jetech said:
Hi everyone
I am looking for sound ideas to boost the HP in my 77 L48. I want to keep drivability and economy good and not initially spend a lot of $$$. I have been getting mixed opinions on keeping the stock intake and exhaust manifolds. I plan to use the stock Q jet, add a cam and maybe a performer manifold but am still undecided. I am looking for any ideas or opinions.
Thanks for any help
First ... welcome to CACC! If your present motor is running ok ... leave as is and proceed:
Get a scrap, worn out sbc 350 that is usable-rebuildable ... but is NOT blown/broken/cracked. Check around, take your time you can find one for $100 or less. All you're looking for is a block, crank, rods, pistons & heads all together but in usable-rebuildable shape. During winter; completely overhaul it & swap to flat top pistons, a performer 2101 intake, a new decent cam, new water pump, new fuel pump, new valve springs and have the heads ported. Careful purchasing & doing all the assembly yourself should make an easy&reliable 300-325hp for about $1000 total. When done ... swap out the motors. When shopping for donor motor ... remember ... when swapping motors you'll be using your old vette brackets, AC comp, PS pump, carb, distributor, flywheel/flexplate, oil pan, valve covers ... so don't pay extra for stuff you won't use.
Master new parts kit available for sbc 350 for under $175 that includes cast flat top pistons, rings, all bearings, oil pump, gaskets-seals, timing chain & gears, lifters & choice of several good blue racer cams @
www.autosupplyhouse.com Plan to spend $200-$500 at auto machine shop & another $90-$120 for new intake (weiand 8004 is as good as perf 2101 & costs less). Get the motor first ... disassemble ... have machine shop check it ... then order parts kit.
For a real quick & cheap & EASY performance upgrade: Go to NAPA parts store & get a NAPA pn ECHVC1838 vacuum advance can to replace the one on your distributor .... while there get a Mr. Gasket pn 929G distributor curve kit ... all for under $20 for your stock HEI distributor. Install the improved can & use only the lite springs from curve kit ... use no other parts in kit. Reset ignition timing. You'll probably see 15 more hp ... and feel it too.
JACK:gap
