Power upgrade
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,551
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From: No link, No dupe
Power upgrade
Since I will not have the money for a crate engine for a while, and since my current engine is still in great shape, I am thinking of a few mods. My goal is 300 - 330 hp, and gobs of torque. For now, the Q-Jet will be kept.
The engine in my 79 Corvette is from an 87 Vette, rated at 240hp. With my carb and intake, maybe 220. This engine has a roller cam, aluminum heads, 58cc (1.94, 1.50 size valves), and Q-Jet carb. For now, the Q-Jet will be kept.
I am thinking of buying a set of headers, DynoMax Cerama Coat. Also, thinking of a new roller cam, Comp. Cams X-energy, 270 duration, .487"/495".
If any money is left over, an ignition upgrade and roller rockers will be added.
Will these add enough to put me around 300 horsepower, with lots of torque? Anyone recommend a different set-up? Should I just save the money? Thanks for your comments and suggestions.
[Modified by shotgun_000, 9:52 PM 5/25/2002]
The engine in my 79 Corvette is from an 87 Vette, rated at 240hp. With my carb and intake, maybe 220. This engine has a roller cam, aluminum heads, 58cc (1.94, 1.50 size valves), and Q-Jet carb. For now, the Q-Jet will be kept.
I am thinking of buying a set of headers, DynoMax Cerama Coat. Also, thinking of a new roller cam, Comp. Cams X-energy, 270 duration, .487"/495".
If any money is left over, an ignition upgrade and roller rockers will be added.
Will these add enough to put me around 300 horsepower, with lots of torque? Anyone recommend a different set-up? Should I just save the money? Thanks for your comments and suggestions.
[Modified by shotgun_000, 9:52 PM 5/25/2002]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 787
Likes: 1
From: Toronto Ontario
Re: Power upgrade (shotgun_000)
Just leave it, if it works don't mess with it. Too many Bubbas trying to build HP by adding bits and piece it does not work. Only way of building HP is buy a Pro building and engine to a specific desigh plan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
Re: Power upgrade (shotgun_000)
The single best power adder would be a fresh set of heads. For your engine, you have many aluminum and cast iron options below $1000. Include headers with the fresh heads.
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 726
Likes: 0
From: Petaluma CA
Re: Power upgrade (73-454)
Sounds like a pretty nice setup now. But faster can be done. Think air in, air out. Just read that a K&N air filter is the best HP per dollar add. I can't argue with that. Here in over-regulated Calif, we can't even add a second cat converter to acheive duals. The 81 came with a honda converter (not a typo!) and so as soon as it gets on the road, I will get a high flow cat. I am also wondering about performance chips. The super mild cam was replaced with a mild cam, but it was as big as we could go...underdrive pulleys? Stevo
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 36,112
Likes: 8
From: Hotlanta GA
Cruise-In 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08, '15
Re: Power upgrade (shotgun_000)
I'd put true duals with no cats, and headers on that setup. I'd stick with the L98 heads and throw in a comp cam 270 for good all around tq, HP. It should be pretty close to what you're looking for in HP. An intake won't hurt at all either.
