What one thing would you do to engine?

[brandon-n-lisa]

A question to everyone:

If you had a stock 350(already Elec. distrib.) with a three on the tree tranny, what is the first thing you would do to the engine to increase power or make it run better?

- B -

[GenIIIShorty]

headers, no question.

[Jwill41]

I would just give it a good tune up and drive it for a while to see how it acts. Then, well, where do we start?

[cdowns]

good tuneup and synthetic oil in engine tranny and rear end

[brandon-n-lisa]

Good idea with the synthetic oils, already changed the plugs and wires, flushed rad. and all that jazz. I just changed the oil last week and wish I had thought to put synthetic in it. Haven't even checked on the tranny or diff yet. I'm glad you mentioned it!

I was thinking about putting in those splitfire plugs or something like that when I changed them, but went ahead and put plain ole plugs in. Anyone know if those splitfire, or platinum, or super duper whatchamacalit plugs are really worth the extra money?

[stllookn]

I would put an HEI (oops just reread your post) distributor in it if it has not been converted yet. Save your money on the plugs...I have never noticed a difference in gas mileage or plug life on any engine. I would also check the compression on each cylinder to see what condition the engine is in. Do the 60 pt. (or whatever) safety check. I would grease the u-joints. Check the brakes, front and rear and change the brake fluid. Everyone, including me, wants more power but it is best to make sure you have rock solid running gear, brakes and engine before you go for the extra ponies!

Headers, dual exhaust and Flowmasters next...it will sound bad and will free up the exhaust.

You have 3 on the tree! How bad can you be? Those things take forever to shift and, for the most part, are worn out and get stuck between gears...how embarassing is that after a big one wheel burnout? Been there and done that...LOL! I would be looking for a TH350 conversion next.

[masterbeavis]

If you want more power after the exhaust upgrades, a new cam could add alot of "zoot"

[Deuce]

TPI.

[tomatocity]

I agree with GIIIShorty. The headers are a permanent increase in HP though expensive if you buy the correct headers. Don't buy 'cheap' headers. Get the ones that meet the performance and longevity expectations and this included coated inside and outside. You can do a lot with the money you spent on headers but not all of what was offered was permanent. A tuneup only lasts so long.

[masterbeavis]

TPI is nice :P (not tbi. tPi)

[355]

Let the engine BREATHE. Exhaust, intake, then a small cam (comp 262 extreme seem to work great in our trucks), roller tip lifters to help eliminate wear on the valve guides. Then get rid of as much BS weight as you can(tool box, etc.) My 2 cents.

[355]

I ment roller tip rockers.

[Zonaman]

Assuming it's well tuned, Fuel injection.

[panhandler62]

If we start with the assumption that there are no maintenance or repair needs; I agree on the headers.

A quality set of headers with the proper exhaust has no downside (except a possible noise increase.. but then.. is that a downside?)

*Correct* exhaust with good scavenging increases power, mileage and the engine will run cooler. Cheap headers *can* cause other problems so get something worth paying for.

Most (small block) motors can't use as much air as a stock 4bbl provides so unless it isn't working right, a carb swap or a swap to injection, probably won't buy you much (though a swap to injection will, almost without exception, buy you reliability.)

[bigjimzlll]

Think about where and what your goals are. It really suks when you make a mod..then 6 months later go in a different direction and buy parts again...and again...and again. Make mods that will work with your overall future plans.
I would start with ignition and charging.
Then an intake,carb and exhaust change.
Then drive train..ie tranny and posi/gears.
Internal engine mods..should be addressed when freshing of the engine is required.
Compression ratio ..cam..and heads will make the biggest performance gain but if you have put quality bolt ons(as above) then you can bolt those on the fresh bottom end.

try to only spend your hard earned cash once for a part...not like me..lol

[LUV2XCLR8]

I want a BLOWER 4 mine

[MandarinSixSeven]

NAWS, NAWS MAN! who cares, even if your engine blows blue smoke and is only firing on two cylinders, the Blue Bottle will fix all that when you press the button and warp through time! I'm serious! Have you ever seen fast and the furious...it's true!

edit: sorry, that was garbage and I forgot to post my true answer to your question.

I have heard it over and over again, headers are the best single thing you can do to an engine apparently. However, I would want a lopey cam, even if it didn't increase power, it would sound cool.

[matthufham]

headers, and improve the intake with an edlebrock performer manifold. flows much better than stock, and is a daily driver style intake.

[see ten]

Take the fan off the engine and replace it with an electric fan. You will gain power and mpg. Every vehicle in our yard has an electric fan from flex a lite.

[mocwon]

MAF TPI (not speed density)

[Gary]

Well when I got my truck the carb was shot, so I started with a nice aftermarket intake that was geared towards and idle-5500 rpm sweet spot, and a new holley 750 with elec choke. I then added headers and a new HO alternator (all except the headers polished chrome for that bling bling effect).

I'm trying hard to gear the motor for a heavy and powerful low rpm/mid rpm power band since that's where 95% of the driving occurs. Next project is a mild(er) cam than what's in there and a posi rear end swap, well next AFTER I fix the (factory?) air. The cam in it now was put in by the last owner and everyone agrees, it's a bit wild for the motor I'm trying to create.

[masterbeavis]

MAF TPI is more prone to sensitivity from vibration and whatnot Ive been told. Besides, doesnt it look cooler when the air cleaner is mounted directly to the intake without any pesky MAF sittin in the way?? :P

[brandon-n-lisa]

Well, it sounds like headers is the first thing I should do. I'm not looking to build a 600HP engine, but I like a lot of the ideas I am hearing here. I really like the idea of the electric fan.

The motor seems to run really strong and smooth, although I have not run a compression test or really gone any further into it other than taking off the valve covers. The only thing I have noticed is that it seems to be running a little rich and I just haven't got around to adjusting it yet. I think the first thing I am going to do is headers and a dual exhaust. I think this motor has about 45,000 from when it was rebuilt, but that is going purely by whatr the previous owner said. I think after the exhaust, I will look into a more performance oriented intake. I am not too sure about the whole fuel injection idea. I knwo that it would result in more power, better economy, and reliability, but I just like having a carb. Don't ask me why, I just do.

Thanks for all the great ideas so far.

- B -

[dtlilly]

It all depends on how deep your pockets are.

Headers and FlowMaster dual exhaust is usually the first start. Adding an X pipe is highly recommended with the duals.

Don't forget to make your rear end and tranny stronger before going much further.

[TireSmoke420]

Originally Posted by masterbeavis

MAF TPI is more prone to sensitivity from vibration and whatnot Ive been told. Besides, doesnt it look cooler when the air cleaner is mounted directly to the intake without any pesky MAF sittin in the way?? :P

I had an 87' trans am for awhile bfore i couldnt afford insurance anymore. it had TPI with the MAF sensor and it went bad all the time 200 dollar part not a nice thing on a shallow wallet. everytime it went bad i got one from a junkyard though for 20-50 bucks. all it really is is a lightbulb filiment in a 3 or 4 inch tube. so yea they break easy.