Yeah, something I noticed that I can't seem to figure out. Why is it that the horsepower rating on the 305 was all over the place during its production run? In '85 there was the 215 HP version, then there was a 190 HP version, then there was a 210 HP version, and then in 1991-92 it dropped to 205 HP. Any reason for this fluctuation? I mean, I realize some of it had to deal with the cam specs, but still...making it jump around a couple of horsepower each year seems a bit strange to me. I fail to see the point of it.

Also another question if anyone can help me out with this- how hard is it to replace my gauge panel lights? The left half blew out a while ago (or just got loose somehow), and I would like to see how fast I'm going at night.

 

Well the difference is DIFFERENT versions of the 305.

the highest HP rating was the TPI 305, this was the 1st year of TPI, and this year had a more aggressive cam in the 305 than later 305's did.

There was also the LG4 305, the LOWEST HP rating.

And then then L69 305, carbed like the LG4, with a more agressive cam, more compression, and better exhaust, and hotter setup in the chip. 190 HP on this one.



HTH

 

86 had the most anemic of them all. It suffered for many reasons one including the peanut cam. The 86 had the last of the hyd. flat tappet cams and the worst.

The dash lights are easy. Remove the front dash panel. There are screws holding at the top and bottom. Then remove the gauge panel face (screws go straight into the gauge assembly) and then remove the gauge assembly itself. On the back you will see the twist out bulb connectors. Just pull and replace. Or if you can get you fingers between the gauge faces themselves you can just pull the bulbs out from there and replace. Haven't done too many camaros but the firebird/TA is very simple.