Hey everyone - got a 69 convertible, original 307 with 65K miles, fresh rebuild w flat top pistons, headers, flat top pistons. Recently purchased an edelbrock intake (7101) & holley (1850 w electric choke, vacuum 2nds), any other easy upgrades that would wake the car up? Not looking to create a street rocket, just make it a little peppier & keep up with 2019 traffic, any suggestions?

Also will the holley and intake bolt on or do I need a Spacer? if so, any part #?


new here and new to 1st gen Camaros so apologies if this is a known fact

 

Well the performance possibilities of the 307 mill are pretty limited but the next step is usually a performance cam and lifter set, then a head upgrade which gets expensive.
The best upgrade you could do is swap the 307 for a 350 but it sounds like you have invested quite a bit in the 307 already.

 

Headers with a cross over exhaust? This will require a new cross brace if you don't already have it. https://www.jegs.com/i/Hotchkis/515/...SABEgItkvD_BwE

Intake and carb should be ok without spacer. In fact hood clearance for the air cleaner will be limited as is.

With the the 307 I would think upgrades path would be Carb & intake, then Headers and dual exhaust, next would be CAM. You also may want to switch over to a electronic ignition and a hotter coil. You can convert your distributor or just get a whole new one.

KEEP all the old parts. Get some totes. I have a whole set of shelves with original parts. including the entire manual steering system.and wiring harness. this way there is nothing that can not be returned to stock if car valves sky rocket.

 

@Gorn - correct crossflow & headers, unsure if there cross brace is there. package I bought comes with an edlebrock intake as well. Sounds like the main performance upgrades are covered then.
Forgot to mention - has a petronix coil - replaced the points

All old parts have been kept - just trying to make it more usable in modern traffic while also making an easy revert to stock.

@Y2Keglide - aware the 350 is the best option, dad and I split the car so got to play by his rules. Just taking it as far as I can. Aso original engine, convertible, dusk blue etc... trying to keep the unique factors there.

In essence - tried to keep the modifications to bolt ons (less pistons as I needed as new set when purchased) - sounds like this is the limit of a 307?

Separate note - how much power (est.) can a th 350 handle? additional consideration is to mothball the 307 and swap is a 350

 

Yep if it were mine I'd "mothball" the 307 and not change anything on the car that can't be undone and put back OEM.
Everything you bought for the 307 will work with a 350 just fine and the seat of the pants difference in power is considerable,the 350 can make much better power with the same goodies and be just as reliable,no need for a really big cam and stall converter on the trans etc. besides the fact that a big cam in a 307 won't do much without the better heads and higher compression pistons needed to make the same power as a mild build on a 350.
Depends on what you will be satisfied with for power,trying to get much more out of that 307 will start getting to a point of diminishing returns pretty quick.
The T-350 is a pretty stout trans I wouldn't worry about it unless you start seeking a lot more power and they can be built to take quite a bit more if need be.

 

Well you really want to be sure at least the original factory brace in there. If not you want to baby the car until it does. Even jacking the car up the car wrong could damage the unibody without that cross brace.