Hey guys, this thread is basically just gonna be me asking questions and you guys throwing in your opinions for what you think I could/should upgrade, tune, or replace on my engine, for better overall performance and power.


My Engine as it sits:

Chevy 350
Edlebrock 650 Carb
Highrise intake
high output distributer
vortec heads
flat head pistons
high rise cam
True exhaust

Upgrades Discussed:

-Suspension: struts, springs, shocks, sway bars, bushings, sub frams
-Brakes: Replace rubber lines
-Engine: Aluminum Pulley (anyone have anything against that?)
-Drivetrain: Rear end replace, posi 3.42+ and disc


I was thinking of an Aluminum Pulley kit? Something like BBK. What I have read is that can give somewhere around 5-15hp more.



Throw me your thoughts guys, I am trying to build a parts list for this summer so I can start planning.

 

Sounds as if you have a nice engine as is and if I were to suggest a up grade It would be a rear end. A Eaton posi. with a higher ratio would really compliment what you are running.

 

I agree with ronusmcmma; Rearend or, if money permits, a T-56 swap...

 

Rearend agreed but if u dont have a tranny that will take the abuse i would start there, suspension upgrades

 

frame connectors and some good shocks, struts, sway bars, and your car will handle like its on rails!

 

o and some lowering springs.

 

I have been looking everywhere for a posi 3:42/73. Also wanting to do the said suspension upgrades but don't even know where to start. I like the 1in eibach lowering springs. New sway bars and bushings. What else? What's the basic parts list for a suspension overhaul?

 

Shocks
Struts
Sway bars
Frame connectors
Springs

 

Agreed on the rear gears, although at least the 3.08's are a step up from 2.73.

My suspension recommendations:

Shocks/Struts

Springs (I really like my Eibachs 1" drop)

Redo the front end - this would be new ball joints, tie rod ends, centerlink, idler arm, maybe control arm bushings (the easiest way, if doing control arm bushings, is to get a set of control arms from another car, then have a local shop use their press to press out/in new bushings and ball joints all at once, then swap, and pass your control arms to someone else so they can do it the easy way).

Sway bars and bushings/endlinks - depending on what you have - generally folks want bigger, so measure what you got - if you already have 34mm in front, not worth swapping unless you get a real deal on a 36mm (largest).

Wonderbar if you don't have one - definitely!

Depending on brands chosen, that list will run you about $1200 (assuming good nice shocks/struts).

Brakes - have you ever replaced the rubber lines? It's amazing what a fresh set of rubber lines will do for stopping power!

Then, if time/money allows, SFC's and maybe a STB.

 

Thanks for all the info. Thinking Ill replace the rear end at the same time as suspension overhaul. That sound smart?

Havent replaced the brake lines...hadn't thought about that.

Whats SFC's and STB? haha, sorry. Not clicking in my mind right now.

 

SFC's are Sub Frame Conectors
STB is Strut Tower Brace