1st thread - Stuck with a 307: performance suggestions?

[56flamejob]

Hey everyone, 1st post here:


I picked up a 56' belair with a rebuilt 307 in it, edelbrock intake, 650 holley carb. I was wondering what else i can do to build up this engine. An engine swap is out of the question for the time being, so i need to look into crank, cam, header, exhaust. Im just not sure what which of each to look into.


Thanks
james

Im looking at one of the Extreme Energy cams by Comp Cams, any suggestions?

[sg4356]

For the most bag for your buck I will say headers. You will need some way to get the exhaust out before a camshaft consideration.

[RestoRod]

Read this posting on this site: http://www.clubhotrod.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43151 esp. the link provided by To-Many-to-count

[JeffB2]

Before you go cam shopping you might want to pull a valve cover and let us know the casting number on the heads,if it has the original 307 heads and you are on a budget I would replace them with the 305 H.O. heads easy to find for very little cash and have hardened seats,for what you would pay for just the Comp Cam you could get a good grind from Summit with the lifters and new valve springs,I would recommend this part #SUM-K1103 should work well with your cubic inch motor and existing parts.Then get the headers with it.

[Daffy427]

Headers first

[Itoldyouso]

The one part of your question says "crank". If you are getting that deep into the engine why not simply drop in a 350? You will spend more money trying to get the 307 to the same power output as a stock 350 that it doesn't make financial sense to me. Now if you were simply talking about external bolts ons, that is a different matter. Headers, gears, a mild cam and good ignition would be where I would start.

Don

[NTFDAY]

I would also swap the 650 for a 600.

[Dave Severson]

Why not just keep what ya got, leave it as is.... Then start accumulating goodies to build a good engine for the car???? Heck, lot easier to build them slowly over a period of time. Building one good engine and leaving the one in the car alone and just driving it as is for awhile will IMO save you money over the long term, and you'll end up with what you REALLY want instead of having to make a bunch of comprimises and settle for something less!!!!

[Itoldyouso]

Now THAT is a good idea.


You do have your moments Dave.

Don

[Dave Severson]

Now THAT is a good idea.


You do have your moments Dave.

Don

Thanks!!! On my good days I'm occasionally coherent!!!

It's called patience, Don!!!!! Just don't like to see people cut corners and settle for less then what they want when all it takes is a bit of patience and planning to have what they really want!!! Must be one of them geezer things, huh????

[Itoldyouso]

[QUOTE=Dave Severson;365219]Thanks!!! On my good days I'm occasionally coherent!!!




Don

[56flamejob]

Why not just keep what ya got, leave it as is.... Then start accumulating goodies to build a good engine for the car???? Heck, lot easier to build them slowly over a period of time. Building one good engine and leaving the one in the car alone and just driving it as is for awhile will IMO save you money over the long term, and you'll end up with what you REALLY want instead of having to make a bunch of comprimises and settle for something less!!!!

I love that idea, the problem is im stationed on a military base with no real storage capabilities, which is also the reason i cant swap the engine right away. We have a hobby shop where we can get pretty deep in an engine, but the cost of leaving your car there adds up quick. I can do the smaller stuff, but it'll have to go to a shop for the more in depth parts. I guess its bolt on's for now.

[nitrowarrior]

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[skyeking]

Hey everyone, 1st post here:


I picked up a 56' belair with a rebuilt 307 in it, edelbrock intake, 650 holley carb. I was wondering what else i can do to build up this engine. An engine swap is out of the question for the time being, so i need to look into crank, cam, header, exhaust. Im just not sure what which of each to look into.


Thanks
james

Im looking at one of the Extreme Energy cams by Comp Cams, any suggestions?

56flamejoc;365136
Hi There,
You can have many choices from here as you have a decent manifold
and carby. As for the camshaft you might have more than you know of
so if you have not fitted an HEI already then now might be the time to
do so and advance the static timing to 10 or 12*. If there is a stage 2
or so in there you will hear it and feel it off the mark.
By all means improve the Exhaust system. Same headers as 283" and
forget about a cam change until you assess what you already have.
Yes, Find out what cc,s your heads are and if they are over 68ccs then
the 305's are a good choice for the 283 bore with the 1.84" inlets. 58's.
The idea is to get at least 8.4/1 comp without hacking the heads.
Keep some money in your pocket as you might want to build up a 327
which is regarded as one of the best motors that was ever built..
It was once quoted that there are 30 different ways to build a Chev
motor and that was before fuel injection and forced induction..
All the best with the project ....Skyeking....

[t0oL]

gears. depending on the ratio you have in the car now, swapping out a reasonable rear end ratio versus a sedan ratio would give an impression of way more hp than you would get out of bolt on engine mods