I have an 85 camaro Z28 (4bbl, w/700r4 tranny) stock but the exhaust and rims (20" irocs). I know, its in need of some upgrades. it runs great, but I want more. Wanted to see what would be a good starting point.
Torque converter, Heads, suspension, and the list goes on but dont know what kind? (open to suggestions). Dont really want to change the engine. But that could change. I want to use this Z to have a good acceleration and some more horsepower. Im not pushing for the drag strip. Just want to make it faster. I have a $2000 budget and wanted to know what would be good upgrades with my budget.
Torque converter, Heads, suspension, and the list goes on but dont know what kind? (open to suggestions). Dont really want to change the engine. But that could change. I want to use this Z to have a good acceleration and some more horsepower. Im not pushing for the drag strip. Just want to make it faster. I have a $2000 budget and wanted to know what would be good upgrades with my budget.
Junior Member
Daily driver? 4.10's in the back'll make it alot more fun and faster acceleration, while being cheap.
five7kid
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May 4, 2026
Let me guess, the new exhaust fits in place of the old. In other words, it's louder, but no bigger.
Exhaust has got to be first. Start with stuff for the '86-'90 TPI single cat application, and you're on the right path. Headers, cat (if necessary), and cat-back. That'll handle your 305 up through any streetable changes.
Intake, cam, and torque converter need to "match" - i.e., the RPM ranges have to be made for each other. Sticking with the stock computer controlled q-jet (assuming this isn't a Canadian car - doesn't change much if it is a non-computer Canadian q-jet car), which is a good street performance choice, limits your choice of intake to spreadbore types. The "baddest" spreadbore intake is the Edelbrock Performer RPM - spreadbore type (most are squarebore). It won't have the EGR mount, but if you have the CC q-jet, just use the EGR solenoid, and everything will be happy.
Now, cam - The Comp XE-series is a good choice regardless of the RPM range you want. For this theoretical set-up, the XE268 or XE274 would be bang-up. The XE268 is probably the largest you could use without pulling the heads.
Now, get a torque converter in the 2500-3000 stall range. More with the XE274, you could get by will less for the XE268. Get a cam/lifter kit.
Heads - the stock heads aren't bad, but it's a given the stock valve springs will have to go. If you pull the heads, have the guides cut for positive-type stem seals, and your lift problems will be mostly solved. New springs and retainers to match Comp's recommendation for the cam will suffice.
The heads benefit greatly from port cleanup and 1.94" intake valves. 1.60" exhaust valves aren't a bad idea, either. Either pin the rocker studs so they won't pull out, or have the studs replaced with screw-in type.
That'll about do it for your budget. But, it'll be a whole different car.
Exhaust has got to be first. Start with stuff for the '86-'90 TPI single cat application, and you're on the right path. Headers, cat (if necessary), and cat-back. That'll handle your 305 up through any streetable changes.
Intake, cam, and torque converter need to "match" - i.e., the RPM ranges have to be made for each other. Sticking with the stock computer controlled q-jet (assuming this isn't a Canadian car - doesn't change much if it is a non-computer Canadian q-jet car), which is a good street performance choice, limits your choice of intake to spreadbore types. The "baddest" spreadbore intake is the Edelbrock Performer RPM - spreadbore type (most are squarebore). It won't have the EGR mount, but if you have the CC q-jet, just use the EGR solenoid, and everything will be happy.
Now, cam - The Comp XE-series is a good choice regardless of the RPM range you want. For this theoretical set-up, the XE268 or XE274 would be bang-up. The XE268 is probably the largest you could use without pulling the heads.
Now, get a torque converter in the 2500-3000 stall range. More with the XE274, you could get by will less for the XE268. Get a cam/lifter kit.
Heads - the stock heads aren't bad, but it's a given the stock valve springs will have to go. If you pull the heads, have the guides cut for positive-type stem seals, and your lift problems will be mostly solved. New springs and retainers to match Comp's recommendation for the cam will suffice.
The heads benefit greatly from port cleanup and 1.94" intake valves. 1.60" exhaust valves aren't a bad idea, either. Either pin the rocker studs so they won't pull out, or have the studs replaced with screw-in type.
That'll about do it for your budget. But, it'll be a whole different car.