Im buying a 90 IROC w/ almost 300k on it. It runs real good for that many mile but I know it will need to be rebuilt. Where do I start? What kit to get and from who? Id like to beef it up a bit. Im not looking for a track car just a fun and fast car I can smoke some ponies w/? Need some advice on what to do...Thanks

 

Welcome to thirdgen.org

Let's See.

You 1st need to know what you have (305, 350), and if it's a TPI or a TBI. Is it a 5-speed or an automatic? Has any of the drivetrain been rebuilt before?
That's where I would start.

If your set on rebuilding the engine...need to know your budget plans and your timeframe to offer better advice. Do you have tools? Doing this yourself?

I'd suggest doing some reading...
Some of the tech articles are good
https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/tech/
https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/tech/mods2.shtml
Books by David Vizard are good, also...don't have links to those.

Also do some searches. I'd specfically do some searches under the user names RB83L69 and grumpyvette

Later

 

Well I have a 350 TPI auto. The car has almost 300k on it so a rebuild would be good idea Im thinking. It runs surprisingly well for the amount of miles. Id love to do it myself if I have better facilities for it. The car is on its 3rd 700r4. Engine has never been touched as far as mods go just some minor reapairs. Im buying it from the original owner which is a good thing. Im not looking for a track car or anything. Just a bit of added HP up from stock. I was hoping to just get a real good rebiuld kit and do some bolt ons w/ some exhaust later. I know HP cost money but Im not looking for a track car like I said. Just a good, fast, and fun car to kill some ponies and ricers w/!!! But Ive thought about it today I figure I should just buy a rebuilt long block just in case there is a problem w/ the block thats in the car. It has a puff of smoke at start up and the guy said that it burned about a quart of oil between changes. He was changing oil every 5k miles. I figure buying a rebuilt block or buying a rebuild kit and paying someone to do it will cost about the same money. Looking for someone who has n=been in this type of situation b4 and can lead me in the right direction. Thanks

 

The puff of smoke on start up is in the heads, either worn valve guides or seals. You can get a rebuild kit from Summit for the 350 that comes with new pistons, rings, gaskets, bearings, etc. If you don't know how to measure the cylinders, I'd take it to a good machine shop to make sure it doesn't need any boring. That way you'll know if you need oversized pistons or bearings. If the car is running well then you probably don't have anything wrong with the block or rods. I'd just have machine work done on the block, have them press the cam bearings, polish the crank. And you'll probably need new valve guides in the head. Other than that, get a better cam, headers, and upgrade the exhaust. My personal opinion.