engine rebuild time. need suggestions.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: Avon Connecticut
engine rebuild time. need suggestions.
I am pulling out the engine in my '78. (a baby L48)
It's getting sent out to be rebuilt/bored.
While it's out I was thinking of adding one of the top end kits from Edelbrock to it. Most likely the Performer Package.
I know I am going to need a beefier transmission and a better rear end.
I don't even know where to start looking! I don't know a lot about engines to do everything myself, but I'm learning!
What would you guys recommend for a replacement transmission? Currently is the 3 speed auto by Saginaw.
and what should I do to the rear end, if anything?
thanks in advance for the opinions!!!!
It's getting sent out to be rebuilt/bored.
While it's out I was thinking of adding one of the top end kits from Edelbrock to it. Most likely the Performer Package.
I know I am going to need a beefier transmission and a better rear end.
I don't even know where to start looking! I don't know a lot about engines to do everything myself, but I'm learning!
What would you guys recommend for a replacement transmission? Currently is the 3 speed auto by Saginaw.
and what should I do to the rear end, if anything?
thanks in advance for the opinions!!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,359
Likes: 428
From: Seattle Area WA
Not sure why you need a new trans unless this one is just worn out, a TH350 will be fine for a mild performance rebuild. If your rear end needs rebuilding, GTR1999 is in Conn and is one of the top rebuilders around.
I think you can do better than an Edelbrock package as well, depends on your budget and goals for this project.
I think you can do better than an Edelbrock package as well, depends on your budget and goals for this project.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 896
Likes: 0
From: Lafayette, Indiana
St. Jude Donor '05-'08
So is the debate whether or not to do the upgrade or to figure out what components to pair with it?
Personally, I like the idea of everything being stock. When I redid mine, I bored it out slightly, but that was only because I had to (deep scarring).
Just my .02
Personally, I like the idea of everything being stock. When I redid mine, I bored it out slightly, but that was only because I had to (deep scarring).
Just my .02
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: Avon Connecticut
Not sure why you need a new trans unless this one is just worn out, a TH350 will be fine for a mild performance rebuild. If your rear end needs rebuilding, GTR1999 is in Conn and is one of the top rebuilders around.
I think you can do better than an Edelbrock package as well, depends on your budget and goals for this project.
I think you can do better than an Edelbrock package as well, depends on your budget and goals for this project.
I've just heard bad things about this 3 speed auto, and that it probably wouldn't last with a power increase. And I'd rather have it on the side in good condition as opposed to all messed up later.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,359
Likes: 428
From: Seattle Area WA
Nothing wrong with shooting for 350 crank HP, it just takes a little more planning than just slapping on some Edelbrock parts. Do you know what piston you are going to use yet? How about at what RPM do you want to achieve 350HP at 5,000, 5,500 or 6,500 RPMS? Point being, you need to set some objectives in order to reach your goal. Do you want a 383 stroker that will provide the HP and torque at a much lower RPM than a 350 will?
As for your TH350, 350 HP wont even begin to hurt one. If your trans is tired, then rebuild it using a non stock rebuild kit. Opt for the Alto Red Clutches, Kolene seals and Kevlar band and a quality shift kit. Depending upon your cam duration and rear end gears you may want to go with a little higher stall converter too.
As for your TH350, 350 HP wont even begin to hurt one. If your trans is tired, then rebuild it using a non stock rebuild kit. Opt for the Alto Red Clutches, Kolene seals and Kevlar band and a quality shift kit. Depending upon your cam duration and rear end gears you may want to go with a little higher stall converter too.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 198
From: Meriden CT
Nothing wrong with shooting for 350 crank HP, it just takes a little more planning than just slapping on some Edelbrock parts. Do you know what piston you are going to use yet? How about at what RPM do you want to achieve 350HP at 5,000, 5,500 or 6,500 RPMS? Point being, you need to set some objectives in order to reach your goal. Do you want a 383 stroker that will provide the HP and torque at a much lower RPM than a 350 will?
As for your TH350, 350 HP wont even begin to hurt one. If your trans is tired, then rebuild it using a non stock rebuild kit. Opt for the Alto Red Clutches, Kolene seals and Kevlar band and a quality shift kit. Depending upon your cam duration and rear end gears you may want to go with a little higher stall converter too.
As for your TH350, 350 HP wont even begin to hurt one. If your trans is tired, then rebuild it using a non stock rebuild kit. Opt for the Alto Red Clutches, Kolene seals and Kevlar band and a quality shift kit. Depending upon your cam duration and rear end gears you may want to go with a little higher stall converter too.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 198
From: Meriden CT
I am pulling out the engine in my '78. (a baby L48)
It's getting sent out to be rebuilt/bored.
While it's out I was thinking of adding one of the top end kits from Edelbrock to it. Most likely the Performer Package.
I know I am going to need a beefier transmission and a better rear end.
I don't even know where to start looking! I don't know a lot about engines to do everything myself, but I'm learning!
What would you guys recommend for a replacement transmission? Currently is the 3 speed auto by Saginaw.
and what should I do to the rear end, if anything?
thanks in advance for the opinions!!!!
It's getting sent out to be rebuilt/bored.
While it's out I was thinking of adding one of the top end kits from Edelbrock to it. Most likely the Performer Package.
I know I am going to need a beefier transmission and a better rear end.
I don't even know where to start looking! I don't know a lot about engines to do everything myself, but I'm learning!
What would you guys recommend for a replacement transmission? Currently is the 3 speed auto by Saginaw.
and what should I do to the rear end, if anything?
thanks in advance for the opinions!!!!
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Instructor
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: barkhamsted ct
Precision Automotive
9 Herman Dr
Simsbury, CT 06070
860-651-3418
From what I've heard this is a good shop and is only one town over from you.
Used to be Dale Hall's place. but I think he retired?
FWIW
-90% Jimmy
9 Herman Dr
Simsbury, CT 06070
860-651-3418
From what I've heard this is a good shop and is only one town over from you.
Used to be Dale Hall's place. but I think he retired?
FWIW
-90% Jimmy
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: Avon Connecticut
I knew there was a place in Simsbury but couldn't find it.
The other place near me who does good work is out of Torrington.
He does all the engine work for my buddy's stock car, maybe I can get a deal with him.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,424
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland FL
