Im in the process of purchasing a '83 Z28 auto and was wondering what all of you suggest as the 1st upgrade?...im putting a digital gauge cluster in b/c a couple gauges are broke(speedo)...im looking for ideas b/c i cant make up my mind...i was thinking rachet shifter and manual valve body...looking to spend under $400 if possible

Thanks Chas

 

Welcome aboard thirdgen.org.

What's first depends upon what you want out of it. Manual valve body doesn't make sense for anything but a full-up dedicated race car. Ratchet shifter only if you're racing it.

90% of other modifications require full exhaust upgrades. But, that's going to cost you more than $400. Next choice would be subframe connectors, which will cost you less than $400.

 

You could always put a performance shift kit in it. Or mabey an exsaust system.
kevin
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subframe connectors wat do they do for you i really dont know if i should get them or not?
kevin

 

Thanks for the warm welcome...it will be used for 50% cruising(gf) and 50% racing(me)...i plan on building a 350 from the block up so i dont really want to do any major engine upgrades to the stock 305...i was looking at an exhaust system but wasnt sure of which route to go...i like the sound of the flowmasters...i plan on gutting the cats to get her a lil louder either way...

Thanks for the help, Chas

 

I would listen to the kid

me personally it would be subframe connectors

 

It could be argued that subframe connectors should be the first modification to any of our cars.

 

i would stay away from tranny mods unless you plan on running a tranny cooler.

exhaust would be my #1... you could at least get a catback for that.

subframes would be good, but the stock 305 isnt exactly a powerhouse engine, but they are definitely a necessity down the road.

i would probably also consider shocks and struts, depending on the ride condition. they can make it alot more comfortable/fun. depends what your goals are.

 

The door window corners were cracked when my car had the original V6. Power isn't the issue, although more power makes them more necessary.

 

thats exactly were mine cracked on my 82' although sub frame connectors weren't my first mod they were defiantly on the to do list, id do exhaust first even if you don't get a lot more out of it at least it'll sound good

 

I have to agree w/ the kid too, if u wanna do ANYTHING race w/ it sub. connectors are first and foremost, if not that get a cat-back or if ur into it a better deck/speakers

 

All the above is good advice, but I have another idea. I'd hang onto the $400 until you see what needs to be replaced. Even though my car was generally in good shape when I bought it, I had to put in a new heater core, water pump, radiator, steering box, PS pump and coolant temp sensor and the tires had to be replaced not too long after. Everything is good now, and I'm having a ball driving the car, but it definitely consumed some cash in the beginning. Hopefully, your car won't need as much, but you might run it for a little while before making any upgrade decisions. I don't think I've seen anyone mention a wonderbar, but that's definitely an upgrade to consider (I added one of these to my 85 Z28).

 

that is another good piece of advise, depending on how limited your budget is. i have yet to buy a third gen that didnt need somewhere between $200 and $400 in repairs just to get it to be a reliable DD.

but if you do choose to spend some money on mods, i think exhaust would make you the happiest. maybe a little power boost, PLUS a better sound that make driving it more fun.

 

For now i will hang on to the money i never dawned on me to look into wear and tear items b4 mods...ill wait and see how it drives for a while but ill def put in the subframe connectors...


Thanks a lot guys