Holley Systemax
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Newcastle
Holley Systemax
I posted this in another thread, but got no replies and I need help...
Those Holley Systemax kits look pretty cool. I have a '77 that's basically stock (L-48 with the smog stuff removed, dual exhaust) and I've been thinking about some upgrades. I think my valve guides are on their way out (some blue smoke on start up) and I figured it would make sense to rebuild, get new cam/heads/intake/headers at the same time. Now as a newbie, it really is overwhelming the amount of choice in parts that are available and to me this kit seems like a godsend. Trouble is I don't really want to spend too much money. It'd be the top Systemax kit I'd be looking at but how would this cope with the rest of my setup? I'll be getting a rebuild kit for the bottom end, will I need an expensive one with forged companents? Will the Systemax kit be ok with my block (2-bolt I assume?). What about the stock 4-speed manual 'box and read end? I'm prepared to spend some cash getting this kit and having the engine rebuilt and am not that bothered if it doesn't make near the 400HP they claim when used with the rest of my gear (can upgrade other parts at a later date), but I wouldn't want to spend all this and have the 'box fall apart or shatter the rearend or whatever...
Any help greatly appreciated.
Those Holley Systemax kits look pretty cool. I have a '77 that's basically stock (L-48 with the smog stuff removed, dual exhaust) and I've been thinking about some upgrades. I think my valve guides are on their way out (some blue smoke on start up) and I figured it would make sense to rebuild, get new cam/heads/intake/headers at the same time. Now as a newbie, it really is overwhelming the amount of choice in parts that are available and to me this kit seems like a godsend. Trouble is I don't really want to spend too much money. It'd be the top Systemax kit I'd be looking at but how would this cope with the rest of my setup? I'll be getting a rebuild kit for the bottom end, will I need an expensive one with forged companents? Will the Systemax kit be ok with my block (2-bolt I assume?). What about the stock 4-speed manual 'box and read end? I'm prepared to spend some cash getting this kit and having the engine rebuilt and am not that bothered if it doesn't make near the 400HP they claim when used with the rest of my gear (can upgrade other parts at a later date), but I wouldn't want to spend all this and have the 'box fall apart or shatter the rearend or whatever...
Any help greatly appreciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 1,502
From: Little Rock AR
You can use the stock bottom end if it is in good condition. You might want to replace the rod bolts with ARP pieces and resize the big ends of the rods if you are going to spin the motor much. Not much $$$ and keeps the bottom end in place for higher RPM.
If you get the block to the machine shop and find out you need an overbore, you will be best served by a forged piston or at least a Hypereutectic piston. If you are lucky enough to be able to reuse the bores, you will be way ahead on $$$. In that case, I would not replace the pistons but that is my opinion based on cost/benefit.
You can buy the Holley Systemax kit or the Edelbrock Kit and it will work fine. Avoid the Edelbrock Performer RPM cam, it is not that great. The powerband is high in the RPM band and quite "peaky". The smaller Edelbrock Performer cam is fine. Get smaller chambers if given a choice. The dished pistons need all the help they can get.
One guy's opinion and there are many choices out there.
-Mark.
If you get the block to the machine shop and find out you need an overbore, you will be best served by a forged piston or at least a Hypereutectic piston. If you are lucky enough to be able to reuse the bores, you will be way ahead on $$$. In that case, I would not replace the pistons but that is my opinion based on cost/benefit.
You can buy the Holley Systemax kit or the Edelbrock Kit and it will work fine. Avoid the Edelbrock Performer RPM cam, it is not that great. The powerband is high in the RPM band and quite "peaky". The smaller Edelbrock Performer cam is fine. Get smaller chambers if given a choice. The dished pistons need all the help they can get.
One guy's opinion and there are many choices out there.
-Mark.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Newcastle
Thanks.
I think I'll get the block to a machine shop if I can. They tend not to be that common in the UK
The engine will not be raced and will be unlikely to exceed 5500rpm. Just looking for a lively steet machine. Preferably with as much of the power as low in the rev range as possible.
I'll check out the Edelbock kits, I hadn't considered them before, didn't even realise they had them!
I think my engine should be ok, it only has 66,000 mile on it and runs as sweet as a nut.
I think I'll get the block to a machine shop if I can. They tend not to be that common in the UK
The engine will not be raced and will be unlikely to exceed 5500rpm. Just looking for a lively steet machine. Preferably with as much of the power as low in the rev range as possible.I'll check out the Edelbock kits, I hadn't considered them before, didn't even realise they had them!
I think my engine should be ok, it only has 66,000 mile on it and runs as sweet as a nut.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,631
Likes: 14
From: Fountain Hills AZ
The Sytemax kit is an excellent value as you get a LOT of stuff for your money but I think the cam might be bigger than what you're looking for. I agree with stingr69 about getting smaller chambers than stock if that's an option. I've never been a big fan of the Edelbrock Performer cam as it's pretty wimpy, even compared to the factory L82 cam (which I would recommend for your application). If I were doing the same thing but wanted a milder cam than comes in the kit, I'd buy the kit but also buy a different cam (the kit already has lifters). You'd still be way ahead $$ wise and you could sell the Holley for a few $$ (or keep it around for a self defense weapon ).
).
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Newcastle
Cheers 
What about gearbox and stuff? As emmission laws came in and the power levels got less and less was the quality/strength of the other drivetrain components lessened as it didn't need to be as tough? Or are they they same parts that were designed to cope with the more powerful motors of the early 70's?
What about gearbox and stuff? As emmission laws came in and the power levels got less and less was the quality/strength of the other drivetrain components lessened as it didn't need to be as tough? Or are they they same parts that were designed to cope with the more powerful motors of the early 70's?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 1,502
From: Little Rock AR
The drivetrain did change somewhat over time but the Vette chassis and drivetrain are pretty much overbuilt for most mild performance applications. With the goals you have in mind, you will be fine.
I like the L-82 cam that Vettrodder mentioned. I even use it in my Vette now. I did a similar swap of my heads to Dart Iron Eagles with a little port work but left the rest stock. It should be just about what you are shooting for as we have similar setups.
-Mark.
I like the L-82 cam that Vettrodder mentioned. I even use it in my Vette now. I did a similar swap of my heads to Dart Iron Eagles with a little port work but left the rest stock. It should be just about what you are shooting for as we have similar setups.
-Mark.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
I have the systemax II engine kit. I added underdrive pulley, headers, sidepipes, electr. radiator fan,edelbrock 750cfm carb. and a stall 2400 torque convertor. The car works great and sounds like a big block. There is idle is not bad, but you can feel that there is power.
So if you are looking for a normal idle you may be looking for another cam.But still the Systemax kit is value for the money and you'll get a lot of items.
Good luck,
Ryan
So if you are looking for a normal idle you may be looking for another cam.But still the Systemax kit is value for the money and you'll get a lot of items.
Good luck,
Ryan
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,326
Likes: 1
From: I live at www.domesticlugnuts.com I sleep in PA
I installed my systemax ll kit last month. There are a few things you will need to add to the shopping list.
A Complete Gasket set
I added 1.6 Roller Rockers
I had to get adaptors for the Water Temp Sensor and Low Temp Fan Switch.
I already had Hypereutecic (sp) pistons and I have ran it up to 6000rpm. It pulls strong all the way there and probably past. When the 4 barrel opens be careful because the tires have a tendancy to break loose.
With the 1.6's the idle is very rough. In park I'm set at 1100 rpm and it drops to 650 rpm in gear. My around town mileage is 5-8 mpg and I get 20mpg on the interstate.
I installed mine with the cam set at 0 degrees and will be changing that to +4 degrees after I get a baseline dyno.
The vacuum sucks when at a stop, but other than that this engine combo is a blast. Feel free to ask any questions. I'll try to be as helpful as possible. Might want to send a PM since I don't really frequent this section often.
A Complete Gasket set
I added 1.6 Roller Rockers
I had to get adaptors for the Water Temp Sensor and Low Temp Fan Switch.
I already had Hypereutecic (sp) pistons and I have ran it up to 6000rpm. It pulls strong all the way there and probably past. When the 4 barrel opens be careful because the tires have a tendancy to break loose.
With the 1.6's the idle is very rough. In park I'm set at 1100 rpm and it drops to 650 rpm in gear. My around town mileage is 5-8 mpg and I get 20mpg on the interstate.
I installed mine with the cam set at 0 degrees and will be changing that to +4 degrees after I get a baseline dyno.
The vacuum sucks when at a stop, but other than that this engine combo is a blast. Feel free to ask any questions. I'll try to be as helpful as possible. Might want to send a PM since I don't really frequent this section often.