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Originally Posted by slavejay
know this question has been posted THOUSANDS of times, but i want to know some CHEAP ways to increase power in the 85 with a 305 engine. i already have replacement exhaust (waiting for the cat then its getting put on ), any more ways to get more airflow?
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Fast, cheap, is good: Pick any two.
Sorry Charlie, there's no way you're going to make power with that engine without spending some dough, there's just no way around it. I've detailed methods on how to increase performance in another thread - but you have to do that to make it flow. Look, the 305 comes with small valves, a restrictive intake (on the LG4 - which your car has), restrictive exhaust, et. al. That's just the reality of it - there's no other way around that. It's an engine that's designed for economy, not performance. It was all about GM meeting CAFE requirements - nothing more and nothing less. In fact, CAFE is the reason why you didn't see a 350 in any stock Caprice/Impala B-body throughout the 80s unless it was a 9C1 - and even then a 350 isn't guaranteed.
You wanna make it go a little faster, you can help it a little bit (don't expect more than 1-2hp with this mod, it's up to you to determine if it's worth the cost) by replacing the exhaust manifolds with the under-spark-plug type as seen in earlier years (1977-1979 type) but make sure you get the ones with the bung for the EGO sensor (you will find these on trucks from the 80s and 90s). You will also need the Y-pipe that will fit those manifolds and your exhaust system (catalytic converter - again a 1977-79 should fit the bill). While by no means are these performance monsters, they are a little less restrictive than the "log" type that's on your car now. Larger primary exhaust will also help it breathe a little better.
If you want more power, then look at cam, valvesprings, rocker arms (1.6 ratio arms can help offset the smaller valves somewhat), intake, etc.
Go to Pick 'n Pull and grab yourself a complete 350 engine with all accessories for $99. Or else get prepared to spend some money. Or leave it alone and drive it like it is.