81 engine
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 121
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81 engine
So right now I have an 81 original 350 engine with a new cam, intake, carb, distrubuter, headers true dual exhaust with a th350 transmission. ( I have not touched the heads yet)
note: I took off ecm, egr,no catalytic converters
My question is I am looking for more power what should I do?
I was thinking about 383 stroker kit?
or maybe a turbo setup with the 350 I heard not to sure, pretty new still but with the 8.2:1 ratio since it is low I can put pretty good size turbo.
Any ideas or anything that would help me about would be appreciated! just looking for some feedback, difficulty, and what would be recommended I use the car pretty much daily
note: I took off ecm, egr,no catalytic converters
My question is I am looking for more power what should I do?
I was thinking about 383 stroker kit?
or maybe a turbo setup with the 350 I heard not to sure, pretty new still but with the 8.2:1 ratio since it is low I can put pretty good size turbo.
Any ideas or anything that would help me about would be appreciated! just looking for some feedback, difficulty, and what would be recommended I use the car pretty much daily
Pro
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 745
Likes: 66
From: Hutto Texas
A turbo would be cool but expensive and the engine bay does not offer much room for the additional tubing and inter-cooler. I think a super charger would be the best bang for the buck and you should have room for everything. I am sure some other guys might recommend NO2 but I am not a fan of refillable horsepower. Let us know what direction you go.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,672
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
The 81 heads will be your weakest link. Consider upgrading those before you go any further. I'm assuming that you already upgraded the exhaust. If not, do that before you touch the motor.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 952
Likes: 84
From: McDonough Georgia
The heads are terrible smog heads.
I got rid of everything on my 81. Immediately sold engine and horrid 3 speed automatic to a guy who needed a nice lowwww compression set up for his truck.
I bought a 383 short block and a new super T 10 four speed. Have a nice Howards lopey cam, wieand intake, holley carb, hooker headers and most important..........cast vortec heads.
Vortecs are good for an extra 40 or so ponies.
Anything you do to an 81 is an improvement.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
So right now I have an 81 original 350 engine with a new cam, intake, carb, distrubuter, headers true dual exhaust with a th350 transmission. ( I have not touched the heads yet)
...Any ideas or anything that would help me about would be appreciated! just looking for some feedback, difficulty, and what would be recommended I use the car pretty much daily
...Any ideas or anything that would help me about would be appreciated! just looking for some feedback, difficulty, and what would be recommended I use the car pretty much daily
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,424
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland FL
Definitely change the heads. You can also change the rear gears to help wake the car up a bit. There's nothing anemic about my '81 engine anymore! Rebuilt with new cam and heads but stayed with a 355; didn't go with a stroker kit. 
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 3
From: League City TX
I dont think they would survive very long with boost unless you have access to a really good tuner.
