First, Thanks to everyone who responded to my post of the 305 vs. 350. There doesn't seem to be much of a reason for me to hang on to the 305, since I'm planning on totally rebuilding whatever I come across. I just would like to know what kind of specs you've built your 350 to and what sort of performance you've gotten (compression, 1/4 mi., hp, etc.) I'm very new to this, but have a friend who's willing to help me out. I just need help choosing parts and would like to know what rings, pistons, rods, cam, heads, etc. would be best. I know that this question covers a lot of ground, so whatever you feel like responding to would be great. Also, if you can tell me how much your 350 project cost, that would be great. If you just want to list what parts your block and heads are composed of and your compression, 1/4 mi. time, and estimated hp, that would be very helpful. Thanks guys, I love this place!

James

 

well, depending on what kind of driveability (like milage and performance ratio) you want, you can build a good 350 that has a stock type bottom end (crank, rods, pistons) with some better heads, and a good cam and intake for under 2200 bucks. basically, depending on what kind of heads you go with, stock vs aftermarket, that will be you biggest hp difference. theoretically speaking, 330 hp is not out of the question at all. 400 is too far off either. in my opinion, 400 hp is where you start getting to the point where its not a very practical daily driver, and only a weekend warrior. ups to you. 300 hp at the rear wheels however will propel a 3600 lbs car into the low 13's if you have some decent traction.

Steve

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86 Firebird, LG4, t-tops, 2.73 open rear, SLP 3 inch cat back exhaust, catco cat, Coming mods: GOT A 350 IN THE WORKS BABY! gonna throw my TES edlebrock headers on it, and hopefully get some more gear and the cowl hood on

My Webpage- Battle of the birds, My own Thirdgen Page, still under construction, http://www.geocities.com/soares711/index.htm

88 Firebird Formula- deseased 2/9/99- 305 TPI, SLP 3 inch exhaust, SLP Intake runners, SLP cam, 3.45 BW disc brake posi, WS6, NOS, and all that good stuff, 13.8 on the motor, 12.89 on NOS and slicks! Hit by what else!?!? a FORD EXPLORER!!!!!!

 

key to a good high performan motor is cylinder heads and cam shaft. a stock botom end will be fine to 400hp. just make sure all the machine work is done and do not skimp on spending money on quality machine work.if you want to drive this car every day i streongly sugest keeping the compresion under 9.5:1. at lest this way you can run pump gas. for heads after stock GM casings would be fine as long as ther rebilt with a 3 angle valve job and some other tricks. a good cam for a mild perfomance 350 is as folows. lift 450(intake)=461(exhust) 224 duration. a perfomer RPM and a holley 650 would be good for 330 hp and 390 foot lbs of torqu. this soud put you in low 14s or high 13s with good traction

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when the green flag drops the bull$hit stops

350,performer RPM intake ,650dp, 700r4, headers, 3inch exhast

 

Sorry, guys, I forgot to mention I will be running a TPI up top with 22lb. injectors.
So stock pistons, rings, crank, and rods are ok up to 400 horses?

 

I would be happy to disclose my secret for getting a solid mid 15 second 305 TPI car into the low 15s with a TPI 350 for under $4000, but I've got a feeling that you won't want to know.

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You will have to raise the fuel pressure if your getting up to 300 hp with the stock 22lb injectors but they should work fine. 24lb are a god choice also. Yes the stock pistons, crank and rods are ok for 350hp...400 hp is pushing it as far as how long they will last. Look at GM's 350hp engines and see what pieces they are using. Most have a forged crank and stronger rods. Have a good machine shop do the block prep.

You will need a better intake to support the 300+hp on that TPI and a high-po chip for the computer. Don't forget about the exhaust.

300-350hp will still be a good daily driver and the TPI will help out tremendously on your gas compared to a carb.

 

If your running 9.5:1 compression, what does it matter how much power your making?
As long as you keep the rpms below 6000
a 400hp 350 should last you a long time.
It would be your tranny and diff that would go way before the rebuilt motor would.
Consider those things as well when you deciding to go beyond 350hp.