What are the basic power improvements for a 1989 305 Camaro engine. Mileage is currently 180,000. Pulled the heads off and pistons seem in good shape. Plan on doing dual exhaust, and new distributor (MSD?). Do I change the intake manifold (TBI)? Have about $800 to invest.

Also dumb question. When I pulled the heads off, water (coolant) came out of the bolt holes. Is that normal?

 

Yea thats Normal... you need to drain your coolant before you do any head work... N also you can barely get a decent daul exhaust for 800

~C

 

It will take a lot more than $800 to improve your engine performance.

With 180K mi. on it, the heads already off, and a skinney wallet.... I'd say clean the carbon off of the pistons, get a good valve job, new seals and springs, and maybe put some 1.6 rockers on it.

Be sure to clean all the head bolt threads with a wire wheel, run a tap into the bolt holes, and use teflon sealant on the threads when you re-install the heads. Many of the head bolt holes go into the water jacket, one or two of the water pump holes do as well.

When you have some more cash, skip on getting dual exhaust, instead get a 3" single with a new CAT and muffler.

 

First, do a general inspection ( spark plgs\fuel filtr ...)

then, do all the TBI mods:

https://www.thirdgen.org/ultimatetbi
https://www.thirdgen.org/ultimatetbi2

get an LT1 cam, shift kit, better gears (posi)