Ok so I don't know the first thing about cars to start things off. I just inherited a 1979 camaro berlinetta with a 5-6 y/old 305 5.0 liter V8 and its not very fast....at all. I was wondering if any of you had any suggestions on how to go about making it faster. It doesn't have to be drag-race material just faster. Thanks for any suggestions
Danny

 

more air in, more air out. thats the first step. if it is already carbureted, then go ahead and buy a 500 or 600 cfm edelbrock or holley carb. they are simple to tune, but most of the time, you dont even have to. also, match it up with a edelbrock performer intake manifold. that will improve power, but give you better gas mileage too. then, look into exhaust. you can get a nice set of ceramic coated headers for around 250.00 for that car. if you put on new headers, you will have to have them meet up with the stock exhaust, or have the entire exhaust done. all of which will cost some money. finally, throw in some new spark plugs, and buy a new, high performance coil, one that is a direct replacement for the one you currently have. all of this listed will cost you about $650 for parts. add another couple hundred for labor unless you can do it yourself. if you do all of this, you will gain noticeable amounts of horsepower and will improve gas mileage too.

you could also buy an aftermarket cam. cams are cheap, about $100, so why not get one. i would look into a cam with a duration around the lower 200 degrees. this will give you a rougher idle, which sounds good, but will also give you noticeable amounts of horsepower. i can find all of these items for you if you need.

 

Hey thanks for all that and if you REALLY want to you can find me the parts cause really I don't know the first thing about cars but you've already done enough thanks for the input I really apreciate it. by the way nice car
Danny

 

well i can pass a little time, heres a list of things that will give you some power. im assuming it has a 1979 engine block, so here goes. all of these parts are form JEGS.com, type in these part numbers, this should be what you want.


part number........350-9905............$219.99
part number........350-2101............$114.99
part number........270-119821.........$299.99
part number........350-1002............$16.99
part number........350-4153............$91.99
part number........500-68278..........$264.99
part number........289-17228..........$98.99

Total........$807.94.............plus another couple hundred for exhaust installation. camshaft, mufflers, and valve covers not necessary, but will improve horsepower.

 

thanks, what do you think about a whole new engine/ wont that solve a lot of the power problems?

 

I would recommend that over everything i jsut said, but it will probably end up costing more. you can get a brand new nice crate motor for around 4 grand. if i had your car, this is what i would throw in it.

part number...........809-12486041........$2,399.99

out of all teh motors ive seen, this one is practical, yet very powerful, and an easy on the eye price too. jsut remember, it will cost you a couple hundred to get it installed too.

also keep in mind that the Vortec design intake manifold, distributor, flexplate, torsion damper, water pump, and exhaust manifolds are not included, so you will have to look into those correct parts. you can have the people installing your motor buy the parts for you, but keep in mind that all cost money. this engine put in, with all the new parts will throw you back around $3,300 maybe a little more.

 

K&N would also improve, ignition, heads, spark plugs, wires, coil, high lift rockers, cam, there are a lot. headers and muffler.