A buddy of mine talked me into running some spectator drags at the local oval track. It's not really drag racing but its as close as I can get around here. It's basically one lap around an oval, losers gone.
I have decided to put my 454 in the vette as my other car didn't work out.
So I'd like some advice on some quick and easy upgrades That won't cost me an arm and a leg, as the totally stock 350 is coming out probably this winter.
I'm thinking I need a new carb, but what should I get ? and should I get something that will go on the 454 and put it on the 350 for now or what ?
I also think I should get that distributor kit lars has, I have headers and sidepipes, Don't have a clue what the approx. HP is , But it's pretty d*mn weak if you ask me. I think I'll also redo all the gaskets and whatnot in the upper block, (intake and heads).
Might even get some shocks because mine are shot and this IS an oval....
So what do you guys think ?
Anything else I should do ?
What's you opinion on the carb?
Thanks again guys


[Modified by Anar76, 6:57 PM 3/31/2002]

 

Remember... Valley pans, oil scrappers etc... anything that increases horsepower...

Near free horse power :cheers:

Keep the fenders out of the wall on those ovals... :smash:

 

Yea I'm gonna try, Man I'd hate to wreck, But then... I'd hate to loose so.. :D
and excuse my stupidity but...whats a valley pan and oil scrappers ?
Also you guys think a cam is worth doing for a temp engine ?
This IS more of a before run... But It's a vette, I can't loose to a civic... :)

 

let out some tire pressure :cool:

 

Ok guys, This thread has 75 views and only 2 replys... What's going on ?
I know It's all been asked before and everything, but I need some support here too :)
I know everyones got an opinion so... speak up

 

Anar:
Yes, you need a new carburetor. With a 454 I would recommend nothing below 800cfm. Many will say 750 but I think that's too small, I would recommend 800 or 850cfm. I also like manual chokes and mechanical secondaries (which is why I love Holley Double Pumpers). No, if you get an 800/850 carburetor don't run it on your 350...it's too big. So my carburetor recommendation is a Holley 800/850cfm Double Pumper.

Your side pipes are too small. Those are the same side pipes I had and trust me they are too small. I would get a set of Hooker header side pipes or run a header exhaust through 3" exhaust pipe out the back. You say you have headers? Are they big block headers? Small block headers are NOT compatible with big block exhaust ports.

As far as easy power increases. Raise your compression ratio to around 10:1 if you have Premium 93 Octane around your area. The key to power lies greatly within your heads and cam. Get a set of good flowing oval port heads with 2.19/1.88 valves. As far as a cam goes...a roller is your best choice. If money does not allow a roller I would go with a solid flat tappet cam.

What exactly is your goal HP/Torque wise? 1HP per cubic inch is pretty easy to do with a decent cam, decent compression ratio, decent flowing heads.


[Modified by bence13_33, 10:22 PM 3/31/2002]

 

Seen lots of specs races at the local track we run at. The first tip I would tell you is to talk to the track officials and have them pair you up with a "nicer" car. Around here, if you team up with an older car (especially one that showed up for the rollovers and runs specs for something to do) you are likely to get hit or wrecked. Next would be to talk to some of the streetstock class guys if you know any. Mostly get suspension tips. In our class the suspension design of the cars allowed is similar to the Vette, so modifications would be similar as well. You might try camber, caster, sway bar linkage (loose/tight)... and many other things. For the horsepower. Personally, I wouldn't get anything that I couldn't use on the bigblock when it comes, unless you have the money to invest in a few laps. Bence may be right on the carb (I would use vacuum sec. and elec. choke for a daily driver though). However, I think it may be worth it to invest in a 800 or an 850 carb to put on the small block for the race, then transfer to the 454 later. It may not be the most driveable on the street, but if you want to rev the "temporary" motor up there for the race, it may be worth it. I would set the carb up a little lean, if you can, for the race only. Next thing I would do is ignition. A nice MSD set up is compatable with SB and BB, and can give a decent punch. I would also take the air cleaner assembly off, and run open headers for the race if it is allowed. I would also swap the intake on your stock 350 for a single plane for the race. Try to get one like the late models or whatever run, then after the race if you dont like it, you can sell it for nearly what you paid. The people to talk to would be the streetstock guys. Ask them what they would do to "cheat" without spending any money. Chances are you can do it legally :yesnod:


[Modified by chuckb01, 11:17 PM 3/31/2002]

 

How big an oval? How much bank to the track? Paved track or dirt?

Did a fair amount of dirt track racing years ago, not in a Vette, and the suspension setup was the key for good track times.

 

OK you just want to CHEAPLY add power to a small block that is soon to be history and you want to buy something you can transfere to your big block later? Sounds like a job for Nitris Oxide to me.
I don't know if I'd want to deal with that much instant power on a oval though. When I read this topic I thought you were asking about a 1320 race.