Alrighty guys, when you're posting please keep in mind I'm 16 and fairly new to cars and engines. I've always loved cars and I know how an engine works/etc... at least the major parts. I have an 86 IROC with a 305tpi, and a 700r4. I only work part time since I'm still in school, but my friends all love my car just as much as I do. I'm looking for some good, hopefully fairly cheap, mods that I could do to increase power, response, that kind of stuff. I've already done the audio system, exhaust, wheels, etc... but after I get it painted here in the next two weeks or so, I'm going to want to bump up the performance. I'm not looking for some 500hp big block or anything like that, just maybe something to get me to around 300-350 hp and and more torque. I've looked at 350's on craigslist, but I just can't seem to find any good ones that are already assembled and for a goood price. Any suggestions?! I'm open to just about anything. Oh, and I'm not sure what cam is in my 305, but it's definitely not stock, you can tell by how it idles/etc. Also, keep in mind I am in no way loaded with money, haha.

 

There are no good mods that are "cheap"
Welcome to the club


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Well unfortunately 300 hp or more is going to cost money. With a 350 block you have the option of 355, or 383 which will allow 300-400hp. Being 16yrs old, I would stick with the 305 for a couple of years until you decide and have the money to build what you want. Sticking a little hear and there and then later finding out what you really want is more hp, is not money wise. Build it right the first time. I would get your 305 a good tune up, (plugs, k&n type filters, maybe an aftermarket chip, headers) and call it good for now. Just remember, hp=$$$$$. I hope i didn't discourage you, but just trying to give you a straight answer. There's nothing wrong with a well tuned 305.

 

i like your answer. shoot your doing good when I was 16 my dad refused to put a v8 in mine. Now I'm 33 and I just now got a 355 in mine and he's still saying be careful. now about the cost he's telling you the truth the horse power you are looking for from what I've learned is going to cost you something and the more you want the higher the cost. From what I learned from the 305tbi to 355 carb vortec swap that I just did is that a 350 is alot cheaper to mod for the money than a 305 is. but like you said to find one in good shape already running for a cheap price is next to impossible b/c everyone knows what they are worth. take his advice and I hope this doesn't discourage you. would've been nice for me to have been able to work part time when I was 16 making about 200 bucks a week to just be able to build my dream motor in my bedroom slowly and properly while i was in high school. by my senior year it would have been RIGHT!!!
sitck with thirdgen they helped me out of many situations and questions.

bottom end and short block 350 $600
carb $250
new heads and intake $1100
headers $150
ypipe $190
exhaust work about $200
misc. (oil pump, brackets, bolts,lifters, wires, plugs, flexplate , distributor, radiator, fan motor,gaskets) $300
and thats with the machine work done by the shop already

 

When I say cheap I mean around 200-400 bucks or so. I know heads are around 800 a pair and all that, but what about like a 55mm throttle body or something like that from summit racing? I guess what I'm really looking for is little things to keep me busy and entertained until I can earn the money and build a good motor.

 

Don't waste your money on a t-body. The stock one is plenty for your motor and 80% of them here.

If i was to start over, I would start with bigger brakes, a trans rebuild with a great converter. Try and get atleast 1" 3/4 headers and good Y pipe. 1.6 Roller rockers help also. Mod the MAF sensor and use some K&Ns but don't over oil them.

Do a good cat back, work on your air induction baffles, get a fuel psi regulator, do some mild intake porting. I go with 160* T-stats and a fan switch for it.

There are several places to look for info on doing all of this stuff. good luck and welcome.

 

I would srart with fixing all the small problems once they are all fixed move onto brakes/suspension then rear last should be engine. with 300+ hp you want to make sure your car can handle it.

 

best advice i ever got and makes good sense is to build the car backwards start with wheel/tires then rearend and work toward the motor (so your not constantly breaking things) that is what i would do if i were you, and take the others advice, then also pick up what you can for a motor build if its a good deal and research like crazy so you know what your getting into whichever way you decide to go and btw if i were you i would go 5.3 ls swap

as to getting by with the 305 run the #s on your heads and if they are not the 58 cc chambers you can get a set of iron 081's i think they are cheap and would be a nice upgrade and a mild cam wouldn't hurt it either but don't throw a lot of money at the 305

 

Before you start buying parts, read read read read and then read more.

set your self a goal with how you want the car to end up. write down a build sheet with prices, part numbers and where the parts are from. Then you can see how much it will cost you, you will not end up wasting money. I have seen soo many people start to mod there car and then they change what they want to do.

If you thinking of doing a motor swap, go lsx. you can pick them up for cheap. It woud be a better platform to start off with. and you can start to stock pile your parts that you need.

I stockpiled pretty much my whole build in my room before Installed parts, I had wheel,tires, brakes, fullsuspension, exhaust, sound system seats, intake,cam,heads,rockers,pushrods ect. I did it like that because I did not have alot of time or money ( school and work ) and it was my only car then. and could not be with out a car if I broke something. Also no one likes doing mods twice

So I know you want to start buying parts and have a fast fun car, but Do your homework first and read reserch , ask questions. money does not come easy might as well not waste it.