I have an 83 firebird with a 2.8. I recently came accross an edelbrock performer 4v for about a hundred bucks and was wondering if it would be worth the time and money to upgrade my engine. Right now I have the stock e2se carb and have heard that it is a worthless carb so I would also get better carb with it. Thinking about a holley 390 4 barrel. How much horsepower do you think it would give. I read somewhare that the carbed 2.8's olney have 104 hp so I really want to get it to at least 140 if possible.

 

4bbl intake + 3.4 + Holley 390 =

 

Yeah I wish I had a 3.4 or even better a 5.7 and a new 6 speed tranny, But I don't have the time or money now to swap motors. My 2.8 only has about 40,000 miles on it and still runs good so I think I'm gonna keep it for a little bit. I just want to give it a lil more power just for fun but i'm not gonna put money into it unless it's worth it. Would a 4 bbl carb be too big for a little 2.8? I know that stock rochester carb is pretty small.

 

The edelbrock with the two barrel plate is only SLIGHTLY taller & that helps the stock carb set up.
The four barrel plate is "OK" also.
Meaning it'll work. The Holley carb costs like $400.
Worth it?
YOU can make the stock set up run fine.
Reshaft the main primary shaft bushing & put back together.
ALSO fix all vacuum leaks.
I know this factory carb set up is a hassle, as I've gone thru mine when I swapped up to a 3.4.
But I also know that I've had many miles of smiles using the factory set up, too (try 155,000) on my 85 Blazer.
Also UPGRADE ignition. That helps big time, too! Especially the factory stock carb set up, at idle.

 

Get a 3.1, or a 3.4, or at least a later model 2.8 (large mains) from a fuel injected engine - the FI heads are much better than your stock carb'd heads!!

I'd get a 3.4, put that 390cfm holley on it, with one serious cam (like a 220/230, .500/.510") and some 1.6 roller rockers...

Pacesetter headers, and you'd have a serious V6!