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#1 |
Just a fan.
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Royal Oak, MI
Posts: 39
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Adding Horsepower...where to start?
Looking for some advice on where to start adding some real horsepower to my stock 72 c10 lwb? It is a 350 v8 with a TH350 transmission. Im most interested in engine mods (carb, intake manifold, etc). Let me know what you have done and if it was worth it. Dont want to waste my economic stimulus check.
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: branson mo
Posts: 933
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Re: Adding Horsepower...where to start?
I wouldnt think about adding a carb and such till you installed a new hopped up cam. But then again i wouldnt put a new cam in a semi worn engine. But since your on a budget, heres what i suggest you should do, to achieve out of the pocket speed, for around 600 bucks.
1. new cam and lifters The cam and lifters will run you about 200 bucks. Then you will need a handful of gaskets and tools that i assume you have. 2. Used intake and carb off ebay. Since you dont have the extra cash grab a used intake and carb. I used edlebrock last time and liked it, this time im using holley. Either one will work fine you will need about a 600 cfm carb. That should run you about 200. 3. With the remaining 200 i would get a 2000-3000 stall converter and a shift kit for the transmission. If you really want the power then i would get a used manual 3 speed over that auto, and get a used column out of a junk yard. |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Grundy Virginia
Posts: 385
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Re: Adding Horsepower...where to start?
nice heads, (vortecs) a nice cam and lifters, edelbrock intake, a fresh qjet, nice headers...and a fresh ignition tune up, i would consider pulling motor for a rebuild if its not had one, on a tighter budget get an edelbrock intake, and have your stock Qjet rebuilt by some local shadetree...and pick up some headers..
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"OLE BLUE" Goodwrench 350, 5speed, Tilt, PS, PB, "some guys got into cars for money or girls but i got into cars because of the cars" -Jay Leno Last edited by retselgerg; 05-21-2008 at 05:46 AM. |
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#4 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lewisville, Nc
Posts: 10,234
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Re: Adding Horsepower...where to start?
well you could port and polish the intake and exhaust heres an easy way to do it http://audiforums.com/m_693578/mpage_1/key_/tm.htm
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David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube Last edited by truckdude239; 05-21-2008 at 06:01 AM. |
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#5 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Posts: 423
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Re: Adding Horsepower...where to start?
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If nothing else thats a good excuse for a rebuild. |
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#6 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: branson mo
Posts: 933
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Re: Adding Horsepower...where to start?
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#7 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Monroe, WA
Posts: 3,815
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Re: Adding Horsepower...where to start?
Well, it starts with a budget
![]() Honestly, I'd spend the money on a carb overhaul, headers, free-flow exhaust and a good tune. A mild cam upgrade (< .450 lift) is a reasonably good investment with stock heads...but the valvesprings are going to be pretty tired at this point so IMHO I wouldn't do much of a cam without a new set of heads. Last edited by Billla; 05-22-2008 at 12:02 AM. |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2008
Location: roosevelt utah
Posts: 325
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Re: Adding Horsepower...where to start?
Not to rain on your parade but $600 isnt going to get you very far. Beside the obvious throwing good money at a worn engine, Horsepower cost money.
That being said heres what I would do if I was in your shoes. Buy a used rebuildable engine and an engine stand. You can then take the rebuilder appart and determin what needs to be done from there. Try to find a long block with 010 cast into it 9 out of 10 times its a high nickle content 4 bolt main. This plan shouldn't be more than half your budget. A rebuild kit with some upgrade goodies should be less than $300 as well. Bottom line if your truck runs decent now live with it and take some time to build an engine you will be far happier with in the end. Take a little out of a few pay checks even machine work can be had cheap if you shop around. I personaly have build several 300-350hp 350's fopr under a grand and 400hp can be had for around $1000-$1200. Your local ad paper craigslist even evilbay can be your friend. Last edited by original_balzer; 05-21-2008 at 08:24 AM. |
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#9 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 2,188
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Re: Adding Horsepower...where to start?
Quote:
I have to disagree with spending the extra money on a 4 bolt block however. You dont really sound like you are planning on building a forced induction 600 horsepower monster. Thus, you really dont need it. A standard 2 bolt 350 block (bored .030 or less and has been maganfluxed [to check for cracks] will be cheaper and serve you well. As for performance, check out this thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=289192
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RIP EastSideLowLife '72 C20 SWB convert. 5 lug, LS1/4l60e |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Parksville, B.C. Canada
Posts: 637
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Re: Adding Horsepower...where to start?
I'd go with a new set of ceramic block hugger headers, intake (edelbrock eps,) holley or edelbrock carb and new distributor, wires and plugs. Even if the engine's getting near worn out your new parts are still, well, new and can be used on any other sbc in the future. I'm sure you could make that fit your budget and probably have a little $ left over for belts, hoses, etc. just my .02
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1969 G.M.C 3/4 Ton 920 (Canadian Version) 307 3 speed, currently apart 1998 Chevy 1/2 ton ex cab V-6 5 speed 1967 Chevy SWB - project truck; not started just yet |
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#11 |
Just a fan.
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Royal Oak, MI
Posts: 39
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Re: Adding Horsepower...where to start?
The truck is not a DD so I can take my time...however I want to have it running for the Woodward cruise. The truck only has 67,000 miles on it and the engine is still running strong. Sounds like the best thing to do is make some mild mods on the engine and then buy a rebuildable engine to make my monster. If I do this what in a good engine to start with, 454?? 427??
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#12 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: branson mo
Posts: 933
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Re: Adding Horsepower...where to start?
Quote:
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