350 Performance upgrade under $500?

[Glock19Fan]

Hey everyone!

Like a lot of people here, there are too many goodies, too little money. I have a 350CI in a 79 Cheyenne, but I want to get a little more out of it. Are there any modifications I can do to it to get some extra horsepower and/or speed from it for under $500. I will eventually upgrade to a BB engine, but for now I am sticking to the 350.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks for your help!

[92Phantom]

There are a couple different options you could consider. For $500 you could get a new camshaft and lifter set-up and still have the cash for a set of rockers. To get the most power for your money I'd consider a roller setup. Good luck and let us know what you choose.

[reborn91chevy]

Is the entire engine and associated systems stock? I have found that a hi-perf. ignition coil and wires and a K&N filter (or similar) can help with power...and you can do the whole thing in a Saturday afternoon. And yes, a cam and roller setup will definitely help too. How about an aluminum intake? Again, too many choices.

[psychoshanesz71]

If it still has the stock 8cc dished pistons, go find a set of 305 54cc chamber heads. Casting# 354434s flow the best. This will bump compression to 9.94:1. Get a cam from PAW or somewhere that sells their brand cams, they are pretty cheap. Elgin cams are pretty good and cheap too. Find a cam with around .470-.480 lift and shoot for about 280deg duration. You can use your stock converter with a cam this size still. Find a used Edelbrock Performer intake on Ebay or swap meet. They usually sell for around $50 or so used. Make a true dual exhaust system yourself.

You should be able to do this combo for $500 if you spend your money wisely. Wait for good deals and compare prices before you buy.

A simple rear gear change might give you what your looking for also. Depending on what gear you have now. From a 2.73 gear to a 3.73 gear will surprise you.


Good luck on what you decide.

Shane

[CHEV4LIFE]

how many miles, if it were me i would get a better used carb than whats on there, cam lifters, headers, and maybe an intake manifold:dunno: as well as an OE filter, i bet that would wake that thing right up

[HemiHunter]

Nitrous, most gain for your money:D