A better 350
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
A better 350
I have a '72 Corvette that is almost completely stock and origional, but it's getting time to consider some engine work. This car is a 350 4spd air car.
I don't really want to change things to a 383, but I'd like to bump up to 300 bbh or so, but keep things relatively stock like. I know I need to look for cam, lifters and intake, vale covers and fuel pump, but what are the staples I should be looking for? What am I looking at price wise? I won't go cheap, but I also don't want a street dragger either.
Any and all advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Clay
I don't really want to change things to a 383, but I'd like to bump up to 300 bbh or so, but keep things relatively stock like. I know I need to look for cam, lifters and intake, vale covers and fuel pump, but what are the staples I should be looking for? What am I looking at price wise? I won't go cheap, but I also don't want a street dragger either.
Any and all advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Clay
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,092
Likes: 5
From: Fayetteville Arkansas
I have the exact thing with my 72 and from what I understand the first place to start is a good tune, then headers and exhaust. From there cam and heads. Once you get past there it's easier and maybe cheaper to get a crate motor.
Sully
Sully
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 42
From: Austin Texas
Just my opinion but headers and chrome valve covers UNoriginal a car fast. Its not irreversable by any means but you may have to cut the exhaust to mate the headers.
You are at a fork in the road. Original vs hotrod, invest in the cars resale value or invest in the fun factor. Do I keep it original because I may sell it some day or do I do what I want to in regard to future restofications with improved performance in mind.
Headers are kinda like a tattoo, you are somewhat commited at that point. They do make 2.5 in rams horns. That would look original but flow a little better.
ps. I totally have headers.
You are at a fork in the road. Original vs hotrod, invest in the cars resale value or invest in the fun factor. Do I keep it original because I may sell it some day or do I do what I want to in regard to future restofications with improved performance in mind.
Headers are kinda like a tattoo, you are somewhat commited at that point. They do make 2.5 in rams horns. That would look original but flow a little better.
ps. I totally have headers.
Last edited by johnt365; Sep 19, 2012 at 07:12 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Dont need to get too carried away to get 300hp plenty here have some proven bang for the buck combos.
Far as originality dont worry about it .
Guy that bought my numbers matching 73 couldve cared less as he was gonna mod it anyway. The # matching guys just wanted to pick the car apart tire kick and ask stupid questions all day. Meantime I didnt get full enjoyment out of the car worrying about "value".
What a friggin waste that was, never again.
Make the car how you want it not how some ficticious future buyer "might want it".
Far as originality dont worry about it .
Guy that bought my numbers matching 73 couldve cared less as he was gonna mod it anyway. The # matching guys just wanted to pick the car apart tire kick and ask stupid questions all day. Meantime I didnt get full enjoyment out of the car worrying about "value".
What a friggin waste that was, never again. Make the car how you want it not how some ficticious future buyer "might want it".
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
both sides
Strangely, I'm pulled to both sides.
I'm not too worried about resale as I plan to keep it, but actually having one that HASN'T been modified is sort of cool and unique.
I have no visions of driving 200 mph in a 40 year old fiberglass car with only a lap belt, so maybe a good tune and new exhaust is in order. Then, if I ever HAVE to have the engine worked on, it'll be easier to justify. Will a good exhaust make any different at all, if mine is the original?
I'm also looking to pick up a C7 fairly soon, which should satisfy my power lust. I'm just looking to dial in the C3 and give it some panther purring.
Will a new exhaust make any difference?
I'm not too worried about resale as I plan to keep it, but actually having one that HASN'T been modified is sort of cool and unique.
I have no visions of driving 200 mph in a 40 year old fiberglass car with only a lap belt, so maybe a good tune and new exhaust is in order. Then, if I ever HAVE to have the engine worked on, it'll be easier to justify. Will a good exhaust make any different at all, if mine is the original?
I'm also looking to pick up a C7 fairly soon, which should satisfy my power lust. I'm just looking to dial in the C3 and give it some panther purring.
Will a new exhaust make any difference?
Last edited by claydennis; Sep 19, 2012 at 08:44 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,231
Likes: 65
From: Seattle WA
St. Jude Donor '14
I really wouldn't mess with anything external - there are so few originals out there. It does have an impact on how much power you can make...but there's still room for upgrades.
Mild cam upgrade and a tune would be as far as I would go - but that's just me
I'm willing to bet there's $$$ to be spent in other areas like chassis, suspension and brakes...
Mild cam upgrade and a tune would be as far as I would go - but that's just me
I'm willing to bet there's $$$ to be spent in other areas like chassis, suspension and brakes...
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,688
Likes: 41
From: Palm Harbor, Florida
As someone who who just finished headers and dual exhaust 2 weekends ago, if the question is about performance, the answer is yes, you will feel it. i dont really understand why anyone would poo poo headers over stock, i understand some guys want things stock, wheels, interior, paint color etc. , but not something that is gonna make them faster and sound better then the other guy
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,473
Likes: 10
From: New Paltz, New York USA
About 4 months ago I put a new crate motor in my 81. It's a 350/300Hp, I got it from Pace Performance and I really love it. It was a long block and came with a new Edelbrock intake manifold. I bought the motor a few months before I installed it so its about a year aog now. It was $2,195 delivered to my house.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I've thought of replacing the engine too. Especially considering the compression of mine. That way I could store the original, but still have some fun. I'll check out Pace. Thanks.
Was it just drop in ready? Or will there be some conversions to make?
Was it just drop in ready? Or will there be some conversions to make?
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 375
Likes: 21
From: London Ontario
Personally I don't get the aftermarket Go fast thing. I have waisted too much cash at Speed shops in the 1980's only to be disappointed.
My '72 is original 100,000 car that suits me fine, it will do a 100 miles an hour and put a smile on my face, don't get me wrong I love Big HP cars but how fast can you drive without going to jail or killing someone.I guess thats why tracks have opened there doors to car clubs
My '72 is original 100,000 car that suits me fine, it will do a 100 miles an hour and put a smile on my face, don't get me wrong I love Big HP cars but how fast can you drive without going to jail or killing someone.I guess thats why tracks have opened there doors to car clubs
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster Pa
Personally I don't get the aftermarket Go fast thing. I have waisted too much cash at Speed shops in the 1980's only to be disappointed.
My '72 is original 100,000 car that suits me fine, it will do a 100 miles an hour and put a smile on my face, don't get me wrong I love Big HP cars but how fast can you drive without going to jail or killing someone.I guess thats why tracks have opened there doors to car clubs
My '72 is original 100,000 car that suits me fine, it will do a 100 miles an hour and put a smile on my face, don't get me wrong I love Big HP cars but how fast can you drive without going to jail or killing someone.I guess thats why tracks have opened there doors to car clubs
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 818
Likes: 0
From: coon rapids mn
you can get a cam kit from comp cams,it includes cam,and lifters..maybe consider the 268 extreme energy cam or smaller.I like the elderbrock air gap ,but that won't fit with a air cleaner.the rpm performer is a good intake. get a new timing chain also.look at competition products for good prices.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Personally I don't get the aftermarket Go fast thing. I have waisted too much cash at Speed shops in the 1980's only to be disappointed.
My '72 is original 100,000 car that suits me fine, it will do a 100 miles an hour and put a smile on my face, don't get me wrong I love Big HP cars but how fast can you drive without going to jail or killing someone.I guess thats why tracks have opened there doors to car clubs
My '72 is original 100,000 car that suits me fine, it will do a 100 miles an hour and put a smile on my face, don't get me wrong I love Big HP cars but how fast can you drive without going to jail or killing someone.I guess thats why tracks have opened there doors to car clubs
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
I'd start with doing long tube headers matched to the heads you PLAN on running.
I think it's much better to build a motor as a complete package, but if you decide to throw heads on to your current block, you should do a cam and appropriate intake at the same time.
I think it's much better to build a motor as a complete package, but if you decide to throw heads on to your current block, you should do a cam and appropriate intake at the same time.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 279
From: New York
Price out a create motor and the cost to rebuild, they are actually pretty close. I went with a Golen motor as it allowed me to customize the parts I wanted.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,473
Likes: 10
From: New Paltz, New York USA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,575
Likes: 1
From: Tuttle OK
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Personally I don't get the aftermarket Go fast thing. I have waisted too much cash at Speed shops in the 1980's only to be disappointed.
My '72 is original 100,000 car that suits me fine, it will do a 100 miles an hour and put a smile on my face, don't get me wrong I love Big HP cars but how fast can you drive without going to jail or killing someone.I guess thats why tracks have opened there doors to car clubs
My '72 is original 100,000 car that suits me fine, it will do a 100 miles an hour and put a smile on my face, don't get me wrong I love Big HP cars but how fast can you drive without going to jail or killing someone.I guess thats why tracks have opened there doors to car clubs
