Ok guys, I've been searching this site for a few weeks now trying to gain some knowalge on these TPI engines. I know alot of you are getting pissed with the same questions over and over again. I hope I am not doing that here.
I have a 1987 Gta, with a 305 TPI, 3.73 in the back, and a new 700R4. The engine is bone stock.
I have not driven the car for 5 years but i am planning on making it my summer car starting this year. My question is concerning mods to the 305 TPI engine. I'm not looking at running 14's at the track or any of that, My main concern is to have a nice healthy engine, but I still want some new horses.
I never had a problem with the car the 1 year I drove it. Before I parked it I did the basics. Plugs, wires, cap, button, coolant flush, oil change, oil and air filters, etc.
Assuming that the engine is tuned and running nice and clean, I was hoping some people could tell me if they see any potential problems with what I am thinking on doing, Or even if i need to do them at all.
First the A/C pump is already gone (was like that when i bought the car). Thinking on removing the smog pump, air pump/diverter valve, Install headers and either high flow cat with no air hole or no cat at all. Install aftermarket underdrive pully set and a higher amp alt than stock as well as a replacement water pump. Replace hoses and belts as well.
I know the headers are a good mod, and I mainly wanna get rid of the smog stuff to free up some room. I've looked into that a bit and from what I've read on other posts, it should be fine as long as you deal with the cat issue. As for the pully's I heard they are good too, as long as you address the charging issue ... I think it would be an issue with the gta with the digital dash, and my aftermarket cd player. .
this is gettin pretty long so, Is there anything here that screems NO DONT DO IT!! Or do you think I should focus on other things that I may not be aware of?
I apologize if this is a big newbie pain in the ***.

 

an 87 305 TPI should hit very high 14's with good traction. every thing you posted looks in order.

 

Nothing screams don't do it, lol. It's all safe stuff, so no worries--as long as you're emissions safe, if that's necessary for you.

But one thing you didn't mention is your intake. If you still have the stock airbox in place, you might want to alter it or change it for better airflow. As simple as that will be, it'll make a big difference in performance.

 

My advice:
1st make sure car is in good tune. Do one mod at a time.
Start with removing cat and installing cat-back exhaust system. Cold Air induction should be next...followed by headers (1-5/8" or smaller) and removal of smog eqipment...though you can remove smog pump and AIR pipes at any time. A cool running engine, with cold air in, and good exhaust system, and you'll be happy for a while. For a "healthy" running engine, I wouldn't bother with underdriven pullies...unless your trying to pull out every possible horsepower...which I don't think you are. It could just end up being a big hassle.

 

check the tech board and look at that article on 3rd gen mods...its a good one and i back all that stuff