Ok for one I keep hearing people on here talking about the torque converter locking up and how it won't do it if you change to a carb unless you install some kind of get around. Why does it lock up, what does it do, and how do you install the get around cause my car was TBI originally I think and now its carb and I'm sure it would save gas or something.

2. I have a HO 305 out of an 87 blazer apparently. The Camaro has been sitting in my yard for years now because my dad sucks, so I'm trying to learn about this stuff and do this for myself. If I have to replace the block and I was leaning more toward fuel efficiency how hard would it be to swap out that 305 and put a 4.3 in it? I'm just wondering because I believe there may be a crack in the block.

3. My trunk lid won't latch down. I've got it to do it one or 2 times. What could cause this?

4. I saw a site once on how to build up a 305 and how it was worth it cause if you wanted to move to a 350 all the sb parts will of course swap to the new motor. Does anyone know of a site like this?

Thanks for the help guys!

 

The TCC is used to lock up the torque converter at highway speed to prevent torque converter slippage and improve fuel economy. The PCM or a TCC controller decides when the TCC should lock up or release. A manual switch will work, but it is a PIA as you have to remember to release the clutch when you come to a stop in order to avoid stalling the engine or burning out the clutch. You can get a control box from Summit or Jegs for about $50.

Replacing the 305 with a 4.3 is an exercise in futility, you will not gain economy or power.

Buy yourself a service manual for your car and read it, it will answer many of your questions.

 

Honestly, swapping out the 305 for a smaller engine is pointless. The economy difference is so minor that if you are really that concerned with MPG you shouldn't be driving a car like this.

You'd be surprised how decent the mileage on a 305 can be. What's going to kill you is your rear. Depending on your gear ratio and tranny you're going to be burning gas like crazy with a good rear.

My z28 has a 3.73 (obv not stock, put in by previous owner.... least i believe its 3.73, could be worse but its definitely above 3.23.. havnt had a chance to test), and that car in 4th on the highway is like 4k rpms when im doing 70-75 or so...

On the new iroc I just obtained they blew the 3.45 rear and replaced it with a posi 2.80something, so while I hurt a bit off the line, oh man... doing 70 in 5th on the way back from where I bought it from i'm at barely 2k rpm... Filled up out there, drove all the way home, was still at a near full tank of gas. Where as in my z28 when I drove out there, one way was about a quarter of a tank or more of gas.

 

1. Going to a 4.3 is no easier than replacing the current 305 with another 305 (their cheap and plentiful at the junk yard if you need one. Second the motion on fuel economy, you will likely not be able to see any improvement.

2. How do you know the block is cracked? It sounds like you haven't torn the engine down yet to confirm this. More likely scenarios are bad / leaking hoses, freeze plugs or radiator, or even a blown head gasket. The important thing is to identify where the coolant is going. If its pouring out on the ground, its likely to be a very easy fix once you identify the source. If its being burnt in the cylinder (a pretty cloud from the tail pipe when the engine is running) then its likely a blown head gasket. Cracked blocks happen, but are more likely the result of component failure during abuse (unless someone was running straight water and it froze).

3. If you look down inside your trunk where the latch goes into, there is a hold down catch. It's out of alignment. Pull the plastic panel, loosen the attaching bolts, adjust it up just a bit (or left/right), then re-check it to see if its better or worse. Just keep repeating til you get it right. (Mine had the same problem when I got it)

4. The info on the 305 build is in the sticky at the top of the page on this forum.

If you plan to do a lot of wrenching on your car, Z28pete is right, get a manual. You can buy a used Chevy service manual off e-bay for 20-30 bucks if you are willing to watch for a deal and accept one that has been used and abused already.

Good luck with your repairs