Adding Horsepower...where to start?

[skydiver]

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.



skydiver

[berencam]

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.

[retselgerg]

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..

[truckdude239]

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 sorry couldn't resist start by maybe a cam and a carb

[Mister laugh]

Originally Posted by truckdude239

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 sorry couldn't resist start by maybe a cam and a carb

If nothing else thats a good excuse for a rebuild.

[berencam]

Originally Posted by truckdude239

http://audiforums.com/m_693578/mpage_1/key_/tm.htm

holey crap...

[Billla]

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.

[original_balzer]

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.

[chevy72blu]

Originally Posted by original_balzer

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.

I agree with building another motor slowly- you will see a much greater benefit and not be forced to work on it only during periods in which you dont need the truck for transportation. You didnt mention if it is your DD or not.
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

[lpaine]

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

[skydiver]

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??

[berencam]

Originally Posted by skydiver

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??

if your loaded then sure 454, 502, whatever floats your boat. But keep in mind a BB will cost you at least 1k extra to build then a sb. You can pick up a 350 block and the rebuild kit for under 500 bucks, then have it cleaned and machined for around 600-800 bucks. Grab a new set of heads for 500 and your well on your way. Of coarse all those numbers are mild sb engine build costs.