I know my V6 had a computer, but that was because it was MPFI, I got a 305 from an 85 Z28, did that have a computer? If it did, I didnt get it out, so I dont have one. What did it control? It came with a QuadraJet 1905, so it wasnt FI.

Did it just control timing? Can I get an MSD ignition box to control the timing? Thanks.

 

If it had an Edelbrock 1905 q-jet, the computer wasn't controlling anything.

 

Was an edelbrock q-jet, yes. I know in 85, some of the computers managed a 12volt line to the tranny for lockup, but thats all i know.

 

Only with the input from the computer controlled q-jet and distributor.

If the carb was replaced with a non-CC unit, the distributor had better been changed, too. Therefore, the ECM would no longer lock up the torque converter clutch.

(Technically, the ECM grounded the 12v circuit to lock up the TCC.)

 

An edelbrock 1406 600CFM, I dont beleive that is computer controlled.

That is correct.

So now my question is, can i get an MSD ignition box to control timing, or do I not need one?

 

MSD doesn't control timing. It improves the spark intensity.

A vacuum/mechanical advance distributor, which would be the non-CC variety, would control the timing.

 

The answer is yes, it had a computer. All 1985 V8 F-bodies were computer controlled in some sense.

The right question to ask is "Do I need one for what I am planning to do?"

We can't answer that question because you have given us no inkling of what your real intent here is. Do you want a CC car that will pass emissions? Carb? MPFI?

What????

 

Hmm, for some reason I was under the impression that MSD boxes controlled timing. I knwo they boost spark along with the coils, but i could have swore they controlled timing as well. Or at least had the features to.

Oh well. Saves me $300

 

DOH! Sorry. Ok here's what i'm doing

Putting the 85 305 Z28 into my 88 (V6 swap).
I'm goign with an edelbrock dual pane manifold and 600CFM 1406 carb (cant afford TPI right now).
Got a non legal cam for cali
Got 1.94/1.60 valves for my heads (416 heads)

Dont know about distributor yet. I have an MSD Blaster 2 coil already. No worried about smog laws since i'm registered in bullhead city AZ.

 

There are some MSD boxes that control timing. To control timing you need a ignition control box, timing control, or adjustable timing controller. These are different then the MSD boxes people talk about here.

 

You can get MSD boxes that retard timing, that's true.

"Control", as the factory ECM does, not typically (they may have something I've never looked into).

 

I just went through soemthing like this in my 83 L69. I was going to use the stock computer but after pricing out all of the senders and switches I would have to replace, I said screw it. I used an early HEI and recurved it. I also used an (earlier) Q-jet. It was inexpensive and worked out well.

 

If you're in California, a non-compuiterized carb won't pass inspection.

They will open your hood and pull out a book that shows where every "device" should be installed: every sensor, every wire, every hose, every everything. They will look for it and verify that it appears to be connected and operational. They will disconnect the EST connector on the distributor and verify the timing. They will check to see that the "Check Engine" light comes on when the kry is turned on, goes off when the engine starts, stays off during the test, comes on when they check the timing, and goes off when they reconnect the EST plug and re-start the engine. They will scrutinize it extra carefully because the VIN will say it was a 6-cyl but there will be a V8 there. Which is legal in and of itself, but they will know it's a swap, and it won't slide through under the radar.

The 305 can make it through the **** probe process if it has the right carb and dist and computer and wiring, because it was available in that year model of vehicle. It will ABSOLUTELY NOT pass CA inspection with the Carter carb on it.

I strongly urge you to check out and understand your laws before you spend a bunch of money and effort on something that you might have to just undo and spend even more money later to get it to where you can actually drive it.

 

This is true, depending on how screwed up your emissions are, and how **** the inspectors are, you could have a tough time getting a should -be V6 now a V8 through emissions. I assumed you were in a non emission state or county.