I am looking at an 85 TA with the 305 tune port but this will be my first fuel injected car that I will mod what are the common short comings for the 85 and what so different I noticed a lot of the after market stuff doesn`t even act like this ever existed so what is the big deal?

 

Only thing thats different is that the exhaust has a 4 bolt cat, instead of a slip fit like 86 +. But u can still get the catback with the four bolt connection. As for headers u wont be able to get a Y Pipe with the 4 bolt cat, but u can still buy headers and what not.

Another thing is the belt system 85-87 used a different belt system so u cant get superchargers and what not for those model years.

Also the computer in the 85 is a dumb one. Its slower then the 86+. It still works fine and what not its just that the 86+ is better for tuning.

I have a 85 305 TPI and I like it, most powerful 305 TPI auto.
Anything else u wanna know just ask.

 

The main hang-up is the computer. If you're keeping it stock, or if you want to spend forever screwing with chips for the 85 computer, you can get around it and get results just as good as the newer ones. I decided to upgrade to the 86-89 style computer because there is a LOT more support out there, so when I diagnose my situation, I can get more help translating that into new chip setups.

The baud rate on the 85 computer is so slow, that you're lucky to get 8 data points through a typical 15 second 1/4 mile run. With the 86-89 computer you get hundreds.

 

Thanks guy if all goes well I should have the car tommorow so I am sure there will be many other questions to come.

 

good luck!