Engine Upgrades

[81chevy350lwb]

I wanted to know if anyone knew of a website or had some opinions on where to start as far as upgrading an engine.  I want to upgrade it where it will be fast, have a hot rod sound, and still be a daily driver....if that combo masks since.  Right now I have a 1980 350 that is bone stock...emissions and everything.  I have a edelbrock performer 650 that I had bought for my old truck and I thought about putting it on but didn't know if I should do a different intake when I did.

Forgive me if this is sort of a ramble...im still learning about this stuff and know there is a lot of knowledge here in these forums.

Thanks!!!
Mark

[87swb]

all i can tell you is to look on websites like chevyhighperformance.com or superchevy.com they usually have those little stories on how they made something faster and then again this website has some good ideas, just look around on the different topics probably the performance section is your best bet. and if you're going to sup up your motor, it is usually best to have something else to drive and headers don't give you as much horsepower as everybody says they do. that's the first thing i done to my truck and probably the last. the guy i got mine from had a truck like mine and said they would add about 15-20 extra horses, they might have added 2 at the most and you'll never get 'em to stop leaking.reason i tell you this is because that's usually the first thing people do is put headers on. this is just my opinion.

[roundedline]

Headers probably leaked becuase they were poor quality.  Their biggest benefit is gas mileage instead of power.

As for putting a motor together, you are going to have to be more specific in the application.  How fast is fast to you?  Depending on the last answer, what is your version of a daily driver?  What are your ultimate goals for the truck.

The easiest way to get some power is to purchase a ZZ4 motor from GM.  Makes great power and has a warranty.

Chris Lucas
www.73-87chevytrucks.com
www.captkaoscustoms.com
Project Su
Jimmy 2WD Project

[RSBAD454]

I agree, buy a GM crate motor....can't go wrong.

Toys are my game

[chevtruck80]

I also agree, I friend of mine has a zz4 in a 86 c-10 and it is an excellent street engine with plenty of power.

[jveik]

you could just put a cam in it and a matching intake, and maybe other than that a good carb and intake/exhaust and i bet with a lopey cam a 350c.i. could easily pump out 350 horsepower, unless you have the worst compression on the planet lol

[Lt.Del]

You're not going to be able to do much w/ a 25 year old motor if it is all stock.  Yank that joker out and rebuild it w/ a new cam, intake, carb, bore it out...heck make it into a 383 stroker! by adding a 400 crank, flywheel and balancer.   If emissions are important to you, (ie: emissions testing in your area), make sure stay w/in guidelines or you'll be sorry. All new parts must meet standards. If emissions aren't a concern, you have more options.

These replies in this subject are great, I'd get a crate engine.  You have lots to choose from from GM.  You name your horsepower.

SgtDel
www.delbridge.net
 

[RSBAD454]

383 would be a good choice....  

Toys are my game

[SUX2BU99]

A new top end would probably be the best place to start (meaning carb, intake and cam like the Performer Package). Heads will be the limiting factor after that though.  And yeah for the cost of buying heads and putting on those plus the Performer Package, you could even get the 290 HP GM crate motor and make about the same power.

[WyoSnake]

If you don't have time to mess with a rebuild go with a gm crate motor.. If you do get headers spend the money and get good ones and good gaskets. It will save you problems in the long run..If you do rebuild yourself www.northernautoparts.com have good prices.