Where Do I Start?

[One85z28]

I just bought a 85 Camero Z28, five speed, 305 w 4bbl carb setup. It is a bone stock Z. The emmissions system was disabled, no problem here in the South. Where's the best place for me to start to build up this motor. I want only those performance mods that I transfer to a crate 350 if I pull the 305. I want a good street performer with some good low end torque in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear.

I have already removed the smog pump, the vacuum lines and manifold were capped off before I got it. The only problem I have is when I start the car in the morning it revs high (probably the choke) and I have to let it warm up for about 3 - 4 minutes and pat the acccelarator for it to return to idle, but lately It's been taking longer and longer to do this. This morning about five minutes. Do I buy another carb w/o the electric choke.

I have ordered a manual for this car. I learned a long time ago that this is the best place to start. I have already tune it up somewhat( new plugs, air and fuel filter)not finished though, I probably need new wires and distributor cap. ANY INFO IS APPRECIATED. THANKS.

[Lyle A]

1. CAMARO
2. If you really want a good street performer, put a 383 stroker in it.
3. When your engine is cold and you push the gas the throttle plated stays held open with the fast idle cam. I believe that's adjustable( It's been along time since I had a carb.) The heater in the electric choke might be weak. You could replace it.

[One85z28]

I'm on a strict budget and have to be very careful of the money I spend on this project and don't know what's reasonable, a 383 stroker project or a crate 350 with my mods transfer to it. Any idea?

Thanks for the info on the choke, I will check it and replace it if needed. I am waiting on a Chilton manual, so I can learn more about this car. I used to have a 77 Datsun 280z, but gave up on it because parts were either rare or costly. I couldn't justify the money for the hp. So I have decided to go chevy. No more rice for me!

[Lyle A]

Put a 383 in that Z. I saw one here that a guy did that to. It was awesome. Those old 280Z's were good cars. My dad had one once upon a time. Here's one place that sells them. You could search around on the net to get price comparisons.

[grease monkey]

if ur goin 2 use NOS, do not use a stroker, also, strokers are best for the dead stop and go type of speed if u want a engine that will give good performace all around just go with a built 350, you can get the same H.P out of each, and if wanted u can add nitrous later (if u put in forged pistons while building), not taking down the stoker on anything there great engines, just cost a little more

[85camaroland]

either way headers and exhaust will fit any small block if you tossed the smog pump i like the dynomax headers from summit for 99.00 and a catco high flow cat from ebay for 37.95+14.00 shipiing than all you need is 3" pipe to a flowmaster or magniflow and you are ready i would save the carb untail you put the new motor and match your carb with your new intake and cam a mallery distributer is a good choice and it comes with a perf coil

[top-down 91]

I have a revalation, my friend!!!!!!! Go to Edelbrock.com and take a look at their beautiful, ready-to-run, 350's. They are made up of Edelbrock parts, of coarse, and once installed, depending on which of the 6 available engines you purchase, you will be running anywhere from 310-420 HP!!!!! The cheapest(and slowest) engine comes out of the box with 310. Then it's 320,360,410, so on so forth. you can pick one up starting at,I believe, $4500. They are down right cool. Or you can swap for a TPI 305 and put mini-ram manifold, new heads, cam work, and an inexpensive supercharger, and shazaam, you have 400 HP. Either way, you should switch to a TPI. GOOD LUCK!

[top-down 91]

Um,one mistake I made, the Edelbrock engines are Carbs.

[One85z28]

First of all, thanks for all the good suggestions.

top-down 91, you've got a point, those ready to run engines are hassle-free and inexpensive. lyle A's suggested site has some good choices! I think I'm going to go that route. I'm not interested in NOS either, just a decent daily street runner. I want it to haul *** when I feel like it.

What does everyone think about these engines from Golen Engine Service? BTW, I still need someone to suggest what mods that I can make to this 305 that will transfer to the new 350.

350 ci / 350 hp
Cast Iron Head, Carbureted
Short Block
$1,499.00

350 ci / 430 hp
Aluminum Head, Carbureted
Short Block
$1,499.00

Yesterday, I discovered that I had a small vacuum leak to the carb, that may have been the reason why I had to pat it in the morning, I'm not sure though. I need to see how it behaves tommorrow morning. But, I didn't have to pat it and it got right to idle. Thanks for the input

I got rid of some more of that emissions crap, but taking it slow, I don't know what sensors or computer bugs may occur while I'm deleting and plugging things.



Thanks everybody!

[Lyle A]

This Article talks briefly about them. I have heard alot of good about their engines. I would buy one if I could afford it. But....