I am looking into this 1989 IROC-Z with 350 TPI, that supposedly needs a head gasket for $1450. I want to know first hand from you guys, is this any more complicated than any other head gasket change? Also, what else to look for when inspecting this car? Thanks, look forward to being a member of the third gen soon!!!

BamaZ28

 

Well first off for $1450 or whatever consider it an investment. That car is somewhat rare and if its in good condition would be worth that kind of $ even if it had no engine.

Back to the topic...

The head gasket is the same as any other SBC, but getting the tuned port off and putting it back on is not easy if you've never done one before. That should be your only challenge. Otherwise BUY IT beofre someone else gets word about a deal like that.

 

What he said. Getting the TPI business off can really be a major pain in the *** until after you've done it a couple times. Other than that, it's like any other car. You gotta pull off the alternator, compressor, heater diverter valve and exhaust manifolds. After you break a couple manifold bolts, you won't even bother complaining about pulling the TPI.

 

I have seen a TPI 350 setup before, what makes it so hard? I haven't done it so I can't say much, but it didn't look like anything tricky. Could it be done in a week, hour or so of work per day? Yeah I found this and wanna get it due to the money value.

Thanks

BamaZ28

 

I personally didn't find the TPI any more difficult to get off than trying to get at that bolt between the egr valve and the choke warm up thingy on the regular manifolds. If you want to re-use that diverter valve be very careful, it likes to break. You should probably replace it anyway so it doesn't break while you are driving and leak all your water out of your radiator and blow your new set of head gaskets. I just got rid of it and by-passed it.

 

pulling the entire TPI setup uff and puttinig it back on is about a 3hour job. While it's off you should consier installinfg a Adjustable fuel pressure regulator. While is's off make sure you clean all surfaces and re gasket them. Same goes for the head. I'd say buy it. I got my 87 IROCZ with a 350 auto setup for 700 bucks. It's all in how much you wanna spend. If you've got 1400 bucks to spend then yes, come over to the dark side

 

What isnt visible are all the bolts tucked in places that will have you saying everyname in the book. This winter, I must have taken the whole thing off about 12 times. Always forgetting things, taking port jobs one step further..etc. I can now do it in less than an hour, but the first time is a learning experience. Youll learn the hard way, the right way!!

 

Sad to say, once again I miss out on a great car.....it was sold before I had a chance to see it, thanks for the insights though.

BamaZ28

 

SALE 91 Camaro RS

If you interested i actually have a 1991 Camaro RS for sale, its got a v6 in it but its in excellent condition, just has a slow engine in it, the only reason that i am selling it is because i wanted more power with the v8, and didn't want to take the time to swap it out. I have reciepts for everything that has been replaced, and stand by the car,

Its white, with greyblack interior(custom), Ground effects still in excellent condtion, well maintianed, the oils changes were scheduled and done every 3,000 Miles, if you want pics Just ask.

 

Uh oh,

Check this out

http://www.peikmusic.com/1987_firebird_trans_am.htm

that is the car I am picking up tomorrow for $1400, it has 170,000 miles though. needs a couple things including a tune up, of course. also the rocker arms are noisy as hell, easy to adjust, is the timing easy, it is still HEI......let me know

BamaZ28

i have gone from 4th gen to 2nd and now a third,......cool

 

Looks like a carbed 305. You'd probably be much happier with TPI. But hey, for $1400 go for it.

 

yes, I was a bit dissapointed to find a carb 305 under the hood. My brother had a 1991 5.7 TPU, I loved it. I will make the best and hang with the rest, thanks everyone

BamaZ28

 

Other than a couple runner bolts, it's not difficult... it's just time consuming. Pulling the intake off a carbed car can be done on your lunch break.

 

If I had a choice I would take the carb over the TPI especially(spelling) on a higher mileage motor. The carb is much less expensive to mod and maintain than the TPI. You can easily bypass the computer with an older style Q-jet and put an HEI distributor on there and not have to bother with those pesky sensors any more if you want to. Not seeing underneath the hood I am not sure that is not what was done already.

But in either case the Q-jet is easily modded with simple rod and hanger changes and capable of taking advantage of head and cam mods much easier and less expensive than the TPI.

As for the noisy rocker arms: If they are the stock rocker arms with hydraulic cam they shouldn't need adjustment. That noise may be something else. Has any engine work been done at all? The seals on those heads will usually be leaking by that many miles. I personally would look into having the heads re-worked (new guides, valve job,ect...) and putting in one of comp cams smaller XE cam kits in because by now the cam lobes and lifters along with the heads may be worn out. Of course I would do a compression check on all the cylinders first to make sure the engine was healthy enough to last another 30 or 40 thousand miles without a rebuild.

 

I am SO relieved.... I went and picked up the car and gave half money up front ($600). So it is ticking really bad! When I got home, I took off the passenger side valve cover (pain in the ***), and found a "limp" rocker arm, just dancing around like he had no place to go. So my question now, what do I adjust them too and how, I am a bit rusty on valve lash, haven't done it in a LONG time. Also, have any of you converted to roller tip rockers or 1.6? If so any increase? I wanna know before I put this PITA valve cover back on, thanks

BamaZ28