Ideas for Horsepower Mods

[Bucketlist2012]

Hey Guys, I need some input.

I have a Factory 350 LT-1 and I am not ready to do an LS swap yet.

I just had Steve at East Bay Muscle Cars update the Brakes and Suspension, and we Installed New Exhaust, Fuel tank, Headers, MSD Distributor, 6AL, ect...

So I am pretty much set up for a Small Block set up, but I need more power now..The engine has 20K miles and the rebuild is 27 years old. It feels kinda tired..

I kinda want to keep the numbers matching driveline, I THINK, for now, and I am thinking of just rebuilding the 350 LT-1..

Any thoughts on what direction I should go..Sure an LS would be nice, but that would mean taking out the brand new parts that I just had Installed.Gas Tank, Headers, ect...

If I could get 420 HP out of a rebuild, I would be happy.

Any thoughts..

I would still be going back over things that Steve just worked on, But i thought my Engine had more snap...It is not like it was in 1985...Even with only 20K miles on it.

[FETorino]

Originally Posted by Bucketlist2012

Hey Guys, I need some input.

I have a Factory 350 LT-1 and I am not ready to do an LS swap yet.


I kinda want to keep the numbers matching driveline, I THINK, for now, and I am thinking of just rebuilding the 350 LT-1..



If I could get 420 HP out of a rebuild, I would be happy.

Any thoughts..

JMO

The value of the numbers matching motor is really only there in a restoration. I think you've gone beyond that with your car. If you are really hammering it then you risk destroying your #s matching parts so if the #s thing is really important you should think about that. I like the old school carbed stuff so I feel you there.

Since the block is specific to your car with Vin# (I think but I'm not a Chevy guy) it isn't worth as much to somebody else as the heads.

The heads are holding you back compared to a modern set of AL aftermarket heads.

So my logic is stroke your block and top it with a good set of AL heads. I like AFR but there may be better choices for a Chevy. Run a mild solid roller spec'd to the flow of the heads you choose along with a good intake that matches the power curve you are looking for. RPM air gap comes to mind but you Chevy guys may have another preference. I'm assuming you already have a good exhaust and ignition so along with that you should easily get into the 550hp range.

71 LT heads are iron right? So the AL heads should also loose you some weight over the nose of the car. That can't hurt.

[Bucketlist2012]

Rob.. Thanks..

That is what Steve mentioned.. I am just so Old school, I figured the Heads are 2.02's and screw in studs, guides plates,ect..., But I guess they really are holding me back.

I could just pull the LT-1 and Install something else..You are right, I have modified the suspension, ect... so a restoration is out of the question now..

Maybe I could just get a small block stroker engine with the Aluminum heads..

Something to think about...I gotta get over the numbers matching thing i guess, and just store the engine...Probably at Steve's shop..

What would I tell the wife ???It still runs but that thing in the corner is the engine ????

Mike

[GregWeld]

Spend 11 Grand and buy yourself a real motor....


http://www.smedingperformance.com/ch...orsepower.html



I'm running a Smeding 383 in my '32 -- it was a bargain and runs GREAT!

[Bucketlist2012]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Spend 11 Grand and buy yourself a real motor....


http://www.smedingperformance.com/ch...orsepower.html



I'm running a Smeding 383 in my '32 -- it was a bargain and runs GREAT!

Greg...Now you got me all crazy..

This would be a top secret project...I would tell the Wife I am taking it in for a "tune up"..I would then have to store the original engine at Steve's for a while..

Oh man, that would do it...I need power to go with the brakes and handling..

I am on my Bucket List...540 HP would do it...My birthday present this year....Now you got me planning my attack...

427 small block...Hmmm..... the 383 Extreme looks like a bargain... 450 HP ... I could get a 6 speed too if I go that route..

[makoshark]

That's a smoking price for a small block 427. Look at what you get, all forged motor, Dart block, carb to oil pan with 3 year warranty. I can guarantee that you cannot build that motor yourself for that price, with warranty and already dyno'd and tuned. Absolutely nothing wrong with sticking to the old school small blocks. I have nearly that much in my 350 and its not dyno tuned, nor does it have a warranty.

[FETorino]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Spend 11 Grand and buy yourself a real motor....


http://www.smedingperformance.com/ch...orsepower.html



I'm running a Smeding 383 in my '32 -- it was a bargain and runs GREAT!

Or that

Pretty dam cheap for a Dart block and a warranty. Great numbers under 6000 rpm where the hydraulic roller falls off. It just depends if you want to be involved in the build either doing some of the work or learning as you choose parts.

[Ron in SoCal]

You can do any of the above, but before you post another question or response for g-d sakes MAN UP...

[Bucketlist2012]

Ron... LMAO.

If you mean Man up and tell the Wife, that ain't gonna happen, haha..

But if you mean am I doing it, hell yes I am..

Time to put the cash together and just do it..

Mike

[Ron in SoCal]

I like you Mike, so don't take this the wrong way, ok? Free advice:

Don't ask a question on a performance oriented website - especially about testosterone inducing horsepower - and mention anything about whether or not you will tell your wife or if she'll approve. Research and pull the trigger when the time is right in your life. Last thing 500+ is better than low 400s....