I am working with a stock 1989 Camaro 350. I am wanting to add more power because it is sick to think that my car will be getting smoked by the new ford taurus, so something needs to be done. I am working on a budget, I do not want to pull the motor but I am willing to pull off the intake and heads.

This is what I came up with for modifications...
-Headers (hooker 2460 or hedman 68470) $180
- TPIS ZZ9 Camshaft, reusing the stock lifters $375
- Matching valvesprings with hardware $200
-Comp timing chain $40
- Comp 1.52 rocker arms with 5/16 pushrods $180
- Felpro Head Gaskets $65
- Gasket set $50 ( intake, exhaust and timing cover gaskets)

So far, that is a total of $1050

I am hoping to get at least 330 horsepower from the above modifications, but I am sure that some people may know how to spend $1250 better on performance mods. Please Help me to keep the Iroc living up to todays standards!

 

If your not pulling the heads, no reason for head gaskets. Also dont forget to include money for fluids, as it can add up.

Also, with a 2.77 gear in the back, you may feel more from getting better gears back there. Seeing as you have the 9 bolt though and 3.42's or 3.73's would require a new carrier, you may best off getting a used 10 bolt already with the gears in them.

Also, that cam is a roller cam. Are you sure you have a roller cam now?

 

I wouldn't go from a 9-bolt to 10-bolt.....that's a step in the wrong direction. The 9-bolt handles a lot more abuse, just gotta be patient in finding the parts.

Here's how I would do it....especially if you're doing the labor.

1. 3:42 Gears
2. Used Holley Stealth Ram Intake (HSR)
3. Exhaust system

 

I have a full magnaflow exhaust system with manaflow dual cats, I think it could flow well up to 400hp. I thought about the gears, but i've never worked on a differential. How difficult is it to change the gears out on the bw 9 bolt? An HSR will be an option depending on the cam selection. I was looking at the LT4 hotcam for a bit, but I would need to install at least a 2400 stall converter.

 

It's a roller cam, because it was the top of the line 350 option from 1989. I figured new stronger head gaskets wouldn't hurt while I have everything taken apart. I may be running 8 psi of boost on top of this n/a setup.

 

The gears can be a little challenging, but once you tear it open it all makes sense. Do a search in the drivetrain section and you'll see what I'm talking about. Since you already have an exhaust, you just need some headers. And yes, a cam & converter is always a good way to go.....that's if you have the funds. Sounds like you have a good starting point.

 

I would put the money in the bank and add to it until you can atleast triple your budget.

 

Haha, I thought about that. I want to see how much power I can squeeze out of this stock motor before I have to upgrade to an LT-1, then LS1. The end goal is a high 12, low 13 second quarter mile car. I've been upgrading everything but the motor. Eibach lowering springs, larger exhaust, founders panhard bar, new sway bars, low profile z rated tires, and then now I need to work on the motor. After all is done, time for a killer paint job ( that is where more than half of my budget is going to).

 

with some gears and a HSr you should see 12's without even swapping/opening up the motor...

 

If your wanting a 1/4 mile car I wouldn't spend money lowering or on new swaybars. You should ditch the front bar at the track anyway.You can lower buuut why spend the money? (old springs are prolly as low as lowering springs).
Spend money on tires, a gear, good trans rebuild, good converter,exhaust(headers,catback) cam and a good intake.
If done properly you should be a mid low 12 second car.

 

It's my daily driver on my 70 mile trip to and from college everyday. I want to make it handle better and increase the acceleration. I want to represent the old school Irocs in a good way.
Anyways...
I think I will be changing the set up after doing research. I will be going with a holley stealth ram with an adjustable fuel reguator, headers, then the hard part will be finding a borg warner series 3 posi carrier with a 3.27-3.42 gear attched to it for a decent price.

hsr + fuel rails+gaskets $600
headers $ 180
Carrier+ gear (used or rebuilt) $100-$500

Total= $880 + $400*

$1280** ($30 over budget)

 

I just finished intalling the HSR! and WOW!!!!!! It actually cost me $800 total for the installation. I will get some pictures up. While doing the install I discovered that my tpi had many problems so when I installed the HSR, it felt like a new car. I set the base timing at 8 degrees, and I was amazed. The only problem I ran into is that I may have a "very" small vacuum leak on the rear intake. That's what I get for installing it on a 1989 L98.

 

Glad to hear it worked out for you. So is the vacuum leak on the rear china wall, where the intake sits on top of the block? Those are common on older casting numbers on the HSR intakes. Mine was installed on my L98 block from 89 with no problems....so it's gotta be the intake that's giving you problems, not the block.

 

It was a brand new intake from summit. I hear a noise inside the car that sounds like the heater blower motor at the lowest setting. It is either a vacuum leak or just something with the heater fan motor. I didn't hook up the heater/ac vacuum lines up yet, so i'm hoping it has something to do with that. Anyways, is there any reason why holley says the hsr is not compatable with 1989 350's?