i have an 84 Z28 i want to get into the mid to low 13s. what i have to start with is a 2004r tranny, 3.23 rear, 041 heads, and i'l probably be using dunlop sp sport 5000 225/60/15s. i have a 283 in it right now but i will probably need to put in a 350. what cam would i need to get into the 13s and what else would i need to do? i want to put on a TPI system to save gas but would it be too restrictive? what do you think? thx.

 

Build or buy a basic flat top piston 350. You want the compression ratio to be right around 9.8:1 for 92 octane gas.
Use your 041 heads. Install new 2.02x1.60 valves. Give 'em a moderate porting job.
Use a hyd cam. around 218 to 230 deg@.050". use a Performer RPM intake and 750cfm carb. Upgrade the fuel system for more flow capacity. 3/8" fuel line and fittings, hi flow pump and filter.
Be sure the radiator is capable of keeping the motor cool.

Use the th200r4 if in good shape, other wise get a rebuilt th350.
get a high stall converter.
You can get very reasonable cruiseability with higher ratio 3.73 or 4.10 rear gears with the OD trans. Don't be shy here.

Build a hi performance exhaust system.

Long tube 1-5/8" primary headers, custom 2.5" into 3.5" Ypipe and 3.5" exhaust.

Get some sticky rear tires like drag radials or M/T et streets.
Forget the TPI.

 

with the times you want to run i wouldnt go bigger then 3.73's i think 4.11's would hurt your et's more then theyd help

 

thx, the 2004r should be OK, i'm having it rebuilt soon for only about $75-100 + parts. my brother works at a big chevy dealership and knows the head tranny guy pretty well and he'll do it for cheap. any idea on what a setup like that would do on gas? right now its my daily driver and i have an 80 trans am with a 455 with about 400hp and around 500lb ft of trq and i'm trying to decide if i should build my camaro up or just mess around with the TA and keep my camaro good on gas and maybe put a TPI on the 283.

 

You'll have to decide on what kind of car you want to end up with.

Keep the cam choice small(ish) and the fuel mileage will be very reasonable. (as long as you keep your foot out of it.)
You have to burn fuel to make power, no way around it.

Find a converter from a (1987) 305HO monte carlo SS with the TH200r4. This is a special factory high stall converter with lockup.

You can buy a lot of gas for the price of a complete TPI system.
A stock TPI system will hold you back power wise.

Good planning, attention to details will get you there.

Your 283 had good basic heads and relitively low compression.
(if its a flat top motor with 64cc 041 heads)

A prime candidate for a B&M/Weiand 144 blower.

It will easily reach your performance goals.
With carefull carb tuning, mileage will be very reasonable too.
I think you'd really enjoy that......
Nothings as sexy as a blower scoop pokin' out of the hood.