Help with '85 Trans Am?

Question

I just repainted my '85 trans am with factory red paint and I got it looking nice but I don't know the prices on getting the engine and exhaust and all that going to optimum capacity. The car only has 60,000 miles on it and it already has a complete flowmaster system. What can I do to the engine to make it have more horsepower and torque? And does anyone have prices on these things? I want to bore out the pistons but I don't know where to get that done. And it does run on a carburator so make sure the tips are for a carburated car please. thanks.

Answer 1

OK... I'll try to help... Not knowing the budget your working with will try to cover a few options

1985 T/A with a Carb.... When someone removed the TBI or TPI was the engine replaced for the same reason???

If orginal engine wasn't replace its a 305... The easyest HorsePower up grade is 5.7 (350) you have many options for a newer style engine... And you can get more parts in the same places... If your stuck on rebuilding your 305 you can get more HP but might not last as long... Used LT1, LS1, LS4 style engine's would be a good Idea also...
Start with an idea of what you want to spend then start shopping.

www.jegs.com
www.jcwhitney.com
http://www.motors.ebay.com/
There are 1000's of places to look....

If budget is low I would hunt for a wrecked or dead 90's Z/28 or T/A even GTA... Don't leave out the Corvette... You might even find a 6 speed setup...

Swap in a 5.7 (350) engine, make sure my carb is setup for the driving I want to do every day and strip duty... 750 to 780 cfm
If the engine swap is a running TPI engine I might not replace with Carb. If if get all the wiring with it including ECM and PCU but you will need to learn more about the systems.

Headers to match up with your flow masters. 4spd auto trans freshen up that is in the T/A or get a better trans 700R4... Rear end gear you have 3:08 or 3:42 You will need to change out the rear gears to a Locker style with gears 3:64 to 4:30 (depending on the fuel mileage you want to get out of it) 3:73 area would be a good choice...

Different idea same car.... Buy a Crate motor....Budget out the window..,
One of the most used is the ZZ4, I recommend the Fast Burn 385
You can find both at Jegs.com
Next if you don't want GM style try Edlebrock or BluePrint styles and setups... Again budget is out the window But you get a great Warranty with any of these....

Last if you want to rebiuld and bore you engine out 30 over is good enough, Pick a cam for the driving you want to do. Don't just toss in a RV cam that the guy at the parts store recommends research cams for street strips for your sea level and climate... This is also where you decide on your Carb size to work with your Cam. Also you might update to later model roller heads... So many choices... But you have to drive it...
I can go on but this is enough to get you started...


Remember burn outs are fun BUT traction wins the race!!!!

Answer 2

Its called the "poor man's supercharger" Nitrous oxide and I can't remember the name of the company that makes a progressive spray module but what it does is instead of a one shot all at once spray it progressivly sprays the from the kickdown through the end of the run It bolts on under the carb and you run a line back to the trunk where you mount the tank with the NOS in it and a little wiring easily done for the novice mechanic to a switch and then WaLA instant 50 to 75 hp at the touch of a button. Oh yea, one other thing shut the valve off when not driving it so in case it has a slight leak and you go to start it the build up of the NOS won't blow your heads off the car. Price for this use to be about $375 back in the mid 80's so it ,along with the module shouln't be more than $600 ( thats why its called the "poor man's supercharger