350 performance options

  #1  
Old 04-23-2014, 09:19 AM
camaroteen82's Avatar
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Default 350 performance options

so here is the current specs for my dad's l-48.
stock l-48 shortblock
307 heads
rv cam
stock intake manifold
q-jet carb.

old parts dad pulled off shortly after he got the car from my uncle.
holley street dominator intake manifold.
edelbrock 600 cfm carb.

Now I have some spare 350 heads and I was wondering if I got a decent cam and put the old parts on the l-48 if it would give the engine a decent boost enough so you don't have the feather the throttle and the clutch just to get it rolling.
 
  #2  
Old 04-23-2014, 12:31 PM
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Remove the intake heads and cam and lifters and discard. Turn the block up side down and check the rods and main bearings. Replace if needed now because its easer with the motor out. Next get a comp EX-268 cam and lifter set and install. Next get a set of Vortec heads 906 or 062 castings and install. You will raise the compression for the stock 8.5 to at least 9.5 and that will be a big help. Motor should be making just under 400hp at the crank with good torque. You will also need a intake something like the Edelbrock Performer and your 600 carb and your set. Very impressive combination with the vortec heads. Car Craft did one years ago with about the same block and did the heads cam and intake and made 397hp at the flywheel. Its called the Junk Yard Jewel.
 
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Old 04-23-2014, 02:33 PM
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If you want to keep the old school looking valve covers over the vortec heads go with a set of camel humps and install a set of 2.02 valves in them. You could also probably pick up a set of dart cast heads cheap. I have cast sportsman 2s on my 350 and they have worked great for over 20 years
 
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Old 04-23-2014, 10:37 PM
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the spare 350 heads I have already have 2.02 intake and 1.94 exhaust valves.
If I'm going to spend $$$ on heads I'll get aluminum ones with an aluminum intake.
I'm just curious if its worth getting a cam to work with the 350 heads the holley intake and carb that I already have. or which cam to get at all.
 
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Old 04-24-2014, 06:21 AM
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casting number of the heads you have now will help with what is needed for the rest of the build. Compression or lack of will help with cam selection.
 
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Old 04-24-2014, 09:35 PM
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where would I find the casting #s?
 
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Old 04-24-2014, 11:39 PM
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they are in the head where the valve springs go


 
  #8  
Old 04-25-2014, 09:28 AM
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Camel hump heads were the thing to have......back in the day. Performance wise, they're boat anchors now compared to the Vortec or aftermarket heads. The only real reason to pay money for camel humps is if you're putting together a vintage numbers correct engine.
 
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Old 04-25-2014, 11:27 AM
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I got the casting # its 83417369 there was also a made in mexico so I'm assuming its a newer head style.
 
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Old 04-25-2014, 01:50 PM
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Those are Goodwrench crate engine heads. 76cc chamber, 1.94" intake valves, 1.50" exhaust. They're comparable to the old 3998993 307/350 heads, which is probably what your 307 heads are, but those have smaller (1.72") intake valves. Not "hi-performance" heads, but better than the small valve 307 heads you have now.
 

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