Hi, i've been scouring this and other web pages for info on a TPI awap into my 86 Monte carlo SS, i've decided for my wallet and sanitys sake, to hold off on the TPI for now, and build a carbed engine.

Anyway, i'm pretty new to all of this, I think doing the actual work, will be easier then figuring out what pieces work together, and what they will give me. So, here is what I am at. My starting block should be a late 60's, early 70's recently rebuilt and not run corvette motor. (Just happens to be one I can get for free, heh)

The car will be my daily driver during the nice half of the year, will come off the road once it starts getting "wintery" where I have my 88 chevy blazer 4x4 to stick it out through bad weather.

Anyway, it will not be going to the track, so i'd like to build something that will be slightly geared toward lower rpm Torque, instead of the insane high rpm builds ive been seeing, that my car will never probably reach on the street.

I'm looking to get between 350-400 HP out of this motor, closer to 400 would be nice.
So here are my questions:

1- What cam/head combination do you think would be the best for me to use to achieve my desired HP? I dont want a extreme cam, I want the car to idle nice, without driving my insane when it comes to timing it.

2- What intake/carb do you guys suggest? Definantly a 4 barrel, but not one that is going to be too much for my engine, not looking to burn soo much fuel that im not going to be able to use it all.

3-And if they are good, do you suggest changing the pistons? If so, to a dished or dome? Why? And how big?

If anyone has a build that meets these requirements i'd love to see it, building one that I know works already would be great. Otherwise any help you guys can offer will be appreciated.

-Steve-

 

~370 GFWHP combo: '86 LG4 carb system on a rebuilt ZZ3 shortblock with self-ported World S/R 305 heads, roller tip 1.5 rockers, ZZ3/4 intake & cam. Accel coil & module. Dual snorkel air cleaner, DR/K rods/hanger in the stock CC q-jet carb. Jet Hot coated Hooker 2055 headers, 3" catback, Flowmaster. '83 TH700, 2500 stall, shift kit. 2.93 limited slip. Spohn SFCs. Daily year-round driver. Best 14.38/95.5 @ 5800' Bandimere (sea level 13.34/102.8).

Your expectations are a little unrealistic. For instance, 350 HP requires a cam that needs higher stall than stock in order to be manageable.

But, there's no reason your stock carb setup, with fairly basic head, cam, and piston combination couldn't reach the 350 HP goal.

 

My first 350 vortec combination was/is the motor that matches your goals.

350+.030 flat top pistons.
GM L-31 350 vortec heads modded for higher valve lift.
Edelbrock performer rpm intake 750cfm carb (holley, edelbrock)
Crane blue racer hyd cam#Part Number: WG1159 Grind Number: 280-2H
214-224@.050" .442-.465" 112LSA 1.5:1 rockers.
1-5/8" long tube headers
GM HEI ignition MSD coil.
this engine makes 375HP on a dyno and over 400Ftlbs torque.
likes a 3.42 to 3.73 rear gear. stock stall is ok AC ok PB ok
good performance and mileage.
car ran consistant 13.00's. Sure it would have run high 12's if the motor was fresh and open exhaust.
Nice daily driver/ performance combo. noticable but easy idle with good vacuum.

 

Wow thanks alot, that combo sounds promising. Just out of curiosity, why Did you have the heads modded for higher valve lift?
Still using the 1.5:1, so I assume its for the cam?

I've got 3.73 gears, just wish the Monte wasn't so heavy, lol. I think it's like 3800 pounds.

Thanks alot, if anyone has any opinions on this combo, for a daily driver, i'd love to hear em.

 

3.73 and 3800 aint bad, you will be surprised with a good engine, it doesnt take much, ive been there odne it with the same ratio and weight in a 68 pickup i once had with just a TRW flat-top slugged 355 in it
with stock 58cc 1.94 valve heads(14014416 305 heads)
the axle was the original 12 bolt 3.73 non posi

it was no slow poke by any means, it was a real fun ride

and what was even better was that i snagged the 355 bototm end up for a measly 75 bucks lol


the deep axle ratio makes it alot more fun, dont need so much engine to be fun on the street




good luck

 

Yea, the gear ratio is real nice for driving around, I enjoy it.

I was also wondering what the compression on that engine was? I have to be able to use pump gas, as it will be my everyday driver, and I dont want to deal with detonation anymore. (Current engine does it sometimes)

Also Do you happen to have the dyno sheet for it any longer? Id love to see it if so. What do you think would be the hp put to the wheels?

 

based on the performance and weight it made 311 RWHP.
I have a dyno sheet here for an identical motor, made 374hp.
Ton of torque. Cr on my motor was 10.03:1 never pinged ever. Sunoco 94 36deg timing.
based on the .80to.85 gross/net hp conversion rule thats right about 375 gross hp.

Build yours as speced and it will deliver the goods "as advertized"
It was a nice street motor.

Monte Carlo SS's with the 305 HO came with a TH200R4 and a special 9" high stall lock up converter for the 305 (3000rpm) do you have this factory trans and converter?
Would be just right for this motor.

 

Yea, same factory trans and converter.
Is there anyway you can get the dyno sheet scaned into the computer and send it to me?

I appreciate the help and answering all my questions.
-Steve-

 

i got it here somewhere. But here is something interesting that I found online Its essentually the same motor but with a slightly larger cam Crane HMV278-2. make a smooth 404hp. and 425+ torque. this is also a sweet motor especially if you have the Special HO high stall converter. (3000 behind a 305) Althou you can get by with a stock converter with this one. I'm actually building this exact motor for a friends 23ft ScarabII boat. Speced it at 405hp for him . never seen this artical till now. Not a bad guestimate for an old guy.
Check this out carefully. Its a great recipe too. Will post pics if we ever get the finished block back from the machine shop and get the darm boat in the water.

Note this motor was dynoed with very large exhaust headers. Would make ven more torque with smaller 1/5/8" headers. Might even make a few more ponies.
This Crane HMV278-2 cam is nicer than the popular Comp XE268H.
used it in a few motors now.

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