Hey guys it's my first post on this site. I like it so far, you guys seem very helpful.

Basically I'm just looking for performance increases and your experiences with how you've added to your car. I own a 1986 iroc with a 305 tpi on a 700r4. I'm only 19 so i don't have a LOT of experience with cars but i do know quite a bit. I plan on swapping the 305 with an ls1 when my budget allows it. But untill then.. What could i do to it to increase the power? I do plan on getting sub frame connectors and probably an aluminum drive shaft. Thanks in advance

 

What kind of rear gears do you have?

 

You could put off the driveshaft purchase, as long as the U-joints are solid in yours. The stocker is good for quite a bit of power; no good performance/dollar opportunity there.
So with a 1986, yours is MAF-controlled, correct? If so, you're lucky; it will tolerate more modifications than a Speed Density controlled engine will without custom tuning.
Depending on gearing, a mild 9.5" or 10" torque converter is a good performance boost.
Headers and free-flowing exhaust should be one of your first mods, regardless.

 

Stock driveshaft in my 85 was horrible, vibed real bad at 75mph... Get an aluminum take out, it's a great mod.

Otherwise... Tampering with a good running car for 10hp here and there is not worth it. You'll end up doing bolt on mods for a few hundred $... Next thing you know it runs/idles worse, hard to start, pcm throwing codes.. . Save for the engjne swap... Only do the engine swap if you absolutely love the car and plan to keep it for YEARS..

Nitrous, as the guy above proves, is ALWAYS fun... Every car needs a 100 shot. My 305 ran great with a 150 shot for years and the kit can be used on most cars/sold easily..

Good tires is money well spent.

Gears?? A stout rear axle is important but an engine swap adding hundreds of HP is a much better mod..

 

Thanks, AutoRoc, for pointing out: he DID say LS1 swap ..........therefore scratch my recommendation on headers (I'm stuck thinking in the Gen1 /Gen2 world!)
And yep, a TC now will not work with future LS1, so scratch that too.

Personally (I know, this is just me ), I'd be sticking to Gen1 as your future motor upgrade. Keeps life a lot simpler and cheaper. You can jump into the upgrade without nearly as much coin saved up, and replace things like the TPI topend as you're able to.
I just dropped a $300-rebuild L31 with ZZ4 cam in the Firebird last month, and EASILY added 100 hp.

 

wow thanks for the thoughtful responses! i torque converter is a very good thought, i've been considering this for a while. i've never thought of nitrous though, i feel it stresses the engine a lot but i guess people do use it a lot. i wouldn't mind playing with it hahaha.. i also like the idea of a free flowing exhaust. on the ls1 swap too.. i've been trying to save up for one for some time now.. like since i've bought the car. i've been on craigslist a lot. are there any other good places to look for engines like this?

also.. what are your guys' opinions on what to do to an ls1? i realize i have got a lot to learn. i've thought a lot about stroking and boring it. it seems like there's a lot of prochargers going on ls1's as well