Ok so i know we cant tell without specifics of these parts but i dont know them, so ill get as close as i can and estimate. Please dont tell me 'well if we had proper figures....' much appreciated

so im thinking about taking my stock 87 lg4 305 4brl carb (strong runner) and

-New headmen headers
-mild ish cam
-gear drive
-remove heads, mill down and shave for compression, new springs n such
-thinner head gaskets (dont know if it matters, heard it does)
-slightly improved ignition (the more expensive plugs wires ect.)

Does that sound like a good set-up? And if you can think of any other CHEAP things, feel free to suggest - Thanks

 

generally I'd suggest any bolt ons that can be used later if you should decide to go with a larger cube engine are a good choice. Defently a good set of headers, y-pipe and everything back is the first place to start if performance is your goal. A cam wouldn't hurt, if its a factory roller a used LT1 cam is a very inexpensive upgrade (got one for $10) Dont bother shavings the heads since they are most likely 58cc already, depending on casting number you may want to havem ported or em yourself as well as a gasket matching. Gear drives are a waste of money and are generally good for pretending you have a blower (they whine like hell). If you are doing the cam a good double roller would be a much better idea. As far as ignition a full tune-up with quality parts is never a bad idea, don't throw money away for any fancy ignition boxes or anything as they will do little for your application besides lighten your wallet. Did I mention exhaust? The factory exhaust manifolds are horrible as well as everything behind them, our factory exhaust systems regardless of engine are the single biggest problem as far as performance our cars have from the factory. Replacing them with a free flowing system is the single biggest bang for your buck you will ever get for a 3rd gen.

 

Would replacing the intake manifold underneath the carb with a betterr one have a worthwhile effect?

 

gears=cheap=you will feel the difference.

 

already swapped 3.42 gears, new suspension, air cleaner and exaust (not headers)

 

It depends, the factory one provides more airflow then nessicary on a stock setup since the exhaust manifolds limit how much you can get out, so it's not going to provide any positive gains if done by itself. Think of an engine as a big air pump, your goal is trying to pump as much air through as u can. Installing a better flowing intake doesn't help with your goal since the air still can't get out efficiently. Best way to go about it is by identifying where your biggest restriction is and fixing it. That would be your manifolds. Replace em with a quality set of headers + y pipe and go from there.

 

If you decide to do a cam it makes sense to replace your intake then.