Piece by piece horsepower upgrades... what would you suggest?

[Slammed80]

I've got an 80 short bed w/ a 350 and the 3spd + L Manual, what would you guys reccomend for an upgrade path with this guy?

Eventually I'd like to do a total top end rebuild to include, heads, carb, intake, cam... but I cant afford all that in one big lump sum.  I'm thinking along the lines of do a carb and intake, then put in a cam, then headers, then heads?

Thoughts?

[F-body Demon]

You have a good starting point with the 350 IMO.

First: Headers, Summit has good Long Tubes for like $100 shipped (a bargain). Add a $4 can of paint from Checker and your looking good too.

Second A: Intake Manifold, I would recommend the Edelbrock Performer EPS, Its usually in stock at Autozone for $130 (where I got mine). I used it on a cammed 305 in a 3rd gen Trans Am that ran a 102 mph quarter mile and it pulled to 6000 rpm on that 305 so 5000-5500 on a 350 isnt unthinkable.

Second B: Carb, Check ebay for a good deal otherwise I wouldnt go higher than a 700 cfm (if even that high), a Vacuum 670 or a Mech 600 is a good choice. Remember, smaller venturies (CFM) mean better throttle responce and torque...too big of a carb will kill both.

Third: Camshaft, I would talk to a Summit rep on this one. Have them help you pick the perfect cam. Choosing the wrong one can loose you up to 30 hp or more even if its close.

Should be a good start.

[VileZambonie]

1st thing I would do is toss that transmission -that alone will make a huge improvement

[79SHORTWIDE]

I agree with junking that tranny. Get a TH350 when you can.
Have you considered finding a good used engine, stripping it, and rebuilding it little by little as money permits?
That way you could eventually install a fresh engine into your ride that is built the way you want it. It feels less expensive that way as well.....instead of dumping large chunks of $$$$ at one time.  You might check with your local parts stores as well. You know, the ones that have the machine shop in the back with a couple of old timers working there. Those guys know all the old tricks for making horsepower cheap. The biggest issue is making all your  parts choices MATCH for a particular driving style. Big cams and huge Holleys sound and look cool but run like crap for a daily driver. As for doing things a little at a time on your ride with it's current engine; well, you can only go so far with stock pistons and heads before you stop making h.p. Good roller tip rockers like the ones by Comp Cams will give you a few horses for about $150.00. Good dual exhaust system too. Good luck. I hope this helped.

[75 C20]

im sorta in the same situation with my 75- 350 with 4 speed manual
awhile back i put headers,gmpp alum. intake an edelbrock carb. and a opend element aire cleaner and i could really tell the differences in it- its God engough for now until i have more money

[DirtyLittleSecret]

Edelbrock 1405 (600cfm) carb, Performer EPS intake, and dual free flow exhaust would get you some much needed ponies if on a tight budget.  Can also help with mpg.  Lastly, give it a full tune up!