More power?

[Bowtie1216]

I have a 1972 c/10 with the 350 ci and the 350 tranny, and i was wondering what where some cheep ways to put a little more pep in its step, Mind you, i'm a high school senior and i'm a little straped for cash. thanks guys.

[my67c20]

1. HEI, Plugs and Wires
2. Chrome Valve Covers
3. Intake and Carb Upgrade
4. Camshaft
5. Bigger Exhaust (keep manifolds)
6. Trans Shift Kit

[ChevLoRay]

Similar question on the '88-98 page.

An internal combustion engine is an air pump. If you want to get more out of it, you have to think about getting more air into it, through it and back out. You gotta have an air filter, if you want your engine to live. But, a low-restriction air filter (K&N, for example) will help. If you are running a 2-bbl carb, you're limited as to how much air can be introduced. A proper 4-bbl carb and intake will make a difference.

To get the exhaust out of the engine, you need a free-flowing system. Whether it is headers, or just keeping your cast iron manifolds, a dual exhaust system with an X-pipe (at least a cross-over tube), will give you the flow that it needs.

Cams and such are good, but until the intake and exhaust is able to handle it, you're getting the cart before the horse.

[brad_man_72]

chrome valve covers lol!

what are the specs on your 350 now. Carb intake, ompresion ratio. Has your engine been tuned lately, does it need a complete tune up? How many miles are on the engine and transmission. Have you dropped the trans pan to change filter and fluid, was the bottom of the pan clean or did it have a bunch of silt in the bottom.

theirs nothing like spendin a bunch of money on making more power just to start breaking stuff you cant afford to replace. Best to start with simple tune up and make sure everything is in good working order.

[Bowtie1216]

Originally Posted by brad_man_72

chrome valve covers lol!

what are the specs on your 350 now. Carb intake, ompresion ratio. Has your engine been tuned lately, does it need a complete tune up? How many miles are on the engine and transmission. Have you dropped the trans pan to change filter and fluid, was the bottom of the pan clean or did it have a bunch of silt in the bottom.

theirs nothing like spendin a bunch of money on making more power just to start breaking stuff you cant afford to replace. Best to start with simple tune up and make sure everything is in good working order.

the 350 its mostly stock, its has a 4b carb. and no my engine has no been tuned but about i week ago i dropped the trans pan and changed both filter and fluid. Not sure about the compression ratio (Pretty new to trucks) and its reads 142k miles But i picked this up off a guy in OK so it could have been rebuilt in the past but i don't have any knowledge of this. And i have headers on my 73' But they are warped where the meet the engine, i don't know if i can fix that and slap them on the '72 or Not.

[Lee H]

The biggest band for the buck is going to be Carb and Distributor dial in tune up. Once these are done then it's time to change parts if your budget allows. Never a good idea to start changing parts, except for maybe chrome valve covers, before you have a good clean optimized baseline.

[Bowtie1216]

One more thing, could i get a link of where i could one of those air filters i'm been looking and i can't find it lol

[stich626]

Originally Posted by Bowtie1216

One more thing, could i get a link of where i could one of those air filters i'm been looking and i can't find it lol

summit racing.com
jegs.com
some napa's

I'd start with a tune up..
does it have hei already??
if not new points if needed and set the timing, check to see if the advance is working (mechanical and vacuum)
you said it has a 4 barrel on it.. what one (q jet/holley/etc) mecanical secondary or vacuum)
with someone in truck and it off, air cleaner off,, mash the gas , the throddle blades should be standing straight up..
is the choke pulling compleatly off,,
start with what will cost you zero..
get a timing light and a vacuum gauge and tune it up..
you'll be shocked on just how much is in it, that a tune up will bring back..

[truckster]

I second the vote for a good tuneup. The first upgrade I would make is an HEI. You don't have to spend a lot of money one one- mine cost less than $25 from a pick-n-pull. New plugs, wires, and a carb tune should give you a good starting point. Change the oil if you haven't done it already.

With 140,000 miles, you've got some carbon and wear on the valves, which means in my book that it's not going to be worth replacing the cam unless you do the valves too. Since you're on a budget, I'd just get it running well and save money until you can afford to do the upgrades you want.

[BIGBLU 72]

HEADERS!!!! made a ton of diff in my truck

[Bowtie1216]

Thanks guys

[my67c20]

You all laugh at the chrome valve covers but once he pulls the old ones he will see what the top end looks like and chick dig chrome things.

[eightbanger]

Originally Posted by my67c20

chick dig chrome things.

They sure do...and fury dice!

Another informative thread and funny too..I love ths place.

[Bowtie1216]

lol

[oldblue1968chevy]

Check out the highschooler thread im a senior too, do ya DD your truck? Lets see some pix

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=334086