hey guys im new to this all and am looking for some help. recently i got a 1990 camaro rs as my first car. ive always loved camaros and always wanted to race never given the oppurtunity though. but with this camaro brings some hope, as of right now its a 305 tbi and nbeeds a good amount of bodywork. i was woindering what are somethings i should do to it to turn it into a worthy car to drag with?the one goal i have as of now is to beat this guy whos a cocky son of a ***** who drives a 2002 mustang cobra. any advice is helpful thanks guys

 

My advice would be to drop in a 350. The 305 really isn't a good starting point for performance. But if you really have to do it with the 305, start with the basics. CAI, and full exhaust.

 

yea i already planned on a 350 just gonna get what needs to be fixed up first then worry that but thanks for the advice =)

 

I would suggest tryin to get an LS1 with the tranny to drop in. That would defiantly take care of the cobra.

 

ok well i just found out were dropping my 305 into another 1990 camaro but this one has a better body and its a 5 speed would the linkage from a tranny that fits an ls1 fit my car

ps it was a v6 camaro will the stock tranny give me any problems with a v8 until i can buy a better one

 

yes, it won't bolt up. completely different bell housing bolt patterns from the 3.1 to the 305. you will need a new trans just to get the car back on the road.

 

To start out there was no 2002 cobra. Ford stop production to build the 03-04 Terminator.

Your talking about some major work. First off the engine is not the only issue. Your going to need a T56 or (TH350,TH400,4L80 or build a 700R or 4L60) just for starters. Also the factory rear will not hold the power from a LS1 or built SBC so your looking at a 9inch or a 12 bolt. Once again this is just for starters. The pre 2001 cobra is not like the GT it sports a 32 valve DOHC 4.6 making 305-315 crank HP making it more then a match for even LT1 cars. The 2003-2004 are factory Supercharged with a eaton M112 blower and T56 transmission they run high 12s stock and can pick up large power numbers from just bolt on's.

Long story short you could buy a LS1 car for the cost your going to put into to this car trying to get it to perform at the same level. I love built 3rd gens so i am not turning you off to the idea but do your research first. This would be a large expensive project.

 

so i take it this aint no high school project would it be better just to drop in a normal 350 and take it from there

ps thanks its a 2003 sorry bout the confusion, and i do plan on keeping this car for a very long time so a big and expensive project is fine with me

 

A 03 cobra runs a 32 valve DOHC supercharged 4.6 engine with a 6 speed T-56 transmission and gets the power to the ground by a IRS with 3.73 gears. It is a high 12 second car from the factory and can run 12.2-12.5 with just traction, smaller pully (blower spins faster for more boost) and a good tune. Your talking about a car that was built to run head to head with LS6 powed Z06 vettes.

If you built your car just to beat him in the 1/4 mile you would have to invest some wear around 12K in parts and thats if you can find good deals and do all the work your self. Keep in mind this is just to beat him in the 1/4 mile he would still be able to destroy you in the turns.

Just in the transmission, rear end, drive shaft, converter/clutch your looking at about 5-6 grand

It would be far cheaper to buy a LS1 car and start there.

 

The ONLY way you stand a chance is buy an LS1 powered car and start that way. The average LS1, even with higher mileage, will run low-mid 13s. Some 6 speed cars with lower miles will net 13.2-13.3 all day long completely stock. So that would be a good place to start and try to beat a Termi. Depending on his mileage and driving skills, I'm guessing he sitting at prolly 13.2.

And a sway bar kit can move than LS1 powered car around curves quite nicely. These cars have a great center of gravity.