Hey guys/gals,

I recently acquired a 1985 Trans Am, and it in in great condition compared to an 87 I had bought a couple years ago with fist sized holes in the floor . It has 92,000 original miles. Which yes, I know is still low.

It has the 305 TPI LB9 in it and I am looking to keep this car with its original engine, cause to me it is a great piece of American History and I want to keep it that way. I know everyone is going to tell me "Boat anchor the 305" or "Build a 350", but I'm not looking for a 400+HP engine.

I want to rebuild/build up the 305 a little for better street performance. My goal with this car is to have a good looking head turner with better performance than the stock 305 makes under the hood. But just enough to boost it to the 250-300hp range. I'm not planning on racing it on the drag strip much at all. I have never rebuilt an engine however but my dad who has before is helping me with this project. My hopes is to gain experience rebuilding this engine and throw some bolt ons to it, later on down the road to be able to build a 350 to throw in another high performance restoration

So my overall question to all you wise and knowledgeable Third Gen owners out there is;

What is a good build for the 305 to turn it into a decent performing V8?
Heads? Internals? Cam? Intake? I know the TPI is a restrictive engine. I just want a generally all around GOOD build.
I have been doing research and am just looking for options
I have a good amount of money to throw into the engine over the next couple years as it will be an ongoing build so.

So can you help me out guys?

 

Im kinda have the same thoughts on the motor but not really excpecting those numbers as u r. Id pull the motor out check all casting numbers of heads, and c what kind of pistons u have in there.
I have a 86 iroc with a 305 i pulled the tpi off before pulling the motor found it was a roller motor. Somebody had stuck in there later on with 193 heads.... luckly ive got some extra heads and goodies so heres what im doing.
416 cast heads
Flat top 4 relief valve pistons
Lt1 cam
Shorty headers
1.5 stamped roller tip rockers
Tpi intake new injectors

700r4 with shift kit
3.73 posi

 

Check cam numbers c if u have the peanut cam thats what i had in mine and it went bye bye....lol

 

Oh i also forgot if i remember right a tourqe converter out of a 97 4.3 s10 will give u alittle stall. Cheap too!