OK. I've been searching the threads but I cant really come up with anything concise on this. I have a 1990 5.0 TPI, 5 spd, 3.42 rear. The motor has 120K miles and it feels about time for a rebuild. I'm just not sure what direction to take. I'm looking for a solid 13 second car that will get decent mileage, be emissions legal, and wont break my wallet.(imagine that!)

Aside from dropping in a 350(I've abandoned this idea, so please don't mention it), I've come up with some possibilities for a rebuild. Basically, I'm looking for input from people who have rebuilt their 5.0 TPIs with either the parts I've mentioned or something better.

I'm going for a standard bottom end rebuild, but is there anything I should include in this?

As for heads I'm either thinking of getting the stock ones done(ported, better valves), or going the Vortec route. It seems that the Vortec heads don't bolt right on, and they would need some machining. Porting the stock ones would be cheaper. I think. What would be better?

I have SLP runners already and the upper plenum ported, so I was considering an Edelbrock base or if I get the Vortec heads, the Scoggin Dickey intake. Or should I just leave the stock one?

I already have 1.6 rockers, but they are about 7 years old. Should these be replaced?

I'm kind of unclear on the cam. I want one that will work well with my gears. Some people are saying use the LTI cam(but I don't think its much more radical than mine), others are saying go to Comp cams, or an LT4 cam. What's best?

Also, is it possible to do all this(or some of it) for under $2000? Try not to laugh too loud.

Any input would be great as my motors days are numbered.

 

C'mon guys I need some help!

 

you ran a 14.06 on your stock car? what are you "lotsamods" i have a 91 5.0TPI T-5 and i'd like to get into low 14's

 

You have the right year for the 305 to 350 switch without changing anything execpt for upping the fuel pressure, Why did you discount it ?

I might have a few mods but nothing was changes as far as sensors. Porting I did myself..

- 355ci, WS6, 5speed -
* Ported & Polished Cylinder Heads (Cast # 993)
* 2.02 & 1.6 Manley Pro-Flo Valves
* Harland Sharp 1.6 Ratio Roller Rockers
* Crane Valve Springs and Retainers
* G.M.P.P. Ram Jet Roller Cam
* Crane Roller Lifters
* Speed Pro/TRW 1.25 Dome Forged Pistons
* Windage Tray
* Lightweight Nodular 16lb Flywheel

* Induction - Ported and Gasket Matched
Plentum
Manifold
Runners
52mm Holley Throttle Body
Custom Built Adjustable Fuel Pressure Regulator
#19 GPH Injectors running at 50lbs

* Exhaust All New
Edlebrock Chrome T.E.S. Headers
High-Flow 3" Carsound Cat
Dynamax 3" Exhaust Tubing and Tail Pipes
Flowmaster American Thunder Muffler


Steathram being prep'd for installation along with prom burning software in garage...

 

Nobody here has rebuilt their 305?

The mods I have now are just bolt on stuff. Headers, exhaust, runners, cold air, accell 300 ignition, etc...
My heads, cam, and gears are stock.

 

I know some people on here have gotten pretty good results from their 305's. I don't think the 305 has as much potential in it as the 350 does. But I am interested in hearing what people have to say on this matter. I am thinking of doing the same thing myself.

 

Upping fuel pressure? Don't give people this bad idea. A better way would be buying the correct parts for the larger engine.

I got a 350 instead of rebuilding my 305. It was cheaper. It's definitely smarter if you're interested in hp/$. Otherwise, whatever. Rebuilding a 305 is the same as rebuilding a 350, except parts are more expensive because they're not in as high demand.

If your rocker arms are decent quality(not aluminum), I don't see any reason to replace them. Just rebuild your engine, put a better cam in it, port the heads and intake, and you'll see 13s very easily.

 

Naaaaaaa.. When you get into M.A.P. systems and faster baud rates. 5sd car fuel curves are the same as the 5.7's this is ideal for under 355 hp...

I assure you your wrong ... atleast with a stock prom or a generic prom. I am not a punk kid, I do this for a living. Even though the 5.7 uses a little larger injector O.E.M. a TPI motor that puts out less than 355hp with #19 (5.0 injectors ) running at 50 lbs of fuel pressure is dyno proven to be ideal. They flat out
produce more HP than larger ones running less fuel pressure. I am running about 350hp and the #30 accell's have been removed and sit in my garage with my Stealth Ram where they may be needed.
Throwing a bucket of fuel over a fast moving air stream is the wrong thing to do. A fast shot of fuel that induces itself to a fast moving stream of air is better than a bucket slowing the air stream down and messing up the swirl possibilities up as it enters the cylinder head. or maybe even creating a deflection. I have proof if need be but you don't have to be a rocket scientist to understand that is one of the reasons that we run high fuel pressure to begin with.

 

I thought it was widely accepted that goofing around with fuel pressure rather than programming to add more fuel was an inferior way of compensating for changes. I normally expect that custom programming goes hand in hand with modifying, though.

As far as higher pressure producing more power, there are surely plenty examples of the exact opposite that one could point to. That just depends on the engine. We've even seen examples this past week in the tpi forum. I do see your point, however 45psi isn't exactly "dumping."

 

Could somebody please refer to my initial post on this matter? I clearly stated I'm not interested in a 350. I just want opinion based on what I asked.

 

Have the crank turned, new main cap bolts, decent rod bolts (arp), use Clevite 77 rod/main bearings, a decent set of piston rings, and get a good gasket set for the whole motor. That will take care of your bottom end rebuild. Performance wise with a 305, if you can afford it, get some aftermarket heads but since you're building a 305 I suppose you're strapped for cash. Port the heads (you can do it yourself) port the intake or get an aftermarket (TPIS or Edelbrock or maybe ACCEL) and some SLP or ACCEL runners. Put in a nice cam and a torque convertor matched to the engine and you'll hopefully see 13's.