Hey guys,

I just registered to this forum and am new to the Chevy muscle car. I recently got a 1986 Camaro I-Rocz with a 305 engine. The asthetics on this car are superior and now I want to do a little engine/drivetrain work, once I get the door panels and head liner in. I was wondering if anyone knows some equipment I can install that will give some hp boost right out of the box without need for any lifts or anything. I am also considering upgrading the engine to a 350. Any other ideas would also be appreciated.
Any ideas for a new camaro owner?


Thanks,

 

I can offer a few suggestions for upgrading your car- but the first piece of advice is to know your budget, and to make a plan. If I were you, I wouldn't so much as turn a single wrench until you know exactly what you want to end up with.

An engine swap is going to be very costly, unless you're doing all of the work yourself. When I swapped from a 305 to a 350, it cost me almost $10,000. And I haven't driven my car in over a year because I thought I could save money by having a friend of mine install my heads for me, and then, less than 5000 miles later, lost the head gaskets.

 

hay cledfo welcome to the forum. yah don't try and build the 305. could go for different gears. 10k wow so its not just a engine switch saint ebony, volvo penta makes the best sbc head gaskets i have seen. most expensive too. I'm sure they are made for them i just can't seem to find out where.

 

A plan is always the best way to go. Like Craby said gears and maybe some headers to help it breath but those 305’s are not strong motors. If you push a new one hard enough you can spin a rod bearing with no HP added and they do not get better with age. 350 is a much stronger base to start with.