I'm new to the 3rd gen and have been reading a lot of posts on what parts to use for specific rebuilds. As I am new to third gen I am new to car performance as well. What I am asking is for guidance in rebuilding a stock 88 iroc-z 305 5-speed. I don't want to swap because I'm a father and in the military working with a blue collar income. Please help me with this gentleman.

 

What specific questions do you have about the rebuild? What Is the reason for the rebuild? Help us help you.

 

I'm rebuilding for performance, in a budget of 2500-3000. I really don't have time to do it myself so I will have to put it in the shop but I don't want to be screwed by guys that know the business when I don't.

 

For questions, I wanna know what parts I would get the most for rebuilding and why. I really want to learn everything I can about this vehicle.

 

I know you said you don't want to swap engines but you should reconsider that. It's extremely tough to make power with a 305. You have a good budget to work with for an engine swap. Not so much if your trying to build a 305 for power or a engine build in general. I just built a 350 for my 89. My 2k budget quickly blew past 4k with me doing all the work myself.

 

But to answer your question, heads, cam and intake are the areas were you should spend your money. The top end of these motors are very restricted. The were built for torque not horse power.

 

whee in nc are you stationed at? ive been seeing alot of third gen lately but no one ever really wants to talk or do anything fun

 

Stationed on camp lejeune. I am not wanting to do a swap because I've heard that the transmission I have would not do to well with a 350, and swapping a tranny and engine would be time and costly.

 

It will handle a mild 350.

 

Are you Against an ls1 t56 swap?

 

I'm not against anything as long as I get hp and it stays relatively cheap

 

So when it comes to heads cams and intake what's my best options?

 

There's a million different options out there but with your budget that narrows it down. If I were on your budget a set of 113 vette heads are something I might look at. They can be had for around $500 for the pair and are a upgrade over your stock heads. Check out member MRBrisk. He has a pretty decent 305 setup in his 87 IROC. Intake, I'd try a Holley stealth ram to raise the rpm range and a cam to help it breath above 5000 rpm as well. Those pieces on a $3k budget should keep you under $2k leaving you some cash for labor If you buy the heads and intake used.

 

Actually there's a set of 113's and a zz4 roller cam for sale in the classifieds right now for $500.