Just purchased a 1992 Camaro RS 305 TBI with 109000 miles on it. I am new to working on my own vehicles but, really want to learn. I have 2 questions.

1. What kind of maintenance sort of things should I do on my new purchase to ensure it keep functioning well?

2. What sort of modifications can I do to help the performance without sacrificing too much gas mileage?

PLEASE remember I am new to all this so if you use abbreviations, please tell me what they mean!!! I am learning a whole new language here!!!

Thanks!!!

 

1. Change all fluids. At 109,000 even if it was reasonably maintained alot of owners never have the transmission, or rear end fluid changed. Flushing the coolant is a good idea as well. None of it is hard albeit messy. Grease anything with a zerk fitting. Get yourself a good service manual to help you, if you're new to working on cars it will prove priceless.

2. A good cat (catalytic convertor) back exhaust and even a high flow cat with your mileage will give you some extra power and actually improve mpg. You can do headers but if your new to cars, expect a fight. Headers dont always go on easily, "shorty" headers are definately what you want to look into if you go that route at all. Getting air in is important too so a K&N type filter will help a little and drops right in the air cleaner. I believe there are high performance intake manifolds for TBI's from Edelbrock and others, you may want to look into that. Roller tip rocker arms with a higher ratio (1.6 instead of 1.5) "trick" your motor into thinking your cam is bigger without actually swapping the cam. That's all the "easy" stuff I can think of right now, Im sure theres more that others will come up with and inevitably someone will argue with what Ive told you.

 

I'd also change the spark plugs, plug wires, and cap and rotor too, unless you're positive they were recently done before you bought it.

Check out these articles too:
Ultimate TBI
Ultimate TBI Part 2