i have an 85 camaro that used to be a 2.8 mpfi, but now its a 76 sbc 350 (mods in the sig). it doesnt have as much power as i was looking for. should i pull the motor again and put some better parts in her?

also it isnt running great right now, mainly due to some bad plugs and tuning. but this couldnt effect the power of the motor this dramatically right?

 

Yes you definitely need a new cam and different heads, those really suck if they are stock. What heads does it have now?

 

And what cam?

 

I have a similar setup but with a 1979 350. It isn't a great engine stock, even with those few mods. But what I would say is that a poorly performing set of plugs can completely screw this engine. The difference I got when I fitted a set of new NGK UR5 plugs properly gapped (45thou), was around an extra 1,000rpm at the top end!!!

Also the difference in throttle response that I saw when I got my timing adjusted properly (it was 4 degrees off), was very very noticeable. And it started every time, first time (I expect trouble as I have no choke in my holley - not my fault....)

So what I would say, is don't even think about new heads/cam etc until you have it running well. When the engine runs well then you will have a good baseline for doing more mods. Otherwise, a new cam/heads will not give you anything, other than trouble!

Its also cheaper to get an engine running well than modding it! :lala:

Si.

 

i'd agree that you need to tune this engine before you go making more "improvments"

 

ok ill deffinently get some new plugs. im thinking some ac delcos? also ill check the timing again. it starts up and shuts off fairly ok. yes they are the stock heads and cam . ill have to do soemthing about those

 

Whatever power you have now will never be enough! You'll always want more after you get used to it!
AC split fire's work good in SB's also, you might want to step up to a 650 cfm.

 

if i got a new bigger carb i would step up to the 750:lala:

 

A 650 should be way more then enough for those heads and cam. If you get a bigger cam it will hurt power because you have such low compression heads. Heads are what make the power not the cam.

 

i should be able to get it running right tomm. weve got a timing light at work. also im starting to look into some new heads. any reccommendations at all? im looking for a set that would suit my motor well. i dont wanna port my heads becuase of them being bad heads in the first place.

 

also if i get some new heads , wut size/brand carb would be the best for my setup?

 

if you want power outa t hat motor...intrake/heads/cam combo....also get rid of those accel plugs...they're junk. Throw 'em in the trash and just get some regular AC Delco's they'll do the trick and you really don;t need anything else.

Also when you start modding even more, start thinking about upgrading your ignition system...msd box, dist, and get some of the 8.5mm wires. MSD, taylor and mallory are all good brands to use, again stay away from accel....im sure many others will stand behind me on this one and agree.

 

ive got an intake already. im really considering a set of heads. after i get my exhaust paid off ill buy a set. idk if im going to do a cam yet or not, due to money.

 

agreed

 

understandable....i myself am running ona tight budget but i started a new job recently that pays well so......but ya take ur time it may be addicting but dont get your self in too deep and don't make bad purchases, do your research first, can't stress that enough

 

If your going to get a new 750, why are you asking what size carb to get?

 

Before you try to get more out of the engine, which rear end gearing are you using?

 

stock gearing. i think they are 3.08.

 

I might be going out on a limb here but I'm going to make a suggestion. First, tune your car and get it running good and enjoy driving it and keep it clean! Girls like clean cars!
Save your money up for a combination that's proven to run good. Buy the book "hot rodding the chevy small block" and read it cover to cover! Read every hot rod mag you can get your hands on! Visit all the cruise ins and drag meets you can and talk to the guy's with the fast cars to see what comb. they are running.
This will save you bundles of money by not throwing parts on one at a time. Combinations work best! In the meantime start at the rear end and work your way up (posi, gears, 1-LE drive shaft)
then, when you start on the engine you won't be held back by loss of traction, weak drive line, and wimpy clutch. This way, when you do engine mod's you'll feel the difference right away!
and you won't be blowing driveline parts with the increased power.

 

thats a hellava suggestion. well today i threw on some AC Delco plugs and she ran A LOT better. turns out it was running on 7 cylinders, as one of the plugs melted. makin it have ZERO spark. ill have to drive it some more to get more bugs worked out of her. i just went to the races tonite. went in the pits and learned a ew things. . thanks guys for all the help.

now on to the heads. any recommendations? i was thinking some AFRs or some Pro Topline

 

your on the right track now bud

also get a nice cam to go with those heads too with jus enough lift to max out your springs, but not enough to stress em out

 

turns out i might have to pull the motor again. so i might throw a cam in there. i havent decided yet because i still would like to keep it a daily driver.