73 base 350 rebuild
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 79
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From: Lake Placid Florida
73 base 350 rebuild
I'm preparing to rebuild my 1973 base 350. I would like to increase my horsepower without getting to far from stock. Any suggestions for example, changing the cam without affecting the vacuum? Pistons?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Yes but there way better heads than the L82 heads. Go with a modern design head that flows better than that head. You can get iron or aluminum heads that are way ahead of the L82 head. If your not worried about original look put a mild cam on with good heads and a good intake with headers and good exhaust and you will think it is a different car. The cost to rebuild old heads is about the same for a decent set of aftermarket heads.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,632
Likes: 112
From: Great Plains Iowa
Have the machine shop convert it to a 383" so you'll get a good increase in torque but at the same rpm.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 40
I support this post for your car.
How much HP .....do you really need ? The 350hp cam is a good upgrade , you need the older heads or diff pistons to get that compression punch cars after 1970 were missing. Even a set of 1970 350-300 hp heads had more compression.
The stock GM vintage type parts will make less power , but look more period correct and not turn off people looking for a more correct car when you sell.
At a certain point I feel throwing modern parts on starts to hurt the value of an old car ....it looses it charm.
Last edited by LS4 PILOT; Jun 27, 2015 at 08:22 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,569
Likes: 126
From: San Diego California
FM73Project,
Is this a DIY project, or are you farming out the work?
How about keeping the original engine as is (unmodified), and dropping in a 383? You'll love the change in performance.
Steve
Is this a DIY project, or are you farming out the work?
How about keeping the original engine as is (unmodified), and dropping in a 383? You'll love the change in performance.
Steve
