Hi guys, this is my first post and I feel pretty stupid for posting it, seeing as most of the people on here seem to be car experts and I'm pretty clueless as far as this all goes. I'm sixteen and recently purchased a 1979 Berlinetta for 1200 dollars. It's in pretty good shape, replaced the radiator, distributor, and had to rebuild the tranny. Everything is pretty much stock and I'm looking to change that. I wanted this car so it could be a muscle car, and I don't think the 350 in it has nearly as much horsepower as I'd like. My question is what would you recommend I do for greater horsepower with the engine? Should I build it to a 383 or get another 350 with greater horsepower or what? I'm very open to any suggestions because, like I said, I am definitely no expert. Thanks for all feedback.

 

welcome to the forum! not everyone here is an expert and we learn from each other

well if you want the cheapest bang for the buck, id go with a 383 but you can also go with a 300hp and 330tq 350 for around 3000 or so

 

Man! whats with all the 16 year olds with 79 berlinettas?! haha. As you can tell by my name, i also happend to have one. Ill be 16 in 5 days and ive had mine for a little over a month. Same deal.. got it real cheap and looking to work off of it as a project. Im pretty new to the forum myself!

Dont know what I could ad to your question though. I know that the 350 they put in the 79 had about 170-190 HP or so (I think), but the people i got it from were nice enough to take out the previous 396 and put in a '68 327 (sarcasm). But until i get a new carb, it not much over the 79's anyway. I know my friend was gonna build the 350 in his 69 nova into a 383 stroker and those are usually extremely powerful for their size. Sorry i cant be of much help, just noticed that nifty car ya got yourself there.

 

yeah you can get a 350 crate that has the same hp and tq as a 1st gen 350 for like $3000-3500

but with a 383, you can get 400+ hp and tq and it will cost $4000+

but the 383s also usually have low mpg lol but camaro's aren't hybrids either but if its your daily driver than its something to consider

 

Not sure what your mechanical abilities are, or if you're willing to learn as you go, but have you considered rebuilding the existing 350?
If it's a solid engine and runs, it might be a good base to build up into something a bit hotter, and that will save a lot over any crate or turnkey engine.
Most machine shops will cost about $600-$800 for complete engine machining, if you can disassemble and reassemble when you get it back. Many places like Summit or Jeg's sell complete engine kits for about the same price or less, so total cost could easily be under $1500 if you can supply the rest the labor.
The last small block Chevy I did a complete rebuild on included a rebore with new TRW forged pistons, cam, align bore, and cranshaft turning of mains, and rod bearings, and total for parts and maching was under $1300. That engine put out around 370 HP, and didn't have any problems running with most street rods, even in a fairly big 65 Chevelle.
Just a thought.

 

The idea of rebuilding the existing 350 has been one I've given a lot of thought to. I realize it would be much more cost efficient, but I've been wondering how it would perform. It's only got 170 horses as it is now (I think.) Would rebuilding it get me around 350 hp?

 

With ease and more using the right parts and adding a couple bolt ons like a better intake and carb and a good set of headers and dual exhaust.