Best Performance Mod for my 72:
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 476
Likes: 17
From: Appling GA
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
Best Performance Mod for my 72:
I own a 72 base model with a turbo 350. I'm curious what mods provide the best bang for the buck without doing work on the short block or cam swap...bottomline things that can be done in my garage. changes I have already made include Hooker sidepipes and conversion to eletronic ignition...my goal has always been to keep the stock appearence or make changes that are reversable.
Thanks Mike
Thanks Mike
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,711
Likes: 43
From: San Antonio TX
First, Mike, is if the car is as delivered, it should have a THM400, not a THM350. But that isn't relevant to your question. Just an observation.
I have only three recommendations in the "not too hard to do" category: 1) You likely have a 3.08:1 rear gear. Buy a 3:55 gear set, pull the differential and take it to a shop that can install the gears for you (assuming you aren't able to swap the gears yourself). This makes a huge difference in how the car accelerates. 2) A set of good-flowing heads -even without a cam swap- will significantly boost your engine's torque output. 3) Make sure the engine's performance is delivering at its peak. Meaning the ignition is up to snuff and is running a proper advance curve for your needs and that the carburetor has a good fuel curve.
I have only three recommendations in the "not too hard to do" category: 1) You likely have a 3.08:1 rear gear. Buy a 3:55 gear set, pull the differential and take it to a shop that can install the gears for you (assuming you aren't able to swap the gears yourself). This makes a huge difference in how the car accelerates. 2) A set of good-flowing heads -even without a cam swap- will significantly boost your engine's torque output. 3) Make sure the engine's performance is delivering at its peak. Meaning the ignition is up to snuff and is running a proper advance curve for your needs and that the carburetor has a good fuel curve.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 62
From: Kona Hawaii
Best upgrade to my vette was the Richmond 6spd trans.Works great with the 3.08 rear gear.Total transformed the car! It's a blast to drive now and the 6th gear OD makes for great hiway cruising.Pricey but worth the expense.I could've changed rear gears but decided to use the funds for a new trans anyways.It's pretty much a bolt in with the G-Force cross-member and the driveshaft is same length as used on a TH350.Swap cost me close to 4500.00 with all new parts,and would do it again in a heart beat.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 850
Likes: 36
From: Providence RI
I'd say the best improvement/$$$ improvement you can make is to optimize the ignition-timing of the setup you already have using a kit like Crane's adjustable vacuum-advance kit:
http://www.cranecams.com/333.pdf
It's under $40 through the online speed-shops, and it not only allows you to change and limit the vacuum-advance, it also provides the springs and good instructions on altering the mechanical advance-curve as well. It takes you step-by-step through the process, adjusting one parameter (base, vacuum, centrifugal) at a time, until you've got the best curve that give you best performance with today's gasoline while eliminating ignition-knock.
Given the effects of time and "efforts" of previous owners, and the change in the properties of gasoline since our cars were built, it's unlikely your ignition-advance is optimal, so this may result in surprising seat-of-the-pants changes in how your car drives.
http://www.cranecams.com/333.pdf
It's under $40 through the online speed-shops, and it not only allows you to change and limit the vacuum-advance, it also provides the springs and good instructions on altering the mechanical advance-curve as well. It takes you step-by-step through the process, adjusting one parameter (base, vacuum, centrifugal) at a time, until you've got the best curve that give you best performance with today's gasoline while eliminating ignition-knock.
Given the effects of time and "efforts" of previous owners, and the change in the properties of gasoline since our cars were built, it's unlikely your ignition-advance is optimal, so this may result in surprising seat-of-the-pants changes in how your car drives.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 845
Likes: 54
From: Bangor, Northern Ireland
Best upgrade to my vette was the Richmond 6spd trans.Works great with the 3.08 rear gear.Total transformed the car! It's a blast to drive now and the 6th gear OD makes for great hiway cruising.Pricey but worth the expense.I could've changed rear gears but decided to use the funds for a new trans anyways.It's pretty much a bolt in with the G-Force cross-member and the driveshaft is same length as used on a TH350.Swap cost me close to 4500.00 with all new parts,and would do it again in a heart beat.
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A trans swap is a must for a small block, it's a win win situation, better launch and an overdrive. ( Tremec 600RR)
In a small block car the 3 speed autos and 4 speed manuals are for the museum IMHO.
The best mod i've done so far, yes it's expensive but I'd do it again
Next time i'd buy a running Camaro and break it up for the 5 speed.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
