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We could give much better advice if you gave more info on your car. ie auto/4speed, rear end ratio, other mods already done
How much do you have to spend?
I would install new dual exhaust first. Not only will you benefit from better 'breathing', but the new rumble will make you feel even better every time you drive it! Good Luck -Rod :chevy
well here are some things...the car was an L-48 but now has a L-82 in it. It is automatic trans. regular stock exhaust. Basically everything is stock on the car that I know of. I've got about 1,500-2,000 dollars saved right now, but of course I could always save some more and get the upgrades later. Just give me your suggestions and if you have approx. price tags on items you suggest that would be great.
True dual with headers- 400-600.00$ (depends on mufflers and headers)
CompCams XE-262 cam,lifter and spring kit- 300.00$ (I think)
Edelbrock Performer Air-Gap-200.00$
Holley Street Avenger 670-395.00$
True Dual Exhausts, A good street cam (My 260H is on the mild side, but still gave me a hell of a boost), a dual plane intake, and headers for a start. Get your Q-Jet rebuilt (cheaper and good enuff for the street), and let the Good Times Roll. :D . If ya want to go faster later you can always add a set of good heads. I can lite the tires now with stock heads...... :eek: :eek: :eek:
From: The cure for the blues is eight cylinders roaring
Re: Performance Upgrade Poll (Aaron-74)
True dual with headers- 400-600.00$ (depends on mufflers and headers)
CompCams XE-262 cam,lifter and spring kit- 300.00$ (I think)
Edelbrock Performer Air-Gap-200.00$
Holley Street Avenger 670-395.00$
If I were you I'd get a cam and intake, do some head work (the l-82 heads are already 2.02/1.60) headers, true dual exhaust. If your still not satisfied do some tranny work (shift kit, stall converter)
Cam and exhaust is good, but Holley and ignition wont do a bit of good for a relatively stock set-up, presuming you have the stock carb/ignition tuned correctly.
For an L82, work (mod) backwards starting with the exhaust and ending at the carb.
All smog motors, especially the L82, appreciates more cylinder pressure. Common way of building cyl pressure would be to raise the static compression ratio. A real quick, cheap, reliable way of building cyl pressure is to optimize your distributor's advance curve. You will definately feel an improvement if you are running stock settings.
Another good bang for the buck mod for an L82/auto setup would be a higher stall torque converter. Also, jump at any opportunity to get a higher gear ratio rearend like a 3.55-3.70.
R200 overdrive tranny with a better torque convertor and some rear gears. $ 2 grand should cover that. Better gas mileage, better pick up, and when you put the goodies in the engine you will feel it right away and not wish for these upgrades later on.