Choosing an Intake, Carb, Cam and RPM Range
 

I have a 1987 Formula I am putting a 350 in. The best info I could find on the 350 is....

Engine - 14093638 SGI 5.7 LG
Crate motor
Size: 350 One piece rear main seal

Heads - 14096217 H224 12
Center bolt valve covers
Cast iron heads
285hp/300hp
64cc chambers
72' or 90' center intake manifold bolt angles

I need to buy an intake manifold, carb and a cam. I am happy getting a 600 carb, I might get a Holley 600 or a 650 Double Pumper, I had one before on my 69 Chevelle with a 350 and loved it. But I really don't know what intake or cam to get. When I look at the intakes they specify different RPMs like 1500-6500 rpm and Idle-5500 rpm, What would I use on a 350? What RPM am I shooting for? As well as a cam? What lift and duration?

Now here's the performance I'm going for. The car is a daily driver, about 30 minutes a day tops. The engine only has 15k miles on it. It has a rebuilt automatic transmission. I drive very aggressively, I am not looking forward so much to the top speed I'll get because where I live I can only get up to 115 so far, there's just not enough stretch of road, but rather how quick the car will be. I want quick acceleration, from a stop or cruising.

I know I could have listed more stuff about the car but I think I got all the relevant information here.

Re: Choosing an Intake, Carb, Cam and RPM Range
 

I actually don't know what those cylinder heads are, but i'd venture a guess that they aren't any good for performance.

idle-5000RPM stuff is basically stock replacement. That won't give you any HP gain. Look for 1500-6000RPM parts (cam, intake, etc).

Look at upgrading the gears in the diff, that'll give the most seat of the pants acceleration right there.

What carb is on it now? Intake?
Find out if you currently have a roller or flat tappet cam. That'll help narrow down what you want to put back in there.

Re: Choosing an Intake, Carb, Cam and RPM Range
 

I think maybe an edelbrock 2101 intake and a holley 650. As for a cam i would say something at about 262 advertised duration. If you can go with a roller cam it would be best. Cam companies always have tech line so you get just the right one.

Re: Choosing an Intake, Carb, Cam and RPM Range
 

I ended up not going this route. But thank you for the info, it still helps me out.