73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 73-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks => Topic started by: DnStClr on August 18, 2008, 11:48:31 pm
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Here's a question that may have been asked before- what do you think are the top 10 performance enhancements for the 73-87 Chevy/Gmc trucks?
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Headers
Cam
Intake
Heads
ignition
exhaust
fuel system
shift kit
posi
lowering/lifting
improved cooling
removing pollution controls
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Don, This could be a question with a rather broad range of answers depending on one's definition of "performance" & the real goals the owner has for his truck. Are we doing this for fun or our you trying to plan a build for your truck? Again depending on your own goals...tires & braking come to mind, may be of higher priority than some other things. Lorne
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Go fast now, worry about stopping later! ;D
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putting in a 383 Stroker (times 10)
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Ha- why did I know the stroker would be on Andy's list :D
Not for my truck, Lorne. Just thought it would make a good topic. There's so many of you guys on here that are real gearheads- I wanted to see what comes to mind when you think "performance".
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Here's how I tried to do my truck.
Headers
Air cleaner/filter
mufflers/exhaust
cooling system - efans/radiator/trans cooler
tune up - plugs/wires
wheels/tires
trans/shift kit
lowering
weight reduction
Exterior mods
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Ha- why did I know the stroker would be on Andy's list
Don, you know me too well. But then again, I am not exactly quiet when it comes to backing the good ole Stump Puller 383 Stroker. ;D
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Are we talking 73-86 or 87 trucks? Existing motor or we talking replacement?
Complete tune-up
Smog removal
Exhaust
Headers
cam/valvetrain
Intake
Carb
Heads
shift kit/perf clutch assm.
cooling (efan/radiator/trans)
If we are talking TBI same stuff applies, but you wont be changing carbs, and you cam selection is limited, but you could rebuild the TBI, or get a Holley 2" (or 454 TBI) and a Chip,
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As usual you make sense of a wobbly thought Chris. In fairness it should be 73-86. (Tho many of the changes can be done to the 87's too.) Existing engine. Anything else is fair game for an upgrade. Actually, I thought new final drive ratio might score kind of high on the list.
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It would/should!
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There are a whole lotta variables to that question, but for seat of the pants performance you can't beat a set of gears. Jump from 3:07 to 3:42 or 4:10 and see how your neck feels :o
Horrible gas mileage but you said performance hehe.
After gears I agree with your basic setup outlined by some others on here.
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Jump from 3:07 to 3:42 or 4:10 and see how your neck feels
Horrible gas mileage but you said performance hehe.
Not necessarily a performance upgrade. Performance could mean "top end". Suppose you want to go over 100 mph? hmmm? That engine would be nearly redlining. A 2:80 to 3:08 would'nt even be necessarily breaking a sweat. Now a 383 with a 3:08, lotsa torque down low and plenty of upper end for interstates. Yeah, that's the ticket. By the way, that's whay I have in my 79. (http://www.delbridge.net/install).
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There are a whole lotta variables to that question
That's why I started my post with this statement. For myself performance means neck snapping, tire ripping torque. Easiest and most cost effective way to obtain that is with a set of gears IMO. Going fast scares me, must be why I have a 4x4 and play slowly in the mud ;)