i just bought it and would like to upgrade it very soon. But first I need to do a few things. 1 is a major tuneup. 2 is to dyno it, and 3 is to get a baseline at the track.

After that, I would like to add some go-fast goodies.

Headers, cutout, SFC's, shift kit and vetter servo, chip, and then a cam.

Will that get me low 14's? I don't want to invest too much more in the engine after all that, because eventually I'd like to swap in an Lt1 or LS1 w/ a 6spd.

What little things will make a nice difference? I know the TB air foils are useless, but what about underdrive pullies?

Any advice?

 

dont upgrade then if you are going with an LT1.. LT1's are going real cheap considering everyone wants LS1/6/2's

ive seen several LT1's selling complete for 400-800$.. which is less than what you would spend on TPI upgrades..

here is a break down of cost of parts that you listed

headers = 400
cut out = 50
SFC's = 150
custom chip = 150

ect..


that right there is 750 and thats not everything that you wanted.. when you sell the engine you wont get a 1/4 of what those parts cost you new.

so if you are sure you are going to swap.. drive the car stock, save the money and buy the engine.. otherwise its a waste.

ps

SFC's you can do now, as well as headers since they will bolt to the LT1..

LS1 is a different ball game.

 

I know I'm nowhere near buying an LT1, but what else do I need besides the engine? Will it bolt up to the tranny? What about the optispark. do I go with that or "distribute" it?

What would this car do in the 1/4? 16's seem awfully high?

 

start with the things that will stay with the car. like suspension. that is a major place people always overlook in favor of engine fast parts.

SFC's
lowering springs
LCA's
LCA brackets
shocks/struts
adj panahrd bar
ect..

then look anything else you need to upgrade in favor of more speed.

brakes come to mind.. the stocks are sucky for a 305, how are they going to do with an LT1/LS1 behind them?

plan it out.. i strongly urge that if you are "eventually" getting rid of the engine, theres no need at all to mod it... a baseline isnt going to be worth anything since the whole engine will change.. plus like i said.. you wont get a 1/4 of what you spent on mods back when you sell it.. people cant even GIVE away their 305 let alone sell it.

do it right the 1st time so you dont waste what you work hard for.


16's on a 305 TPI sounds too high.. more like mid 15's

the 700R4 will bolt up to the LT1.. but you're better off getting the LT1/4L60 combo.. they go for about 1000-1300. the opti have been know to cause problems, then again others never had have problems. if i were doing the LT1, i would ditch the opti in favor of the new 8 coil system.

 

Where is a link to the 8 coil system? I have a few friends with LT1's and have never heard of this. I've heard they have a nice opti-spark replacement, but...

Mid-15's makes me feel better.