Alright gear heads, I need your advise...

[JackBurton]

Ok, I have a '92 Camaro and want to give it ALOT more power. I have the stock 305 V8 that produces around 225hp (Yeah, it's pretty weak for the weight and size of the car). How can I get more power in this thing? If dropping another engine in this thing is what it takes, so be it. Point my to the place where I can pick one up. I'd like to get at least 300hp+ out of it, but the more the merrier (I'd like to get as close to 400hp as possible). And I want to keep it ALL under the hood. I don't want this crazy blower sticking out. Anyway, let me know what you guys think.

 

[amdskip]

350 crate motor would be the easiest thing for you. This is no econo motor though and she likes some gas.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: amdskip
350 crate motor would be the easiest thing for you. This is no econo motor though and she likes some gas.

How much are one of those, where can I get one, and how much hp does it produce?

 

[NutBucket]

GM Crate Motor = From GM. They are available through local dealerships. You just have to call and find out which one carries them.

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=NAL%2D12496769

 

[nan0bug]

Before you worry about boosting power, work on the suspension and get some new tires. You'll thank me later.

 

[JC]

Whipple supercharger. 'Nuff said

 

[Loggerman]

Originally posted by: nan0bug
Before you worry about boosting power, work on the suspension and get some new tires. You'll thank me later.

That should be first choice

If you go for the 350,might as well make it a "Stroker" 350

 

[stev0]

Originally posted by: JC
Whipple supercharger. 'Nuff said

Here is my vote on a supercharger.

Personally I would do: intercooled supercharger, intake (k&n would be fine), headers, no cat, perf. mufflers (magnaflow would give it a nice mellow tone)

 

[desertdweller]

You didn't mention how much you want to spend.

If I were you, I wouldn't bother with a supercharger, especially on a 10 year old 305.

A 383 should get you to around 375 - 400 horse range pretty easily. Thats where I would
start.


DD

 

[Iron Woode]

Originally posted by: desertdweller
You didn't mention how much you want to spend.

If I were you, I wouldn't bother with a supercharger, especially on a 10 year old 305.

A 383 should get you to around 375 - 400 horse range pretty easily. Thats where I would
start.


DD

That would depend on a lot of other factors. I know a guy that spent 5 grand on a 383 chevy stroker to make near 350 hp. He could have built a 355 for less than $2500 that would have made at least 350 hp. Those are Canadian prices BTW.

The OP never stated his intended purpose for this camaro. Does he have to pass emmisions? Street and Track? Trailer queen? These are important questions.

The 350 swap maybe illegal where he lives. Trying to make 300 hp from a 305 is not all that hard but it is not really worth it either. My friend Tom had a 1986 Camaro with a done up 305. It did 14.00's flat in the quarter. 5 speed manual and 373 gears.

 

[Nyical]

Could he get even close to 400 hp with bolt ons, without an engine swap?

 

[darkswordsman17]

Yeah a 350 swap would probably be the best bet. Maybe try to find some later model wrecked camaros or get the engine from a junkyard if possible or something along those lines. Then look in peformance catalogs for a stroker kit. IMO more torque would be better than horsepower.

Actually, to tell the truth, I'd probably recommend just find a later model Camaro or Firebird with the 350 in it (a 93-97 Z28, SS, or Trans Am). But if you have a sentimental tie with your current car then an engine swap would suit you I think.

 

[Brutuskend]

Stick thisin it.

Then shop away

IMO the 327 was the BEST engine chevy ever made (next to maybe the 302)

BTW: Find a 283 crank and drop it in there and POOF you have a 302!

Better yet

Or here

Here's a good deal

 

[tfinch2]

if you are asking how to get power out of an engine you are going to have trouble swapping something in there. if you want the ultimate swap for that car...go ls6/t56 combo from a z06 vette. nothing like some good old reliable pushrod power.

 

[fredtam]

One of these should work nicely.

 

[PowerMacG5]

Originally posted by: fredtam
One of these should work nicely.

<Homer Simpson>Grrgggg</Homer Simpson>

 

[JackBurton]

Well guys, thanks for the suggestions. I am competely retarded when it comes to cars, but this is what I want to do. My Camaro is in great condition, and I want to keep it looking original (as far as the outside is concerned). I just want to make it as fast as possible (within reason), but not change the outward appearance. I also want to be able to pass inspection with it. As far as cost, under $10,000 would be nice, but the cheaper the better.

Originally posted by: fredtam
One of these should work nicely.

Fredtam, that is AWESOME! That is exactly what I want. I don't know how to drop an engine in a car, so I'll have to get someone to do it for me. But if it will fit, that would be great.

Also, as far as suspension, what do you guys think I need to do improve on the suspension of the car? Would I also need to do something with the rear end as the newly added torque may be too much for what I have right now?

 

[Viper GTS]

For the amount of money it would cost to replace that motor, why don't you just buy a newer LT1/LS1 Z28?

Viper GTS

 

[StageLeft]

You would indeed benefit more from selling that engnie and buying a better one instead of trying to mod this one ala rice.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

The 305 has a problem of it being a non-performance engine. There's not alot of parts for it (the bore is smaller than the 350, so the heads and pistons don't swap). Given your budget, a 350 swap+supercharger is an easy route to 400HP. Expect to fork up some cash on a tranny.

 

[no0b]

Man if anyone was asking to add more power to a civic or accord there would be tons of posts about rice.
This is a pretty cool thread.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: no0b
Man if anyone was asking to add more power to a civic or accord there would be tons of posts about rice.
This is a pretty cool thread.

That's because adding power to them is hopeless and a horrendous waste of money. It's not easy to drop a powerful V8 into a civic Such a person would do better to sell their econobox in the first place and buy something with better potential!

 

[K1052]

As far as suspension goes, you first upgrade should be subframe connectors. I put them in and body flex (and its associated noises) has been drastically reduced. Last year I replaced basically all of my suspension and steering components, car handles like a dream now.

Check out Thirdgen.orgfor tons of info.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
For the amount of money it would cost to replace that motor, why don't you just buy a newer LT1/LS1 Z28?

Viper GTS

I don't know if that engine will fit in my car. This is the body right before the newer Camaro body style.

Edit: Nevermind. I see you can put an LS1 in my car. How much do you think it will cost and what kind of power can I expect from it.


I wish I knew as much about cars as you guys know. Sh!t, I'd be happy paying someone and saying, "just make it faster. You know what to do."

 

[Shockwave]

Originally posted by: no0b
Man if anyone was asking to add more power to a civic or accord there would be tons of posts about rice.
This is a pretty cool thread.

Do a search for Darius 350Z Its hard to find videos of it anymore, but this guy dropped a 350 into a Z and christ it was a monster. He could smoke the tires at highway speeds. :Q
Also, theres been LS1 into Miata swaps. Rice can be a helluva lot of fun with Detroit Iron, cause rice is light and DI is power loaded.