So I've got a 91 RS and I'd like to share my game plan for it and get any input or suggestions anyone may have on it.
The car is a 91RS. 305 TBI, 5speed T-5WC.
Here's my list. (Bodywork, Fiberglass ss hood, Wheels/tires are checked off the list).

Exhaust 3in single from headers/manifolds to stock duel split with flowmast 10 or delta 40.

Subframe Connectors

Upgraded Suspension (haven't decided on what, Suggestions would be appreciated).

New Posi Rear End (Thinking 98-02 4th gen. Thoughts, alternatives?

TKO 600 transmission. (Seems like the way to go. Thoughts?)

Then when thats all done I'll be dropping in a 350, 650-750 carb, Vortec or Trickflow heads, headers, etc. Want a number close to 400HP.

I won't be taking this car to the track or anything but if something pulls up next to me at a stop light or wants to throw down $100 I won't hesitate and of coarse I'll do my duty to embarrass the f*** out of any civic owner with a cherry bomb and green rims that think they're a speed racer lol. Most of all I want something solid and well done that I can appreciate for a long time.

Any Thoughts, Suggestions, Input, things I didn't think of, etc would be appreciated.

Thank you!

 

Well, half the members agree and half disagree on this but my opinion is unless you already have performance sbc parts it is simply better and cheaper to buy a 5.3 or 6.0 liter LS truck engine. Depending on the yard, $100-500. You can run it stock and add a single turbo and make 400 horsepower without much trouble. So we are talking a grand for engine and turbo setup. Transmission and misc installation items may drive it to $1500-2000. New trick flow heads will run you $1200 and you still need roller rockers and push rods and ARP head bolts. $1500 right there. Can even use will be $150 or so. Block machining can be $500 but honestly if you don't have a block than its better to buy a prepped block from a performance supplier, GM, Summit Motown.etc.

Once in a while you can find a tko 600 for $2000, a used or rebuilt t56 is a much better idea. $800-1500.

Replacing suspension joints and pieces, plan on $1000. These cars are money pits in order to bring them up to today's performance levels. They take a few years for most people to build and you will never get your money back out of it. Well, maybe in 20 years you will.

 

Appreciate the input! I got the exhaust done today, Sounds nice even with the choked up 305. I also picked up some Vortec Heads, covers and intake. Plus ordered UMI subframe connectors and some shocks/struts from summit.
Definitely gonna do the 5.7, I was thinking about buying the new $1,500 gm crate with the bad compression (8:5) and about 200hp as is. If I put that vortec top end, a nice carb and some good flowing headers on I think I can get the power I'm looking for. Thoughts?

Again appreciate the input. I love this site

 

Yeah, I'm not worried about getting my money back. I know these thing don't hold much Value. I value them though haha. I love these cars and I'd rather spent 5-10k on it then buy a 5-10k car.

 

Unfortunately you've already bought the Vortec heads; for about $500 more than that bottom of the barrel "Targetmaster", you could have had a complete new L31 Vortec longblock, roller-ready.
$1500 is a lot to pay for a low compression shortblock. I'd prefer a 100-150k mile junkyard Vortec motor.

 

Send me a link to the L31?
It'ss a long block and if I put the vortec heads on it won't I be fixing the compression issue? I don't regret buying them. I got a killer deal on the setup.

 

It's pretty easy to find
http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet+Perf...30283/10002/-1


No, no matter what heads you stick on that POS, you can't compensate for the pistons being too far down into the bores

 

I see... Thank you!

 

Oh, and furthermore, if you were to check one of those POS "200 hp" crate motors, you'd find the actual CR far below the advertised 8.5:1. More like between 7.8 and 8.2 !

 

Good to know! Thank you

 

Vortec headed 383 can put down 400 wheel horsepower and have decent street manners. You've chosen to stick with the sbc platform which is fine. Search around on here for proven vortech headed engines to see what can and compression they used.