Convert or Not?
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From: CT
Car: 1989 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 LS
Convert or Not?
https://www.thirdgen.org/tpi-sfi-mpfi-tbi-cpi
In the article I'm trying to figure which would be best to go to.
I have a 1989 camaro rs 5.0 tbi, which would be best to go and convert over to? What will I need to convert? Is it worth it? (my gains i'm looking for is more power)
regards,
Timinsk
In the article I'm trying to figure which would be best to go to.
I have a 1989 camaro rs 5.0 tbi, which would be best to go and convert over to? What will I need to convert? Is it worth it? (my gains i'm looking for is more power)
regards,
Timinsk
On Probation
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6,319
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From: Northern Utah
Car: seeking '90.5-'92 'bird hardtop
Engine: several
Transmission: none
Axle/Gears: none
Re: Convert or Not?
more power? you'll need to be a bit more specific. If all you want is another 20-30 horses, then the TBI you have is fine. In fact, the right TBI setup can support over 350 crankshaft horsepower.
Before worrying about this, start with a cat-back exhaust, headers, and a change of axle ratio. That'll give you a noticeable improvement, and help get the car ready for more power. Then decide if you want to struggle along with a 305, or get a 350. Decide how much power you will be happy with.
If you're gonna stay 305, and not use Vortec heads, then Edelbrock has a TBI intake, but it won't be that impressive until you replace your swirl-port heads with something better. With TPI heads, that intake swap will get you at least 20 HP at 5000 rpm.
Holley makes a 670-cfm throttle body, much like the factory TB used on the 454.
If you go to Vortec heads, GM Perf Parts has a TBI intake.
JET offers an adjustable fuel pressure regulator. You'll want to find an L69 dual-snorkel air cleaner.
All the above mods apply whether you stay 305 or go 350.
Before worrying about this, start with a cat-back exhaust, headers, and a change of axle ratio. That'll give you a noticeable improvement, and help get the car ready for more power. Then decide if you want to struggle along with a 305, or get a 350. Decide how much power you will be happy with.
If you're gonna stay 305, and not use Vortec heads, then Edelbrock has a TBI intake, but it won't be that impressive until you replace your swirl-port heads with something better. With TPI heads, that intake swap will get you at least 20 HP at 5000 rpm.
Holley makes a 670-cfm throttle body, much like the factory TB used on the 454.
If you go to Vortec heads, GM Perf Parts has a TBI intake.
JET offers an adjustable fuel pressure regulator. You'll want to find an L69 dual-snorkel air cleaner.
All the above mods apply whether you stay 305 or go 350.
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
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From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
Bottom line: None of those is more "powerful" in and of itself than the others. The difference is in the "supporting cast" - heads, cam, exhaust. After that you could argue absolute air flow, when aftermarket intakes come into play. Regardless, the TBI is the weak sister from the factory in "supporting cast".
Last edited by five7kid; Nov 8, 2008 at 01:37 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (9)
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 898
Likes: 0
From: CT
Car: 1989 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 LS
Re: Convert or Not?
more power? you'll need to be a bit more specific. If all you want is another 20-30 horses, then the TBI you have is fine. In fact, the right TBI setup can support over 350 crankshaft horsepower.
Before worrying about this, start with a cat-back exhaust, headers, and a change of axle ratio. That'll give you a noticeable improvement, and help get the car ready for more power. Then decide if you want to struggle along with a 305, or get a 350. Decide how much power you will be happy with.
If you're gonna stay 305, and not use Vortec heads, then Edelbrock has a TBI intake, but it won't be that impressive until you replace your swirl-port heads with something better. With TPI heads, that intake swap will get you at least 20 HP at 5000 rpm.
Holley makes a 670-cfm throttle body, much like the factory TB used on the 454.
If you go to Vortec heads, GM Perf Parts has a TBI intake.
JET offers an adjustable fuel pressure regulator. You'll want to find an L69 dual-snorkel air cleaner.
All the above mods apply whether you stay 305 or go 350.
Before worrying about this, start with a cat-back exhaust, headers, and a change of axle ratio. That'll give you a noticeable improvement, and help get the car ready for more power. Then decide if you want to struggle along with a 305, or get a 350. Decide how much power you will be happy with.
If you're gonna stay 305, and not use Vortec heads, then Edelbrock has a TBI intake, but it won't be that impressive until you replace your swirl-port heads with something better. With TPI heads, that intake swap will get you at least 20 HP at 5000 rpm.
Holley makes a 670-cfm throttle body, much like the factory TB used on the 454.
If you go to Vortec heads, GM Perf Parts has a TBI intake.
JET offers an adjustable fuel pressure regulator. You'll want to find an L69 dual-snorkel air cleaner.
All the above mods apply whether you stay 305 or go 350.
This weekend I'm going to send my camaro in for getting a catback 5 but a slight bigger than stock factory and a new catalytic converter.
So after that would the following as you stated make a noticable improvement?
axle ratio (is this ring & pinion?)
juel regulator (50 psi fine?)
Dual Snorkel (why not just a open element?)
Anything else I could do that would improve my power?
Bottom line: None of those is more "powerful" in and of itself than the others. The difference is in the "supporting cast" - heads, cam, exhaust. After that you could argue absolute air flow, when aftermarket intakes come into play. Regardless, the TBI is the weak sister from the factory in "supporting cast".
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