easy horsepower tips
2nd Gear member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 572
From:
RE: easy horsepower tips
Well, spending lots of money works well.
Seriously, the first thing I'd advise is to look over the car very carefully and find out exactly what problems might be lurking here and there, and fix those first. Any 25+ year old car will have a number of them: I was working on a 72 today and we discovered that the left front brake hose was essentially completely clogged up and had to replace it - stuff like that.
As to power, in general:
1) Take care of the engine itself. Is your 350 new? If not, check it out and make certain that oil pump, timing chain and sprockets, etc., are in prime shape. Check the pushrods and rockers for bent rods rockers, etc. While its out, replace any and all gaskets you can. I always replace the starter unless I'm on a really tight budget. Check the freeze seals carefully, etc.
2) Make certain you have enough radiator and its in good shape.
3) Adding power
Normally, I advise folks to add headers, but here, sincethe engine is out of the car is a great time to add a cam because it is so easy to do, so if you have only enough $$ for one thing, do this first (if its a new hi-po crate engine then you can skip this). don't go overboard, but a good street cam will help you a lot. Add springs, new lifters, and be careful about the pushrods, too.
Then headers : long tube, not too big a diameter for your engine (probably 1 1/2 or 1 5/8 inch diamter - ask again when you have more details and are ready to order.
Then a good exhaust system (you may have to add this when you put the engine in just to get an exhaust that will fit it. Duals, something like big flowmasters, are good.
A really good intake manifold and carburator. Do some research and pick one that will fit your needs.
Seriously, the first thing I'd advise is to look over the car very carefully and find out exactly what problems might be lurking here and there, and fix those first. Any 25+ year old car will have a number of them: I was working on a 72 today and we discovered that the left front brake hose was essentially completely clogged up and had to replace it - stuff like that.
As to power, in general:
1) Take care of the engine itself. Is your 350 new? If not, check it out and make certain that oil pump, timing chain and sprockets, etc., are in prime shape. Check the pushrods and rockers for bent rods rockers, etc. While its out, replace any and all gaskets you can. I always replace the starter unless I'm on a really tight budget. Check the freeze seals carefully, etc.
2) Make certain you have enough radiator and its in good shape.
3) Adding power
Normally, I advise folks to add headers, but here, sincethe engine is out of the car is a great time to add a cam because it is so easy to do, so if you have only enough $$ for one thing, do this first (if its a new hi-po crate engine then you can skip this). don't go overboard, but a good street cam will help you a lot. Add springs, new lifters, and be careful about the pushrods, too.
Then headers : long tube, not too big a diameter for your engine (probably 1 1/2 or 1 5/8 inch diamter - ask again when you have more details and are ready to order.
Then a good exhaust system (you may have to add this when you put the engine in just to get an exhaust that will fit it. Duals, something like big flowmasters, are good.
A really good intake manifold and carburator. Do some research and pick one that will fit your needs.
2nd Gear member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 390
From:
RE: easy horsepower tips
I got my 81 when I was 15. cool. Good luck with the car.
I agree with Lee and you should take care of the mechanical problems before you spend all of your money on the engine. Do you know what the 350 is out of.
It probubly has a carb. Send me pics and Ill tell you. It is probubly all complete. I doubt that someone would remove internals. If you want power then tare it down and spend the money to rebuild it. I got my all machined and all of the parts for only 1100 It now has around 400 horse power.
Lets see some pics of the car.
Are you from the south or where?
Welcome to the forums
I agree with Lee and you should take care of the mechanical problems before you spend all of your money on the engine. Do you know what the 350 is out of.
It probubly has a carb. Send me pics and Ill tell you. It is probubly all complete. I doubt that someone would remove internals. If you want power then tare it down and spend the money to rebuild it. I got my all machined and all of the parts for only 1100 It now has around 400 horse power.
Lets see some pics of the car.
Are you from the south or where?
Welcome to the forums
RE: easy horsepower tips
If this motor is making 300HP You realy dont need anymore atleast until you have more expirence in how the car handles and drives. Its been my expirence that camaros have a funny way of getting out of shape quick if youre not listening to what the car is telling you.
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