RedAssassin

Ok, I have a 1991 Z28 305TPI 5-speed camaro. I bought the car even though it wasn't a 350 because I really wanted a 5-speed and the car was extremely clean and in excellent condition inside and out.

I'm wanting some more power. Now i'm not looking to have a 10 second street car (that would be nice) I'd be pretty happy with a low 13 second car 12's would be awesome but a low 13 is respectable. Right now I have a dynomax muffler, K&N Filters, hurst shifter, upper strut tower bar, and a performance clutch. From what people are telling me I should be running a high 14. So I dont disappoint myself and the weight of my subs I figured right around a 15 flat (I dont take things out to race, I want to drive to the track, race and drive home).

I was thinking a few bolt-ons. I want to run 3" exhaust with a flowmaster 40series, some good headers, cold air intake setup, and a NX 100 wet shot. Would I be looking into the 13's or should I just swap? I've done a lot of reading on an LT1 swap and its not as much as it seems needed. I do have a garage with a good tool setup and I'm a mechanic for a living so I feel pretty confident in doing it. Would that be my best bet in the long run? Or should I be able to get what i'm looking for out of just building the motor. I know people say real good things about the stealth ram intakes but they seem to run a pretty penny.

Thanks for your help and reading my long *** post.

2 z28s

i'd swap in an Lt1 with a cam, you will be very happy with that

iansane

If you're not looking for the best thing on the road and are happy with a mid-low 13 I'd say, stealthram (just because it costs what just aftermarket runners cost), headers, cam and maybe some port work on the heads along with that 100-125 shot and you'd be near low 13's with some tuning.

Swapping to a gen II engine doesn't give enough of a benefit, IMO, to warrant the work.

If you're looking for an engine swap, shoehorn in an ls1 and be done. 325hp and 28-30 mpg.

91Z-28

I never understood why someone would put an LT1 into a thirdgen either, I see that as a disadvantage. It is basically the same thing except the reverse cooling makes your heads cost more and gives you a smaller selection.

LesPaulGoth

Eh, I really wouldn't build up a 305 and expect low 13's. I mean it's doable, but I have always been against the whole "cheater gas" thing. Doesn't seem natural to me...what's power if it isn't always there for you?

Anyhow, I would strongly suggest going with swapping to a 350 or bigger. They have so much more potential than a 305 does, and in the long run, you'd be happier. Like iansane suggested, if you have the money to go LS*, I'd go for it, especially if you want low 13's, that powerhouse will work out for you with little additional work.

EDIT: Another thing too...to get into the low 13's / 12's area, you are talking big horsepower, and I don't think that the stock pistons, rods, crank, 2 bolt mains can handle that. So you can opt to replace all of those with forged parts and HBeam rods, which will end up costing you over 1000$ after all is said and done, or you can just go that extra length and get a brand new crate motor, or a low mileage LS1.

BlackRabbitZ28

I would love to swap in an LS1 but its just not realistic for me. The price of the motor alone is way to much. Not to mention I need mounts, cross member, ECU, wiring harness, transmission, and all the other little things that would come with a swap.

jaykar

Hi,
For what you want IMHO,Find a used 350 Hydro block
that can take a clean .030 pass and put it on a stand and
take your time. Could look for a 4-bolt 350 truck block
like I used but not necessary unless your going to really
get carried away
Correctly setup 2-bolt, studs ect can take alot of abuse.
Now you can plan on exactly what you want to do.
355-383-396 ect.
Not saying 305 can't be made to run but money wise a
bad investment.
No Replacement For Displacement

Later

BlackRabbitZ28

If I just did a 350 what would I need from the 350 besides the complete block and complete heads? Do I need acessories, AC, anything else or will everything else from my 305 bolt up to it?

roosterjuicer

your gonna need a transmission too. that t-cant handle much more than a 305.

jaykar

Hi,

Your also going to be getting into some ECM programing
issues as you upgrade if you want it running rite.

Later

iansane

Depends on how you drive it. A t56 would better handle the power or a TKO trans but even the stocker-style t5 has held up for years behind stout 350s running around auto xing tracks and the like.

Everything externally will bolt up to the 350 with the exception of starter on some year engines and some other minor things.

confused327

i am pretty sure a 2-bolt can handle past 400hp, along with stock rods and pistons. I would agree with a swap to a larger motor, and if you can't go low 13's with that somethings wrong.
for some real good 3rd gen specific info i wouls check out 3rdgen.org.

iansane

You mean thirdgen.org? 3g.o is mainly for BSing. Lot's of guess know their stuff, just more written knowledge (and morons) on tg.o

91Z-28

Haha, very true. For every helpful person who knows their **** you get 2 "dads" or **** talking idiots.

confused327

my bad on the spelling, i just got some useful info there and was passing it on.