I have an 84 Z28 HO w/ a 305, its got a rebuilt carb, rebuilt turbo 350 tranny, new rear end. I'm dissapointed with the amount of power this thing has, I don't know if it's to be expected with a 305, but it seems like it has really low power. I can't really feel a difference than when i have the throttle 1/4 down and when i floor it, theres a difference, but not as much as i think there should be. Again I don't know if this is because its a 305, but i still think it should have more power than that. Can anybody help?

 

Well, follow the instructions in my sig for a hopping little 305. That is only IF your shortblock is in good condition. If not, just get a 350 because you'll be many $$$ ahead.

 

k thanks. Do you think what i'm describing is about right for a stock 305? Or should I be having more throttle response and power than that?

 

My LG4 305 in my 83 TA has 84,000 miles on it. My mods are in my sig. So far I have run a best of 14.96@91mph with a locked up fan clutch on bald street tires. Thats with the 8.5:1 compression, stock heads and intake. I want to show the potential of the 305 when I rebuild this thing. :hail: wee-05

 

Be sure to go to the Tech Articles linked from the home page and read the one about tuning up a QJet. That will make a major difference in the feel of the car.

 

ok i'll give that a try. I also need to hook up the snorkels for the air cleaner, that should make some difference, not much, but some.

 

Check the basics first: State of tune, timing, fuel filter, air filter, etc. A clogged cat will kill power.

 

If it's a HO car, it should be pretty peppy, just as it came stock. It came with a 3.73 gear in the rear, which if you have a "new" rear, who knows if you still have that; and of course the L69 motor, which is a strong runner as 305s go. If the motor has been worked on, again, who knows what's really in there, you might have a "new" motor and got stuck with a LG4, with 45 less HP.

From your description it almost sounds like the secondaries aren't opening.

You say it has a Turbo 350; are you sure? Those didn't come in those cars, and require a certain amount of modification to get in there.

That car would have done about 15.3 off the showroom floor with a 5-speed, or about 15.6 with an auto. Not neck-snapping or in the same league with LS1s, but reasonably at least.

A great place to start would be to figure out exactly what you have, and what if anything has been changed, and what it is now. Particularly, identify the motor, and look at the gear and see what it has in the rear.

 

One of the things to consider is that the older the 3rd gen, the less power it had over later versions. Case in point:

1982 Recaro Trans-AM=165HP/195TQ
1987 Trans-AM=205HP/285TQ (Huge torque jump)

It's fair to say that vehicles built before 1985 were the slower ones. However since the basic design didn't really change much at all, the potential is about the same in all of the 3rd gens. You can beef up a 305. But I would say that you will be happier with a 350 engine swap. Rather then sink alot of money into a 305. That is what I am going to do.

 

Try Ajusting your Kickdown Sensor. Its Very Easy to do. maybe you could get a Ram Air Hood and Air Box that could add some Horse and looks

 

HP and $$$-wise, building a 305 shortblock in good condition is a better insvestment than a wholesale change over to a 350. But if the 305 needs rings or bearings, throw it away and get a 350.

Keep in mind that choosing your 305 parts wisely allows them to be used once again on that future 350