I have a 1981 Z with a 350 4 barrel. The engine is not running so im gonna get it running and put some performance in it before i put it back in. Im doin the basics, new carb, headers and full exhaust. Probably valves so i can use bigger pipes (im thinking 2 3/4), cams, pistons, and im debating new heads. I plan on driving this car whenever the weather permits it. Any tips or suggestions? Or do you think the above mods will put me near the 400 HP mark (at the wheels)? It's all goin through a turbo 400 tranny. I'll be doing about half city driving and half highway driving, and i want it to stomp most cars on the road.

 

The best thing for this puppy is a new set of heads. The vortech heads would be the most economical and give a good power boost, if you csn go for the bux cet a sed of AFR heads wih the proper size ports for what you have in mind, you can getthem with small combustion chambers so that you won't have to change pistons. Talk to the AFR people. After you selacted the heads, get a camshaft to match. Again, talk to the cam grinders fro the best choice. A 750 CFM carb should be sufficient for the 400 HP. Long tube headers will help. If you are considering Vortec heads you will need an intake manifold to match up to their bolt pattern.

 

That i know...i don't know if i want vortec heads though...i wouldn't mind spending a little extra for a set of nice polished heads.

 

Polished heads are for Race Cars. You need to build an engine around a good set of heads. I'd say the best bang for the buck would be a pair of Dart Iron Eagle 200 cc Intake port. Add a small cam , headers and intake and it'll run great.

 

+1 for the iron eagle heads

 

without better heads it will be real tough to get 400 at the rears, especially with a turbo 400. that will sap a lot of power in the drivetrain. uncle bill is right in thae statement that you should probably build around a good set of heads. if you can't flow well then it's a waste of time. it's kind of like putting a big carb on a mill will a small cam and 2" exhaust..it just doesn't work

 

I thought the tranny was swapped for a turbo 400 but i looked at it and did a bit of research. It's actually got a turbo 350. I think they're better for efficiency than the turbo 400. I just don't know how strong it is compared to the turbo 400. Those turbo 400's are bulletproof.

 

The only real difference between the TH350 and 400 is the 350 is alot lighter.

 

Is it as strong as the 400?

 

Ya, if your pushing 400hp the TH350 is prolly your better choice. I know guys that are pushing anywhere from 450-500 hp and they haven't had any problems with running TH350.