Thread: how to get 400-450hp

Tweet

I have a 1978 chevy pickup 4x4, 4 speed with a 3.73 posi rearend and a 350 in it that I use for towing cars and stuff, the engine has flat top pistons with standard bore, headers and a 600 cfm edelbrock carb,it has a step above rv cam in it with stock 76cc heads, and true duel exhaust with glasspacks, I was wanting to get more horsepower for it like from 400-450, and so what should I do to the engine to get it there

For towing and hauling you need torque, not horsepower..... Rather then spend a bunch on your small block, the easiest and probably biggest gain for the $$$$$ would be to replace the SBC with a Big Block Chevy..... A stock 454 will put out more torque then a much modified small block built with torque as a goal, and it will do it at a lower RPM which will also increase the reliability.....

I agree with Dave. A big block is the way to go.

Yep big block

Dave's spot on, go BBC

It would seem that that's not what he wanted to hear, but it's tough to get decent torque out of a short arm engine.

turn the aircleaner top upside down to let in cold air

It seems that we have this conversation every couple months – “wanted: gobs of horsepower from small cubic inches – need to tow the Queen Mary (or some such)… Must be reasonable and oh by the way, here’s what I’ve already done.”

As mentioned by others, a stock big block will almost without exception out lug a small block. I don’t know if people are “afraid” of big blocks or what. In a Chevy there’s not much to it and it can be almost a “bolt in” as far as mounts and transmissions go. Sure, the exhaust is different but a visit to the local muffler shop can quickly remedy any issues there.

There are 454 engines on Craigslist and eBay starting at $700 and for less than $1,500 there’s some pretty complete deals. Call Pat and he will make you a genuine stump puling monster that will bolt right in and last a long time.

To get close in a small block you’ll spend a lot more money.

My two cents,
Glenn

I am sure you guys remember the old 375/350's and that was without the now aftermarket heads and hydro roller cams.So can it be done??. I am sure it can.

I don't disagree with the swap of a BBC,but there are always more than one way.A consideration for a LS1 with a re-cam and some head work could exceed the request for hp and with the swap of supporting electronics from a donor vehicle still offer outstanding gas mileage.

The OP hasn't been around for a month, guess he didn't hear what he wanted to hear.....

Torque is for towing
Horsepower is for going

Yeah Dave,I know that.Just trying to stay within the spirit of thread's request.