ariba

Hello
I bought new GM 350ci/290 for $2300 I only had 10 miles on it.
But I found there is a $300 more for more 73 HP and extra 65 TQ
its 350ci Blueprint Base Crate Engine 373 HP 400TQ w/Vortec Cast Iron Heads.

http://www.jegs.com/i/Blueprint-Engi...03CT1/10002/-1

I am disappointed a $300 can give you an extra 73 HP and extra 65 TQ. I hope I can add HP for a low budget.

for my 350/290 I added
Hooker Competition Darkside Ceramic Coated Headers 2456-3HKR
Flowmaster Super 44 Series Mufflers 942446
MSD Ignition 85551K
edelbrock 2101 intake
600 holley
it's a daily drive the transmission is the stock 350 turbo

I added a L88 hood so I can change a better intake if suggested!
do I add heads, cam, intake?
I do want to add 70+ more HP my budget is $1000 for a new parts any suggestions?

Pleas if any suggestions or ideas mention the part numbers.
Thanks

The13Bats

Dont feel too badly, when i got my 69 i let my dad and a few other talk me out of the 454 i wanted and into a 383, a big deal builder buddy of my dads built it,

But you had to rev the **** out of it to do anything, im a cruiser not a kid racer,
So i got lucky i swapped it to a cool member for his fresh mild 454, he liked revving sb engines, so we both happy,

I was out way more money than you are but got what i wanted,

For 1000 you can likely get more than the hp you desire, ill move over and let the rev heads tell you how,

Ps, play with it some, you might be content with what you have now

ariba

Thanks

Dynra Rockets

All you need is a good camshaft. The low CR and heads of the 290 will limit you to about 350 hp but call your favorite cam company with the components you already have and they will recommend a grind for you that will at least add 30-40 hp.

R

mobird

I have that same motor. And I was on a budget as well. The big things that motor needs is: compression, better flowing heads, bigger cam.


So for compression the two things you can do are get 64cc chamber heads (raises compression about 1 point) and use a Fel Pro .015 Steel Shim head gasket (raises compression about .5). That will get you to something like 9.5:1 which is respectable.


The combo I went with was some Brodix IK200 aluminum 64cc heads I found on craigslist, .015 shim head gasket, Lunati 60103 (268) cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake. It feels like a completely different motor now, pulls hard and roasts the tires.


On a tighter budget like yours, your best bet is some 64cc Vortec heads (you can find these all over the internet, I would recommend getting some with the machine work done for a higher lift cam and screw in studs), that .015 shim head gasket, and a decent cam. You'll be shocked by how much of a difference it makes.

c3_dk

cv67

Bet the GM crate outlasts any of the online engines, theres always someone cheaper, bigger claims these days.

CheezMoe

^^^This^^^ You got a brand new engine for $300 less. Blueprints are cobbled together refurbished bits and they have their share of complaints. Cam that thing up and put .0015 head gaskets on would be my suggestion.

99 Black Bird TA

Agreed, I would rather have a new 350/290 GM crate over the BP one.

Scottd

I dont know th epart numbers off my head, but with a little online savy and a few discount codes, you can do heads and a cam for the amount of money you have budgeted.

Learning_Curve

I'm surprised more people don't go for the replacement Vortec engine. Actually cheaper than the 350/290, and you get better heads.
http://www.jegs.com/i/GM-Performance...SABEgKyW_D_BwE

Wrecked82

When I had to replace my engine about 15 years ago, before I knew anything, I got a standard targetmaster engine. Basically the same engine that was in the 82. But, later I learned for next to nothing I could have had the same engine with higher lift lifters and a slightly better cam for about $200 more. Still irritated at the GM dealer that did not even think to ask me about the "upgrade". On an 82, anything helps.

lowbuck72

I wouldn't feel so bad, that motor you got is a torque monster. Those extra horses you missed come at the top end at the expense of bottom end. Your motor will run cooler, smoother, and longer. The only thing you're missing is the lumpy idle, which for many people make it worth it.

ariba

I don't blame you it's the same feeling for me

ariba

Thanks that video helped a lot. I love engine masters but I never saw this video.

ariba

What was the approximately HP you gained?

mobird

I have not had it on a dyno. But I have owned and driven quite a few performance cars that have been on a dyno and I would say it's CLOSE to 300 at the tire, maybe 280. Would depend on the dyno. So I would say it's a solid 375 hp motor.


By the way, that Goodwrench "290 hp" I can guarantee puts down less than 200 at the tire. When I first got the car and it was bone stock, it felt like about 150 to the tire. It genuinely feels like twice the horsepower it had from stock now.


If anyone is local to me (Kansas City, MO) I'd be happy to take you for a spin in my car so you can see what some nice flowing heads, compression, and a good cam can do to a basic small block.

Wrecked82

Don't know if this response is to my post, but when I replaced by rear end due to leaking, I went from a 2.73(? don't know exactly) to a 3.55. Did improve acceleration. At 65 mph, running right below 2000 rom. Can handle that. Virtually 100 % city/beltway driving.

lowbuck72

I don't believe 3.55 gears would get you 2000 rpm at 65 mph unless you had an overdrive trans. Even with my 3.36's and my WC T5 I'm turning faster than that.

ariba

Thank bro I really appreciate it. To bad I am in MD