i have a 1988 sports coup 305 tbi, and i feel like the 170 hp just isn't enough for me. with a budget of maybe 200$, how could i add a little bit more power? how much more money would it cost me to have a chance at getting over 200 hp? and i am looking for a new exhaust system, wich should add some more horseys, but ide still like to know what i could do to the engine. maybe a throttle body spacer? i dont know what else

 

Anything you read about for under $100 that "adds power" like TB spacer , chips , etc is BS
Save your $$ for an exhaust upgrade

Do a search on here; plenty of 305 upgrade / budget build up info

 

i just dont have any idea where to start. i guess the exhaust, but what do i do after that? i haven't ever modified a car in my life

 

Have you done a tune up and changed the oil lately ? Here's a few things to keep you busy for a while = Open air intake or cool air intake of some sort along with the full exhaust system as mentioned above.
There is a reason that most of the guys here start with those two items.Its because the stock system barely supports the little 305 and peanut cam and needs to be upgraded in order to support any other modifications made.After those I suggest a new rear end with a gear ratio of 3.42 or higher depending on if you have a automatic or manual trans.and also install a posi unit while your in there. If you have a automatic I would install a Corvette servo to firm up the shifts.(about $25.00 and you can even do it yourself.)=
http://sethirdgen.org/servo.htm
Side note = With the Corvette servo install it made such a difference in the firmness of the shifts for me that it eliminated the need for a shift kit.
When your on the site go to the search feature and punch in things like " open air element" or "best exhaust"or "Corvette servo"and read, read ,read, every post you can and that's how you learn about the subjects your interested in. I read extensively old posts on here and it has helped me tremendously.Also go to YouTube and punch in different exhaust systems to listen to like this = 1988 Camaro/Flowmaster/ and the videos for that exhaust system will pop up.

 

where is like a medium rear? where it's not a redlight race car, but i can still get a nice torque boost and feel the power more

 

and the car has had the distributer replaced, new spark plug wires, a jiffy lube visit, and a new belt. i do have a small oil leak...pretty sure its the oil pan gasket, and im also somhow losing coolant. i think it could be because the resivour cap doesn't screw on because it;s stripped.

 

Only if the hose is not under water, there is no pressure there
If you are losing coolant check the radiator and cap first
May have to get a pressure test done to see if your cooling system is sound

 

3.42 is the one. Its perfect for a street car.Pulls nice off the line yet with OD cruses nicely. I would not trade mine for any other gear ratio.

 

Headers and catback are probably going to be your best bang for the buck to start with. Stock manifolds and y pipe are super restrictive. K&N or similar free flowing filter doesn't hurt either: underdrive pulleys, Corvette servo, 1.6 roller rockers, intake runners. Are all going to be easy bolt on mods to start with that are all fairly affordable and actually do something.