On the engine, I'd get info from your dad on what he had done to the engine. Then put it on a rear wheel dyno and get a good baseline.

After you know what you have, I'd give the car a through inspection of areas such as cooling system, fuel system (carb, fuel pump), ignition system (distributor, plugs, wires), vacuum systems (there are about 5 distinct vacuum systems that can negate performance due to leaks), transmission, differential, rear suspension and front suspension. Each of these systems is critical to (safely) realizing the benefits of any power improvements.

Once you are confidenty that you have a solid foundation, I'd first attack the exhaust. Most bang for buck potential here; especially if you add headers.

With the exhaust opened up, you move to the carb as it will need adjustment (richer) to compensate for improved flow. You can either adjust the carb now or go ahead and install heads, cam and intake.

Adjust the ignition for performance (if EPA allows it) and take a trip to the dyno to see impact of changes.

I'd definitely recommend a carb rebuild by 'Lars' to match your intake, heads, cam, and exhaust at this point. Then off to the dyno facility again.

 

since i started working on the car last summer i do know that everything is in working order, i changed such things as the plugs, wires, things of that sort, then i tackled the larger things that were giving me a problem, such as the starter, the only real thing i need to do is get a new exhaust first because it is pretty much rusted through from sitting for so long, except the aftermarket headers :D , and i need a new speedometer cable since the one on there melted to the exhaust a long time ago and doesnt work anymore, :( , as far as what i want to do, i want it to be streetable and run mid 13's maybe a little lower, just something fun to drive. i dont have a huge budget but i have enough, labor costs i wont have to worry about since a friend and i work on our cars together all the time (his 12.5 second 98 Camaro, and my 15.4 second v6 firebird :D ) he knows what he is doing, he owns his own shop and i learn a lot from him. I was told before about putting an L-82 cam because it is kind of mild and pretty good for what im shooting for. What are some good websites i can go to to check out some different cams and some heads? i havent really found anything good yet besides the L-82 cam but then again i havent found much in the first place. and seriously, thanks for all the great help so far, ive gotten more responses so far on this site than on any other site ive ever been on.
Jim


[Modified by 18withan81, 12:01 AM 2/21/2003]

 

I 2nd, 3rd, 10th... whatever... the welcome to the forum.

As far as cams & heads it might be worth your time to just hit some of the high performance catalogs online(Summitracing, Jegs, etc) to get an idea what is available and you can always go directly to the manufacturers like Comp Cams, Crane, etc. to see more definition of what each cam is designed for. The same goes for heads.

 

:lol: :lol: :lol: If Anybody has any experiance this crowd will. Best place I ever found for advice and the friendliest place on the net.
Welcome Aboard

 

I've pretty much done what I described to my 350 with the addition of flat-top pistons and .020 overbore. I've also gone with the 700R4 trans, 1800stall converter and lower gears (3.54's). I'd suggest a better or stronger transmission and differential if you are pushing for 13's and maybe a 75-100hp shot of NOS for good measure in addition to the mods already discussed.

I don't know the 1/4 mile potential of my 1980 as I haven't had it on a dyno for a year (Feb 2002 was last time) and added all of the big changes (heads, headers, duals, carb) after that last run. I'd say it should be close to high 13's (hopeful).

 

alright, thanks guys, im gonna go hit up summit racing, comp cams, those kind of places...ill keep you guys updated....oh and if you guys know anyone with a silver leather drivers seat for an 81, let me know :yesnod:

 

Welcome dude :chevy

 

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[Modified by Aaron76, 7:26 PM 2/20/2003]

 

Welcome aboard! You'll surely receive a variety of opinions on perfromance upgrades, so keep your objectives and budget in mind.

 

:seeya