'84Z28

iTrader: (1)

Hey guys,
It's starting to get cold up here so I had to garage the '84 for the winter and I have a few questions.
Recently I picked up a 350 block that has 305 heads. So far, the engine is stock with around 50k. I was planning on doing a 650 CFM Double Pumper with an electric choke, a Performer RPM intake manifold, and a 274/286 dur. and .487/.490 lift cam (Comp XE274 cam kit with lifters, springs, retainers, timing chain and gears) How does this setup sound so far? I'm not looking for a ridiculously fast car, just something with a little more pull than the 305.
A higher stall torque converter maybe?
I was planning on getting 3.73 gears, should I spring for posi?
I got an L69 intake a little while ago and was planning on using that.
I'm still open to ideas, so fire away. Thanks for your help.

Atilla the Fun

I'd say you'll want at least a 2000 stall, and yes, plan on a posi.
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Oh, your intake is aluminum, but it's a serious mismatch to your cam. Even switching to an Edelbrock Performer will get you at least 25 hp. Then again, those heads are a little bit of a limitation themselves. In light of that, I'd say consider drop back to an HE268, and not need a higher stall.

'84Z28

iTrader: (1)

What intake do you suggest? I just matched it up on RPM, 1500 on the intake and 1800 on the cam.
If I were to go with the 268, wouldn't it be good to get an intake that starts at 1500 RPM? Right now the engine has the Performer EPS, should I just keep it and go with the 268?

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

The Performer RPM intake is the right manifold for you. Stall at least 2500 if you plan on racing it.

The L69 intake is the same thing as an LG4 intake (except for Canadian LG4's). The Performer is a slight improvement, but the Performer RPM is perfect for an XE274 and 650 DP.

Oh, the Holley wouldn't bolt directly to the L69 intake. It would need an adapter. Besides, it's not right for the XE274.

'84Z28

iTrader: (1)

I'm sorry, a little confusion here. I should have clarified; the L69 intake was just a random splurge of info, I meant the actual air intake. (Dual snorkel, plastic intake, air filter inside) Not the manifold. I was planning on getting a new intake manifold anyways. I had a guy who builds race cars help me match everything up, but just wanted to doublecheck with the guys who know these cars best. Will the hood still close with the dual plane? Is there any other mods I can do before I put the 350 in that would give me good power for cheap? Thanks for the help.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

The hood will close with the L69 air cleaner and RPM intake.

I don't see any mention of exhaust. What do you have planned?

You'll get more power out of the heads if you do port clean-up and have 1.94"/1.60" valves installed.

'84Z28

iTrader: (1)

Exhaust is going to be Hooker 2055's with no cat, and the Hooker catback 3". How much will the head work cost me? I was also advised to run premium fuel for the higher compression, is this true?

Atilla the Fun

Inside the air cleaner, right near the carb, you should find a vertical donut, about 1" tall, that is held in with a few rivets or spot welds, depending on the year. Remove it for a noticeable improvement in power.

'84Z28

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the tip, I've never heard of that. I'll leave it in until I get around to drive it again, and see if I can feel the difference from before/after.

lee33lyn

iTrader: (1)

Would you willing to sell the L69 intake?
Leebo

'84Z28

iTrader: (1)

The manifold or the air cleaner? I'll have an LG4 manifold I won't need after awhile, but the air cleaner I'm going to hold on to.

lee33lyn

iTrader: (1)

the manifold

'84Z28

iTrader: (1)

Like stated above, the L69 and LG4 intakes are the same. Sure, I'll sell it to you when I pull the engine. I also have a Edelbrock 2701 Performer EPS I don't need, and that one isn't on anything.

lee33lyn

iTrader: (1)

Do you have the stock stuff. Do you have the stock carb for the L69. I going to race a stock class time trial. Everything has to be OEM.

'84Z28

iTrader: (1)

Yes, I do have the stock manifold and the Q-Jet. It was recently rebuilt, but I believe it was kind of a poor job and could use another. It has an electric choke, but is mechanical otherwise.

lee33lyn

iTrader: (1)

I'm getting confused. You have a LG4 intake and a L69 intake? Are they both installed and are they both aluminum? Is the Q-jet off a HO engine?

'84Z28

iTrader: (1)

Sorry, I have an LG4 which is still in the car with a poorly rebuilt Q-Jet. I don't know if the intake is aluminum. I will check tomorrow.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

The LG4 and L69 intake manifolds are the same (except cast iron on some LG4's delivered to Canada).

lee33lyn

iTrader: (1)

where they all painted black from the factory?

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Early 3rd gens were painted blue (my '82 305 from Berlinetta #2 is). Not sure when they switched to black.

'84Z28

iTrader: (1)

Checked the intake, it's aluminum.