is only an 87 bird. .
Thanks man!

 

The best investment would be in gears. Install some 3.42's and you will think some one dropped a BB in the car while you werent looking.

 

Yes that is a high priority. 273or something like thaT = but 342 or better= :rockon:

 

We have visual inspection and dyno sniffer. As tough as it can get, but very fair. My system is composed of legal parts, but I haven't been through the check since doing them (I wimped out and had it inspected/tested early in the morning, drove it home and started taking it apart for the mods - literally). For what it's worth, it "smells" cleaner than it used to (barely passed - I think the original cat was burned clean out).

Look closely at my sig - I only have an Accel coil and module, which are in my stock distributor. Mine is the large, coil-in-cap style HEI, and I believe yours is the smaller cap, separate coil type, correct? That's why I said yours may require slightly different mods than mine. The stock coil and module are nothing to write home about.

If money were no object, I'd go for coated SLP headers and dual cats. Although not offered on carb cars, I doubt any inspector would pick up on that (as long as a cat is there, they'd be happy).

If money is no object, why not do the GMPP HO 350 conversion? Add the above headers, you've go one hot combo. Gears, higher stall converter, traction - low 13's on a smog-legal package.

Come to think of it, that's the one package where the factory did offer dual cats on a carb engine...