keithystealmaro

I have a 89 RS camaro 5.0 V8 TBI which my dad just gave to me and i wanted to know if they are worth modding? I also have a 94 v6 camaro both are auto. What should i do to start modding my new 89 RS??? It is bone stock as of right now...

Ben91RS

Are they worth modding, I'd say yes, especially for someone who is just starting out. Now, the 305 TBI is, by far, not the best motor they put in the 3rd gens, but it still has just as much potential as the others.

As for modifications, the first 2 things you should do are install an open element air cleaner and full exhaust (headers, y-pipe, high-flow catalytic converter, and 3" cat-back). Both of those mods will really help the motor breath easier and will give you the best bang for the buck.

Check out the TBI board on Thirdgen.org and start reading up, especially the "New to TBI" sticky. Here's a link to it: http://thirdgen.org/techbb2/showthre...hreadid=227281

Benzotech

Not a chance in hell are either of them worth modding. If you were to mod them , I would throw about 100 shot of N2O on the 89 with some street slick...nittos maybe...now thats your best bang for your buck.

respectirocz

yea, ok

85_305

Generally TBI's are MUCH more difficult to mod without knowing what your doing, and generally TBI's are MUCH more expensive to mod. The heads on ANY tbi are gonna kill you, so if you are really getting down-and-dirty w/ this 305, then get rid of those heads.
But do a search on Gunny Highway; he has a 350 TBI that is absolutely BEASTLY

89_Irocz

I had a 89 RS 5.0 TBI. The first thing I did was get a 5.7 TBI from a early 90's chevy truck. (Good Tq. & eazy upgrade, same wireing) Holly pro-injection TBI and intake.I did all new exhaust. K&N air cleaner. Hypertech chip. 100 shot (wet) NOS. 3.42 gear. And I'd whip every Iroc I ran. Too bad I traded it for a Mustang GT P.O.S.

91-Z28-L98

First get everything running right(TPS/IAC/O2 etc) then advance the timing a bit. After that, open element air filter is cheap so do it, and exhaust mods will transfer to a 350 if you go that route. I wouldn't waste money on any other engine mods before going to a 350(probably carbed).

TBI_InYourEye

I used to have a 91 RS 305 TBI. I was one of the defenders of the engine for a while, and insisted on modding it. 1500 dollars later my car was marginally faster than stock and got about 12 miles to the gallon. It was a complete failure in my opinion. Now, I won't say it wasn't me who failed...but I'd leave it stock, maybe free the breathing up a little with an intake and exhaust, and just enjoy the car's looks and handling. That's all it's really good for in my book.

85_305

^Yup, until you get different heads, cam, and probably intake manifold

Black305RS

i modded m ine a bit and i take mustang gts more often than not and not juxst the older ones the newer ones too. i only spent about 20 bucks for the open air element but i added other things. i suggest adjusting the tv cable to extend the shifts. oh and i also took my friends L69 iroc

V8 Slayer

Dont get in to internals just yet.Start off with

Open Element (K&N Element with X-Stream Flow top)
Full Exhaust (Headers,Y-Pipe,High Flow Cat,3" Catback)
Underdrive Pulleys (ASP or March) (2 or 3 Piece)
Free Mods (TB Bypass , Ditching AC/Smog)

With that,about 25-30 HP will be picked up...

AutoRoc

If I were keeping it, I wouldn't do more than a K&N Filter or better Air Cleaner setup and maybe remove the cats from the exhaust system + New quiet muffler. Mainly for better gas mileage. New plugs, wires, rotor and cap...the normal tune-up stuff.

If you want to modify a car, you probably want a powerful car and I think it would be wise to start with a different vehicle that has more potential. Thousands of dollars and countless hours into a TBI 305 car will be a lot of headaches and it will probably be dissapointing.

I'd sell one or the other and look for a performance based car first and mod from there. LT1 or LS1 cars can be found in the FOR SALE forum for sure, many at good prices. Goodluck!

brians96Z

I have a 90 RS 305 TBI and LOVE it! No, it's not as fast as my LT1, heck not even as fast as some of the TPI cars, but there's just something about it I can't explain. I did find out at camarosource.ca that 1990 was a half-year production, only 30 some thousand were made, so that is kinda cool. Maybe it is because it was my first car, I dunno...but there's just something about the way the third gen cars drive, and handle. I am also a big fan of their looks, I think they look like a Camaro should, they (to me) have a lot of attitude. It has been ultra reliable, which I think third gens are known for. If you like the car man, keep it. If not, if speed is your main concern, get at least a TPI car, or an LT1, if your budget allows. The 305 TBI cars are not as bad as some people make out, they are powerful enough to have fun with. As fat as mods.....All mine has is a complete tuneup, and a Dynoma cat-back system. I would recommend a cat-back. For the $$$ they are hard to beat. Oh...and I run the good ole Exxon 93.

Runin2Nite

drop a carb on the 305 and put a good 150 dry shot into the motor. tbi is a waste if you want to go fast. personally i'd sell the v-6 and use the $$$ to get a nasty motor and trans for tht 3rd gen.

buzz12586

Ignore all these people saying TBI can never be fast. Is it the best induction system ever, no not at all. Just make sure all the mods you do can be swapped over to a 350 and be sure you are ready to learn how to tune. Defentetly check out the TBI board over at thirdgen.org they have some really helpful info over there.