Possible new Class build - need opinions
 

I have the chance to buy a 1989 Camaro 5.0L TBI with an auto. Looks like Its a natural O/SA car. Its a street car with no title and missing some interior parts, but I can buy it cheap.. Can this combo be competitive?

Re: Possible new Class build - need opinions
 

The cam and heads aren't the best. Better combo is the 1990 5.0 TPI rated at 241.Better heads and camshaft and intake manifold.

Re: Possible new Class build - need opinions
 

I almost built one of these. It's so bad on paper that it's the kind of thing that I would do. Small cam (which doesn't seem to matter, lots of small cam 305s going fast),weird intake runner and not-so-good intake manifold. It makes tons of torque in a street car. I think that Tom Reese ran this combo for a while but switched to PFI combo.

Re: Possible new Class build - need opinions
 

I wonder if the 6 cylinder would be better, or maybe even an earlier year with a carb instead of the TBI? PFI might be better, but harder to find this cheap..Guy only wants 600 bucks for a complete car.

Re: Possible new Class build - need opinions
 

I guess that this would all depend on what you're comfortable dealing with. There's plenty of info available on any of the V8s so are you more comfortable with a carb or FI? With the 4 or 6 cyl., you're going to be pretty much on your own.
For $600, I'd be buying the car anyway. Check the lower cowl and the rear frame and wheelwells for rust.

Re: Possible new Class build - need opinions
 

I’m attempting to complete a 6 cylinder project, but I’m concerned that I can’t get enough HP out of the cubic inches available. Basically I don’t know that I can get to 1.3 hp/cubic inch to mathematically get to the index. I would think it would be much easier to run a 302 V8 which is factored the same as my V6. They already have 30% more cubic inches, no mind the additional torque.. Either way I guess I’ll still be able to bracket race it on Saturday night..

Re: Possible new Class build - need opinions
 

The hurtle with TBI is injector size. Once you get to the point of needing more fuel there is nothing larger available. Am sure the TB will flow plenty of air fuel demand needs to be overcome.

Re: Possible new Class build - need opinions
 

That thing will move a full sized Caprice with no problem.

I'm sure it will run under in P/SA.

You have to maximize torque and then set the car up for it. (Small tri-y headers, etc.)
You might want to invest in a dyno test so you can figure out the converter and gearing...unless you're really good at this ;-)
Go for it...

Re: Possible new Class build - need opinions
 

So question, if its a natural O/SA car and you say it should run under in P.. is it safe to assume it will also run under in its natural class and its "Light" class?

Re: Possible new Class build - need opinions
 

Just do the math... 13.15 vs 13.45

O to P , a full pound break, thus 210 pounds for three tenths.

Re: Possible new Class build - need opinions
 

Has anyone ever tried one of these? 83 is at 230 HP with big cam, big compression, good head ans 2 1.81 throttle bodies. I've been told that the intake is pretty bad but when you take into consideration the difference in the HP factor between it and a comparable Q-Jet combo I can't imagine the intake being THAT bad. 82 is at 220 HP with dished piston.

https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/...248877580.html

Re: Possible new Class build - need opinions
 

Is that all those things are worth? Seems like a good price. Probably even a good flip. (Work up to that $14,000 Chevy II) Plus, it has "duel" exhaust and good "breaks".

Re: Possible new Class build - need opinions
 

How do you overcome the injector sizing?

Re: Possible new Class build - need opinions
 

Hey, at least they know how to spell CAMARO! I am a Ford guy, and even I get bothered when a see CAMEROs for sale, or even worse, at a car show where it seems even the owners don`t know how to spell what the model of their car is! (Hint, it`s already spelled correctly on the cars body, take notes.) These same guys usually have an ELdobrock intake, or maybe a WALand, often with a NAWS plate under the carby.

Re: Possible new Class build - need opinions
 

Hey, at least they know how to spell CAMARO! I am a Ford guy, and even I get bothered when a see CAMEROs for sale, or even worse, at a car show where it seems even the owners don`t know how to spell what the model of their car is! (Hint, it`s already spelled correctly on the cars body, take notes.) These same guys usually have an ELdobrock intake, or maybe a WALand, often with a NAWS plate under the carby.

Re: Possible new Class build - need opinions
 

...Or they tell you over the phone they have a Wee-and intake. :-(

Re: Possible new Class build - need opinions
 

I don't see that being a problem.

Re: Possible new Class build - need opinions
 

Ok last time I ran stock eliminator it was way back in the 90's with a W/S 1974 Mustang with a 2.3L and really didnt mess with moving classes, so something Ill have to learn..lol..

The other question is is the carb a better combo than TBI? I realize Id have to find the correct year engine, but those cars we basically the same body style for years so I can claim any year if I have the correct engine.. I like the challenge, thats why I like stock eliminator. I wonder what comparable cars in that class are running and with what combo...

Re: Possible new Class build - need opinions
 

O/SA i see 350 chevy wagons, 95 body style Camaro or Firebirds with a 3.8 V6,
Grand Prix with a 400. 302 Fords and these cars range from 7 tenths to 1 second under
P/SA i see a 95-96 Chevy Caprice, 283 Chevy Wagon, 3.8 V6 can run PSA as well.
What would your car weigh as a O/SA ??
I know the 3.8 is rated at 206 multiply by 15 (OSA wt break)plus 170(drivers wt)= 3260.

Re: Possible new Class build - need opinions
 

Billy, emailed this guy three times, no answer. oh well. would have been fun

Re: Possible new Class build - need opinions
 

I always have wondered if its more cost effective to buy a car already finished, but I think the fun and challenge of Stock Eliminator is figuring it out..but I dont have an unlimited budget to make a combo like this competitive. Another thing would be how much tuning could I do with this combo and a laptop or is it best to rely on help from others? Just alot of questions to answer for me just have to sort it all out.

Re: Possible new Class build - need opinions
 

A 1987 Buick Regal v6 turbo might be a good combo with all the newer tech and not many if any out there.

Re: Possible new Class build - need opinions
 

Yes I would reach out to Tom Reese, because he is Very Familiar with the TBI.
If you need his phone number just let me know.

Re: Possible new Class build - need opinions
 

This thing will run fine. There is second hand DFI stuff people sell for really cheap. Once you have the car parts to make it run decent are dirt cheap