Engine Upgrade Advice
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Engine Upgrade Advice
I have a 1977 L82 with a non matching rebuilt 350. The block has been replaced, but everything else is original. I want to increase the HP and increase the value of the car. The current motor runs fine, the car has less than 64K and I think less then 5K since rebuild.
Budget = $2500. I don't want to do the work myself, but want to get the most bang for my buck. What are the suggestions?
My local Engine shop said for $3000 he would build me an engine w/350hp. Should I just go that route?
Budget = $2500. I don't want to do the work myself, but want to get the most bang for my buck. What are the suggestions?
My local Engine shop said for $3000 he would build me an engine w/350hp. Should I just go that route?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 403
From: Nashville TN
St. Jude Donor '09
With 350hp, your car will be more fun to drive, but a $2500-3000 motor will not increase your value at all IMHO. I've put 10-15K in mine and MAYBE increased value 1-2K. Almost everything has been touched on the car and it drives great now. Since you do not want to do the work yourself, your options are limited. $3000 doesn't sound too bad if that includes installation and warranty, but I'd check the builder's reputation. Find out what components he is putting in the motor and post here, then we can help you decide if its worth it or not. Don't look at it as an investment or you will be disappointed.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 103
From: Southern Indiana
You might as well throw on some heads, cam, intake, carb and enjoy.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
As an engine novice, if I replaced my Carb and Intake Manf would I see any notice in HP without changing out my Heads and Cam Shaft? The next question is going to be what equipment should I be considering.
Any help is great. FYI, just found out my engine wasn't matching after believing it was and now trying to figure out how to make me ego hurt less.
Any help is great. FYI, just found out my engine wasn't matching after believing it was and now trying to figure out how to make me ego hurt less.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,557
Likes: 9
From: Oquirrh Mountains
St. Jude Donor '09
Cam and intake by itsself? You wont notice a difference. So your current engine had 5k miles? If so consider a top end kit with a hyd roller cam. If you need to go the cheapest route, gm vortec heads can be had for about three bens each.
NOM in a 77 isn't going to make much $ difference to your car. If you're thinking of these upgrades as an investment; you'll get better odds in Vegas.
. Just do what you want to get the most enjoyment out of the car.
NOM in a 77 isn't going to make much $ difference to your car. If you're thinking of these upgrades as an investment; you'll get better odds in Vegas.
. Just do what you want to get the most enjoyment out of the car.
Last edited by Ben Lurkin; Mar 8, 2012 at 07:59 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
If you have an L-82 Crank, forged flattop pistons and it is built to L-82 specs the bottom end is a great start, why buy another motor and go through the hastle of R&R on the engine? Best streetable power will come from the best heads you can afford, a hydraulic roller cam, and an RPM airgap intake with your carb well tuned and your dist recurved. What trans and rear gear do you have? You can do the above work for about $3000 in a weekend with a buddy and some refreshment
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,231
Likes: 65
From: Seattle WA
St. Jude Donor '14
If it's not the original motor, there's just no way to tell exactly what you have or what condition it's in. Before you start changing parts and doing other stuff, how about posting some pics and casting numbers? 
Next up is to do a compression/leak-down test and finally a good tune of what's there.
Then there are all kinds of options to explore!
Since the block isn't original, I can't think of any way you can increase the value of the car with engine work...
Next up is to do a compression/leak-down test and finally a good tune of what's there. Then there are all kinds of options to explore!
Since the block isn't original, I can't think of any way you can increase the value of the car with engine work...
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,231
Likes: 65
From: Seattle WA
St. Jude Donor '14
The L-82 cam is a pretty strong one and is well-matched to the heads. More cam with the same heads isn't going to produce significantly more power. It's also not really taxing the stock intake, although there's certainly some gains with a good aftermarket low-rise dual-plane combined with headers and free-flowing exhaust.
But I'd agree with Ben that just a cam/intake swap in this scenario isn't likely to turn any big results...but we really don't know anything about the configuration of this engine.
But I'd agree with Ben that just a cam/intake swap in this scenario isn't likely to turn any big results...but we really don't know anything about the configuration of this engine.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
I am having the engine pulled to see where I stand. Too man uncertainties. I will post more info within the next few days. Thanks for the advice.
I am sure this will lead into more questions about how my stock 4 speed manual transmission can support the increase in HP.
I am sure this will lead into more questions about how my stock 4 speed manual transmission can support the increase in HP.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 498
Likes: 77
From: DFW Texas
Wow, ask for help then states, " I am just having the engine pulled." You are missing a huge opportunity to have the experience of these owners direct you in not only saving you money but also a great deal of time. I hope for your sake that you have done your research on the guy who is pulling your engine as was suggested. I personally dropped a crate 330 horse 350HO in my 74 and have been very pleased. You will not be necessarily increasing the value of a 78, as these are not collectable years, but adding to the enjoyment factor of your ride. Your 4 speed can handle the power you will get on a 3k engine. Good Luck and do your self a favor by using the many years of experience this forum offers.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,233
Likes: 657
From: Thunder Bay
In my experience a set of headers and a good exhaust system is one of the best bang for the buck mods you can make. I agree you won't see much improvement from a carb and intake upgrade without other engine mods. Cam will help. Heads are a good choice. Bottom line is all these things work together. Any one without the others will provide fairly modest gains. And don't worry about your 4-speed. You'll have to spend a lot more than $3000 to break it.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Wow, ask for help then states, " I am just having the engine pulled." You are missing a huge opportunity to have the experience of these owners direct you in not only saving you money but also a great deal of time. I hope for your sake that you have done your research on the guy who is pulling your engine as was suggested. I personally dropped a crate 330 horse 350HO in my 74 and have been very pleased. You will not be necessarily increasing the value of a 78, as these are not collectable years, but adding to the enjoyment factor of your ride. Your 4 speed can handle the power you will get on a 3k engine. Good Luck and do your self a favor by using the many years of experience this forum offers.