I was just wondering if a 1983 Trans Am with the 305 CrossFire in good tune could beat a 1988-1992 Throttle Body 305 in good tune, both automatics, both stock and say the same rear end ratio. Or the other way around

 

It will be a good race, but one thing you better make sure, is that your crossfire is in perfect tune to hang with the throttle body, I think you'll still probably have the upper hand though. Should be a nice race to watch, though!! Keep us updated!!

 

A couple of things to consider....

CFI cars were rated at 165-175hp. TBI cars were rated at 170 hp. Assuming equal states of tune this is a wash but....

Early CFI cars had 3 speed non-overdrive transmissions, later ones may have had 4 speed OD tranny

My father used to own a very nice 82 Vette with CFI/700R4 and it ran decently but it also had 350 ci vs 305 on the CFI F-body.

I'd guess that my 88 Formula with TBI and a few simple mods would run about even with the old 82 Vette.

TBI cars were also available with 5 speeds but since you asked about the automatics that's a non-issue.

I have driven many 305ci f-bodies over the years and I can tell you there are ringer and dud cars with CFI, TBI, TPI and carbs and with the exception of some hot versions of the TPI most of these cars were rated in the 165-200hp range a range tight enough to make other issues like tuning and gearing the biggest factors in performance.

Bottom line....given your conditions I'd give the win to whoever's car was in the best running condition.

 

It would be close... the motors would be dead even, assuming stock and similar states of tune. IMO, its down to gearing.

 

would luv to see that race, i luv watching or raceing thidgen to thirdgen:hail:

anyway are u the one that has the CFI ?? aside performance i luv the way they look, i wish i could find a pic of one in mint or done up nice.
do the cfi engines sound diffrent? u got a sound clip?or vid? sry for jumping off topic.

 

i have an 83 crossfire trans am and i race my buddies 88 formula. both 305's. i got 3.73's and i believe he has 2.73's he got me off the line by a little but i pulled from second gear on. but its close the better gearing came out on top though.

 

yes i am the one with the crossfire, i was just wondering who would win in a race like this and just decided to ask you guys what you thought, sorry i don't have a pic of it or a sound clip but maybe soon