[rd]

Hey guys,
As I try to save money for the 70, I'm wondering if I could get some performance recommendations for the auto 350/TH350. All stock except for an edelbrock 600 with dual exhaust. (Not sure what kind of mufflers on now – they're pretty quiet.) I plan to keep it a 350 for a while, but want it to have some power and sound.

Maybe later (probably several years) I'll do the BBC/12-bolt posi upgrade. but for now I'm looking at changing the intake manifold, adding some kind of cam, new headers and exhaust. Any advice? Just want a fun, cool setup to drive more than weekends.

Thanks!

 

[Chirp08]

If your not going to touch the heads, id go with a Comp/Crane 262 cam, Performer Intake, Summit 1 5/8th headers, and me personally would do dual flowmaster 40's with an H pipe (my current exhaust).

 

[awsm66]

Concur, but make sure you install a good, quality double roller timing set and a cam "button" while you're in there. Button keeps the cam from "walking" during operation.

 

[mac762]

As far as dollar-per-smile I'd say a shift kit and headers. On a stock car they are amazingly cool for little cash.
Recurve your dist. and do a good tune-up. New points, cap, rotor, plugs, ect....
Then get a Weiand action plus intake, or a performer RPM. Don't be scared to buy these used.
Next get a cam with less than .480 lift, 230 duration at .50, some springs, and a new timing chain.
Any more than that and I'd say heads. Port yours or find some better castings. Maybe if you have the money or are a good scrounger, Vortecs. Remember you need a different manifold.
Just my 2 cents.

 

[rd]

Thanks for the info guys! Hey Chirp08, what kind of HP you pulling with your set-up and how loud are the flowmasters?

 

[Junkyard Dawg]

I just finished putting my Flowmaster kit on p/n 17119 on....IMO not too loud but it's noticable. It sounds good with my cam. I've not had it on the road yet.

Oh, it's a mandrel bent 2 1/2 system with mufflers and H pipe.

 

[Chirp08]

Ok, I can't give you a fair estimate because I have no clue, but there is a GM Goodwrench Quest article that build my exact motor, same heads, gaskets, intake, everything, with the only difference being the carb, and they made 410hp and 416 ft/lbs. Now I'm obviously not going to be right there but i'd imagine im close, my buddy has a 396 with 325hp and 410ft/lbs and the torque is identical in our cars from feel.

I plan on getting a 650 Speed Demon for it, than the engine will be complete imo, without touching the bottom end.

http://www.chadrichard.net/other/exhaust.mov

Thats only 1/2 throttle, at upper rpms it screams But as you can see, it sounds good haha.

 

[Motorhead62]

For a near stock 350 the XE256 Comp Cams is a great street cam. I will deliver great mileage and has a touch of lope at idle.

 

[rd]

Hey Chad,
Car DOES sound good! Notice your pipes dump out after the rear wheel, any particular reason why not to bumper? Just cosmetic or? What is that Speed Demon 650? Another carb? Also, do you plan on changing the rearend down the road? (Sorry for all the questions)

Anyway thanks again to all for the tips. It's all about the Chevelle upgrade fund. Maybe I'll get myself some headers and new exhaust for Xmas, I think I've been a good boy this year!

 

[68sleeper]

Howdy,New guy here.caught the threads,I'm at the stage in my 350th I have b&m shift kit,2000 stall,external oil cooler+Derale flow tube pan.this set-up works great for me.I have a Brand new Crower Level ! cam in the box,for sale, which might work for you.444*x444* I got for my recent build,but went with more rad.

 

[BillsCamino]

Concur, but make sure you install a good, quality double roller timing set and a cam "button" while you're in there. Button keeps the cam from "walking" during operation.

Cam button not needed or wanted in a flat tappet cam setup! Lifters keep the cam from "walking".

rd...consider the Voodoo line a hyd flat tappet cams. The 60101 would work well in your application along with the above mentioned headers, dual exhaust, intake, and distributor recurve.

 

[Chirp08]

Hey Chad,
Car DOES sound good! Notice your pipes dump out after the rear wheel, any particular reason why not to bumper? Just cosmetic or? What is that Speed Demon 650? Another carb? Also, do you plan on changing the rearend down the road? (Sorry for all the questions)

Anyway thanks again to all for the tips. It's all about the Chevelle upgrade fund. Maybe I'll get myself some headers and new exhaust for Xmas, I think I've been a good boy this year!

Thanks man. I wanted something different, even though its an SS car the pipes out hte rear is all too common, every exhaust system we've had done on a v8 in my family we do the angled tips like that, i like it better, its loud if you stand next the car that way, but loud as hell between the pipes too

Thats with a 600cfm edelbrock, i plan on getting a Speed Demon 650 and calling it quits for hte engine work for now. I want to change the rear but I gotta find out exactly what I have because if its a 2-series in there now im screwed because i wont be able to afford to swap everything to a 3-series. Unfortunately the latest evidence is leaning toward a 2.56 based on mph achievable in comparson to my friends 3.07, He can hit 40mph in 1st while mine can easily hit 55-60mph.