More power
 

I'm Looking to get more HP out of my 72 k5 Blazer? What are some Suggestions without breaking the bank. It's a 350 with turbo 350, motor was rebuilt but don't know when. It is completely stock, looking to get some more HP out of it without rebuilding motor. Looking for suggestions please. I am a novice mechanic but looking to learn the craft with my new purchase.

Re: More power
 

If you are not worried about retaining the stock appearance - headers and a better flowing intake could be a good place to start.

Could also get some power from a tune up if you timing is off and you ignition system is weak.

Just throwing out ideas - I am no expert either.

Re: More power
 

Aluminum intake & new carb (or rebuild carb you have)

Re: More power
 

A cam can add some good power. I put exhaust, aluminum intake, carb and cam on a 350 in my Chevelle years ago. The car wouldn't even spin the tires before and would smoke them no problem after. I think I spent about 800-1000 for the parts and did the work myself to install them. Make sure the transmission can handle it.

Re: More power
 

An engine is just a big air pump, so anything you can do to make it breather better will improve power. Like others have said, intake, headers etc.. Better heads and cam would be my choice, as well as a taller gear will help. Just make sure everything is matched to work together like tire size, gear ratio, converter and engine. Too many times I've seen Guys put huge carbs and single plane intakes on trucks with low ratio gearing that the truck actually loses performance.

Re: More power
 

My $0.02.

I'd first ensure your engine timing is optimal and then a carb tune. Little to no investment to maximize what you already have. Do that before you change anything. Depending on from where you're starting you may be pleasantly surprised.

Then gearing and tire size can make a difference if something isn't matched well. You didn't give current specs.

Lastly, if the above isn't enough you need to make changes to your engine. Just remember that this is almost a 5000lb truck. Horsepower doesn't mean much. Max horsepower is developed at a high rpm that a truck like this will rarely be driven in. You want to build to maximize torque in your typical rpm range. Likely shoot for peak torque under 4000 rpm.
And as Hemi mentioned, all components need to be chosen so as to work together to achieve your goal. Swapping parts that don't compliment one another is a waste of money.

Good luck.

Re: More power
 

Oh yeah. Welcome to the forum and post some pics of your rig. Everyone loves to see them.

Re: More power
 

First make sure you bottom end can handle improvements. But on my DD, rebuilt bottom end stock, I went with a BASIC RV cam from comp cam, edelbrock performer intake, 72cc world heads and 2.5 straight dump exhaust manifold, Dual Borla exhaust. Had to adjust the stock q-Jet with different jets/rods. I have a manual transmission with 3.73 gears. Not sure what HP rating, but has good bottom end and quits making power around 4500 rpm. But still pushing at 5k. It's fun to drive.