Head/Cam Combo Best Pick
#1
Head/Cam Combo Best Pick
I have an 81 4spd, two tone, very low miles and would like to enhance the H.P. performance of my stock 350 engine. I'm looking at bumping my H.P. to 300-350. I realize there are other modifications needed (intake, exhaust,...), however, being new to this field, I would like to start with some advice on what is the best head/cam combo to purchase.
Thanks
Thanks
#2
I rebuilt my entire engine. with a KB rotating kit. I also went with a set of 2.02 vortec heads and a comp cam 268 grind, with a edelbrock performer intake, and hedman headers. i am very happy with my setup. it should be good for around 330hp. i was still able to pull a 13.7 in my 81 too! i think it is a good street combo! not sure if your wanting something more race prepared tho?
#3
Drifting
If this car were mine I would get a set of headers and a complete 2.5" exhaust (with cats) all the way to the rear bumper first. Then I would have a street port job and three angle valve job done.
Now I've probably saved enough by not replacing the heads to get a nice little hydraulic camshaft with 210 to 216 degrees intake duration (at .050" lift) and about 214 to 224 degrees exhaust duration (at .050" lift).
BigBlockk
Later.....
Now I've probably saved enough by not replacing the heads to get a nice little hydraulic camshaft with 210 to 216 degrees intake duration (at .050" lift) and about 214 to 224 degrees exhaust duration (at .050" lift).
BigBlockk
Later.....
#4
Race Director
One of the most significant changes you could make is to either install the 1970 LT1 solid tappet cam and springs that would really wake it up or a more milder cam is the hydraulic cam from the mid 60`s 327/350 HP cam.
#5
Team Owner
I'd recommend World Product Sportsmen II Heads and a solid flat tapped cam with lift in the low to mid .500's and about 226 - 235 degrees .050 duration...
#11
Originally Posted by COMMANDER370
You will be surprised at what just a set of headers and 2-1/2" true duals will do for preformance
Heads I'm going for are AFR180's, but I was also looking seriously at TFS 23deg ones (I was going to get some but the exchange rate fell so much that AFR's are now affordable). Other people have had good results with edel perf/perf rpm. It seems that most heads available are going to be an improvement on the stock ones. Vortec are a good bang for the buck (but you'll need a matching manifold & valve covers which pushes the cost up a bit, especially if you've already changed the inlet manifold). If you do change the intake manifold & keep the ECU then you'll need to drill & tap the manifold so that you can fit a coolant temp sensor needed by the ECU. This isn't difficult, but the thread isn't 5/8" UNF (don't ask how I know this!). The tpi is the same (18?) but the hole diameter is slightly larger (NPT???).
I junked the Aircon on mine & the steering feels more responsive/lighter due to the loss of all that dead weight, so ally heads will help even more. Something to check if you go for ally heads is the front ride height, as it may rise due to reduuced weight.
I'll attach my sig for what I've done & I'm certain that the stock heads & low CR are locking away some power.
#13
Originally Posted by COMMANDER370
You will be surprised at what just a set of headers and 2-1/2" true duals will do for preformance
Will this option still be emissions and 50 state legal?
Thanks
#14
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Dec 2004
Location: pr, frederick md.
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if your new to this i suggest the edelbrock matched sets. all the homework has been done for you. and i cant remember hearing any bad news about them.you can get heads, manifold, and cam all matched to work together. but you still got a 350 under there and simple mods will wake it up. swap in a better carb, and run a dual exhaust setup, and youll feel the difference right away.