most effective mods for a 1987 trans am

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teabagphil - 30 May 2004 05:06 GMT

Hey. I just bought a 1987 Trans Am with a 305 and I was wondering what
is the most cost-effective to increase horsepower and torque. I don't
want to spend too much money but I really want to make this thing
faster.

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Bruce Chang - 30 May 2004 15:14 GMT

> Hey. I just bought a 1987 Trans Am with a 305 and I was wondering what
> is the most cost-effective to increase horsepower and torque. I don't
> want to spend too much money but I really want to make this thing
> faster.

The two are practically mutually exclusive. The most cost-effective way?
Nitrous.

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RSCamaro - 31 May 2004 04:06 GMT

>Hey. I just bought a 1987 Trans Am with a 305 and I was wondering what
>is the most cost-effective to increase horsepower and torque. I don't
>want to spend too much money but I really want to make this thing
>faster.

Though I'd say that Bruce is correct in his assessment, I'd go with
headers, exhaust, and a more agressive cam. I think you could make
these mods for $700 or less.

...Ron
--
68' Camaro RS
88' Firebird Formula
00' Mustang GT Vert

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Bruce Chang - 31 May 2004 05:15 GMT

> >Hey. I just bought a 1987 Trans Am with a 305 and I was wondering what
> >is the most cost-effective to increase horsepower and torque. I don't
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
> ...Ron

I just thought of another one. A higher gear ratio.

As an owner of an 89 T/A with a 305, if you want a cost-effective increase,
you should just buy a 350 and drop it in. If it's TBI, you're screwed.
It's already slow as a turtle. If you have TPI, get the 350 with heads and
transfer everything you can from the 305 to the 350. You'll need larger
injectors, a new prom and a couple other things and you'll be ready to go.

If you don't believe me, I've got a supercharger, headers, exhaust, siamesed
intake, runners, plenum, 52mm throttle body, and soon to have an accel DFI
installed, not to mention all the little things I've done, replaced,
installed. If you want to just have power, go with nitrous. If you want to
have bragging rights, by all means, install every bolt on known to man.

-Bruce

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