I just recently purchased a 86 Z28, it has a 350 with a 750 Speed Demon. The old engine is worn out plus it smokes. So yesterday I bought a rebuildable 350 short block. I have a limited amout of money to spend on it. But I would like to build a 350 that will run on pump gas that makes about 400 hp. I already have hooker header, a 750 Speed Demon, and an Edelbrock Tourker II mainifold. Does anyone have an suggestions on what i could do to built a good 400hp+ 350 that i can drive every day? My budget is $ 2,000

 

why not just rebuilt the one you have rather than buy another? what type of heads do you have? do you have the drivetrain to back up 400hp? i would go stroker if i had it all to do over again...ever considered a 383?

 

What is your budget? Once that has been determined, then the path of action can be chosen.

 

He already said $2000. With that being said its going to be tough unless you already have a really good set of heads. Look at my sig the motor alone only cost me about $1700 give or take. But with the exhuast and parts to convert over to carb and whatnot I ended up spending about $2200. And mine makes 340hp and 417tq without accessories on 87 octane according to CHP.
Are you planning on rebuilding it yourself? That could save you some money. Well heres a shot in the dark.
Engine rebuild: $800(estimate)
SDPC upgraded vortec head kit:$1000
XE274 cam kit:$200
Misc. gaskets and bolts&fluids:$150
That combo with your demon carb and the RPM airgap intake in the kit(ditch the other intake) and a free flowing exhaust with headers will make around 400hp at the flywheel. There are plenty of guys running low 12's with this exact combo. The only problem is that after you get the motor built you have get a bigger stall for the cam, better gears, and build your suspension. So you end up spending a couple grand on top of the cost of the motor. Now with a little milder setup you dont need the other stuff so maybe you might want to rethink your goals. Its all about what you want in the end and how far your willing to go for it. Good Luck.

 

When i posted, there was absolutly no mention of a budget. Hmm i wonder what the edit involved....

Second question of the night: emissions?

Anyway, what do you mean by worn out? And what smokes? When? startup? WOT? What color? Blue? White/gray?

If you have a decent cash flow, it MIGHT be most beneficial to fix what you have now and just buy bolt ons. One thing that comes to mind is a slightly more street mannered intake. I would opt for something like the Edelbrock RPM (air gap possibly, or get the non-air gap and get a lifter valley shield). Another good intake that comes to mind is the Weiand Stealth. Both are dual planes that have a healthy powerband. RPM being 1500-6500 and the Stealth being idle-6800 or so. IIRC the Torker II is 2500-6500.

After that, what ignition do you have? That could be the next investment, or not.

The thing is this, you said REBUILDABLE short block. This usually involves overboring the cylinders and possibly some grinding on the crank. I would also install ARP Wave-Loc rod bolts. That requires the rods to be resized. Of course, you would need new cam bearings and freeze plugs, and the list can on for machine shop labor. So machine work alone will eat up a pretty good chunk of change.

Depending on what smokes and what is meant by "worn out", my vote goes to fixing up what you have now and then buying bolt ons and just saving the rest.