Hi my name is Sam.
I just registered to this forum today.
Yesterday I bought a 1986 305 Iroc for $1000
It does not have a transmission as of now.
The stock 305 is already pulled and has a blown head gasket.
I'm going to rebuild the whole engine (new cam, heads, etc) and i think i should keep the tpi system over carbarated, but im not sure.
I will be converting it to a 350.
The interior is all there and very nice.
Also i want to convert it to manual since it needs a transmission.
Any suggestion before i start this build?

 

Read the thousands of threads here. There are many ways to go, most have gone them before.


When decided what to build, you first need to decide what do you want to do with the car, and second what is your budget.


TPI is great, but it has limits. There is a ton of info on the auto to manual swap as well.

Welcome!

 

Thanks i appreciate the information. I just want a somewhat fuel efficient daily driver with medium sized *****. My budget on the engine build and tranny install is about 3k and i can do all the work myself. Plus i work at Advanced Auto Parts so i get a nice discount.

 

Rebuild the tpi ad a small cam, headers, and the usual other bolt ons and you'll be happy.

 

what type of cam does a 1986 use? flat? or roller?

 

Flat tappet.

 

keep in mind when you do rebuild the engine you will need to have the chip recalibrated, or you coud just buy a new aftermarket one.

 

Yea i would have brian from tpi chips make me one. Quick question though (i am looking through the forum) even with new heads on my 305 block i can still only use a flat cam?
I want this engine near 300hp so i was originally thinking i could do that with vortec heads a bigger cam and then exhaust and bolt ons. Am i wrong? Just really confused on the limitations of a 1986 305 block

 

if you go with vortec heads you will need to buy an aftermarket base for your tpi. flat tappet cam isn't your only option, you could install a roller cam with retro fit lifters if your block doesn't have the bolt holes for the factory lifter retainer. it will be more costly to your budget though

 

ok thanks, i have a lot of rearch to do...

 

do a 5.3 you will be happier in the long run more power and better driveability shop smart and you can do it on the cheap

 

lol we will bring them all over to the dark side

 

There goes that budget!

 

are all 1986 blocks flat tappet? and is the 305 tpi even worth having? I havent grabbed the engine yet but is it worth it? Can i make a 300hp motor with that engine? Need to know quick bc im suppose to grab the engine this week.
Should i just take its intake and grab a 350 block that can take a roller cam. Need help....

 

300hp out of a 305 isn't out of the question, however it would be far easier and less costly to get 300+ hp out of a 350,

 

If you don't have the engine already, get a one piece rear main seal 350. You'll be starting off ahead of the game, bigger engine, set up for roller cam, etc...

 

5.3 can be gotten for 500 to 600
edelbrock intake with ingition controller is 640
swap mounts are 75
fuel pump and regulator 100
carb 250
accy brackets 500 (dirty dingo)
cam springs and pushrods 650

Headers if you want them but you can get away with stock manifolds to start

Sell the fuel injected intake wireing and ecu If you got it and you can make back another 3 to 400


Thats your bare bones cheapest LS swap you can do and make close to 400 hp Crank


I didnt include trans becuase that would be the same with either or but with the LS you will need the 70 dollar adapters for the TQ and flexplate

 

$3000 invested, and you still have a used engine of questionable history and condition.


I am not against Ls swaps, but I don't think they are the best choice for a limited budget.

 

i dont want to carb it and of course if i see a cheap enough ls1 ill grab it
Thanks johnny ill look for a one piece rear main seal