Hey guys I am new to the forum but not new to the Camaro scene. I've had my 79 for over 10 years now but I am starting my build on this gm crate motor I picked up. The block is a 10066036 "hecho in mexico" with about 30k on it and I've already pulled it completely apart minus the crank. Everything looks great inside and I'm just wanting to do a good street build at around 350-375hp. I was gonna see if any veterans to the forum any good build setups, ideas, as I have never built a motor from the ground up before. Not made of money either so I was hoping to stick around the $1500 range in parts. I was thinking about going with L31 vortec heads, but I am not set on anything here. I know there are plenty of places online to find good info as I am researching but was hoping for some good advice here! Thanks in advance to any help/info I can get!

Cale

 

Well good luck on the build. Sorry i cant help you but there are a ton of very knowledgeable guys on this second gen forum.

 

The block you have is a two pieces rear seal and no provisions for a roller cam. So you first choice for the heads are the best. It will do two things for the good. First it will bump up the compression because of the smaller 64cc chambers and secondly it is the best flowing head you can get from GM and their cheap. You should be able to get a set for under $400 with all the work done to them. You will for sure need to have the spring pockets and guides cut for a set of Z-28 springs. These will handle up to .525 lift on a flat tappet cam. Then a Comp EX-268 cam and lifters for your cam choice. You might also want to have the block cleaned and new cam bearing installed if the block is hot tanked. Then a barrel hone the cylinders to break the glaze and a gasket set and a vortec intake and your all done. This set up will make very close to 400hp and lots of TQ to move things. Your stock converter will work with this cam but a little more might be more fun. Check out Comps web site for more info on the cam. This set up will put you well under your $1500 budget.

 

Do you have a TH350, or a standard trans? Do you know what rear gears your car has? The setup YAV8 posted is a good one, and will easily stay under your budget if you can use the pistons again, and just hone the bores. Might consider a good intake also, as I think you'll have enough money for it.

 

Yav8 thanks for all the good advice! I was gonna hone the cylinders out this weekend and go from there.

1971bb427- it was the rs camaro so yes it has the th350 tranny and single traction rear end with 2.41 gears. Ive already had the plans for getting a 3 piece carrier unit and putting some 3.42 gears in it. Thought it was be the right choice as I still may do some highway driving