I own a 1987 Camaro LT with a transplanted 92 LB9 305 with TPI. I bought the car alittle over a year ago. This is my first car and i am very pleased with my car, but would like alittle more horsepower. I drag race my car at the strip every once and awhile and my best run is a 14.85 at 90mph which too isnt bad. From what i know since i didnt do the swap was that the engine came out of a 92 IROC-z (The problem is from what i have found there where no 1992 Irocs, maybe he meant the Z28 idk ) anyway i want to get alittle more hp than what it is making now, i estimate current hp 215-220. From what i know the only thing done to the engine is a chip with minor performace. My dad suggested nitrous, but a kit is around 500+ dollars, and ill have to refill after every day of racing . So i thought i might go for a cam, i really dont have any experience with cam or what to look for, i just want a cam that will give me more hp but, work with the stock engine, and still be drivable all year round. Another question should i even be going for a different cam or should i look some place else for hp? p.s. im already planning to get hooker 2460 headers and y pipe. also im currently a high school seinor and i dont have that much money to spend or id just go for a 383 lol thanks

 

I think the last year for the LB9 305 TPI was the 1986 IROC-Z- like mine. 1987 and up IROC-Z's had the L98 engine which is the 350 block. I could be wrong though. The best thing to do to get a little more horses out is getting headers, get a 3 inch exaust system, if smog isnt required in your area, then gut the catalytic converter or just cut it out and install a tube with clamps to hold it in place. Also if you buy an after market cam, your going to spend around $250 for a Comp Cam roller which happens to be Computer Controlled. You'll need a computer controlled cam because lets say the valve stays open longer than the stock cam. The Computer in the Camaro is already programed when the inject fuel and when to initiate a spark. Now there is also sensors involved here. If the camshaft is too wild or radical, then you will lose vacuum. Now when the sensors sense little or no vacuum, It will send a signal to the ECM (cars computer) and then the computer will try to make adjustments to make the fuel/air ratio meet at its programed setting. At this point, the ECM is confused and it will throw off all kinds of wierd things. In other words, your Camaro will not run right. Another mod is constructing a air ram using the existing fog light ports. I dont know if it improves horsepower. Also remove the MAF screen. Re-route the throttlebody coolant (chamber on the bottom or throttlebody), also shave down the lower inner lips inside the plenum because they restrict a little airflow. To find other ways to gain power with limited funds, just do a search on the boards search feature on the upper right of this screen.

 

well thanks for the reply, gave me some good ideas. what ill do is shoot an email over to Comp Cams and ask them what exactly i need for my car, and ill also replace the lifters, and springs when i do the change.

 

Cam on it's own MIGHT give some improvement on stock engine but restriction on a TPI engine is the intake itself
If you want bang for $$$
Do headers 1st , then intake mods THEN cam

 

yeah i was looking in jegs and found elderbrock runners, and base, but those are really expensive and it says only 18-20 hp gain (of course those are innaccurate, so that means alot less hp i suppose)

 

the LB9 305 TPI was in 85-92 Fbodies and the L98 350TPI was in 87-92 Fbodies and 85-91 Corvettes....
As for his next mod I would also suggest headers and Catback 3"

 

That is typical of Hp gains on stock engines with bolt on mods ;
10Hp here , 15Hp there.
Speed cost ; how fast can you afford to go ?

If you want instant mega HP then your old man is right;
Spray it and hope it hangs together

 

Double post

 

Im about to delete my whole emissions equipment because I just found out that I dont need the smog test.. So Im going to buy some headers that dont feature the "stove pipes" to add to my already 3" exhaust system. Hope this gives me a challenge for my Bro n laws holley ram air system. Arcitc Cat ZRT, good luck on your mods man.

 

About 5 minutes from my house is an auto shop that builds their own race cars, mainly c5 corvettes and race these cars on the east coast in road racing. They also serve as a normal auto shop which i think is pretty cool, i should stop down and see what i can do with my cat while still keeping it legal, since they do my emissions. Thanks for all of the suggestion and help