Thread: 350 SB rebuild question

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Ive got an old '79 5.7L from a k20 pickup and i plan on rebuilding it to put in my f-body camaro (82). I know this motor has relatively low HP (around 160-175) and im looking to do some upgrades to it durring the rebuilding, aiming for around 250ish HP. Upgrades will be a hotter cam, headers(shorties), and a 550 cfm edelbrock 4bbl. Do you think these upgrades will be enough to significantly increase the HP of this motor? or will i have to tamper/ replace the cylinder heads too (apart from matching it w/ cam), also add a 600 or 650 cfm carb instead?

I've got help on rebuilding the motor but as for the gains/losses in HP/TQ i have no experience or advice on, so any input is GREATLY apreciated!

thanks!

RWHP is also relative to the accesories you plan on running like smog, AC etc.

That engine is probably a four-bolt so you have alot of latitude as far as modifications go.

You should have no problem getting close to 300 ,with a cam ,headers and intake.

no pollution controll is on the car now and it pases

no AC,non-restrictive exhaust, electric fan.. ect..

as for the intake, i have one on the old 5.0 in the car now and it has an edelbrock intake on it w/ egr blocked off. I dont know what model it is but it would almost have to help the motor make more power than the stock intake.

Hi Sniper, what is the casting number on the cylinder heads? The number is cast into the top of the head at the valves, under the valve cover. If you'll post that number, there are those of us on the board who can better cousel you on the parts and procedures necessary to build a near-stock motor that will perform to your expectations.

There are lots of little things that you may not be aware of that can come back to bite you and we'll be glad to help you understand why and how.

Shorty headers will be better than stock log manifolds, but will give up quite a lot of horsepower/torque to long-tube, equal-length headers. The key is to open up the intake and exhaust so the motor can breathe.

The 550 carb will work fine, but you need to bolt it to a manifold that will free up the breathing on the top. You didn't identify the intake you have, but if it's a standard Performer, it's very little better than a stock manifold. Of course it's lighter than a stock cast iron manifold, but that's about all that can be said for it. A Performer RPM or Weiand Stealth might be a better choice, even on a near-stock build in my opinion. In keeping with a wallet-friendly build, either of these can be found used on ebay or craigslist. 7101 is the part number for the RPM non-egr. 8150 is the part number for the Stealth. Look at ebay and craigslist in your area and see if you can find either of them used.

DO NOT BUY ANYTHING UNTIL YOU HAVE THE MOTOR DISASSEMBLED AND HAVE MADE A CONCRETE PLAN FOR THE BUILD. And in particular, do not buy a cam until you have measured everything in the motor and calculated the static compression ratio. We'll teach you how to do this.

Do some searching through these websites for long tube headers. Try to find a set with 3/8" flanges and 1 5/8" primary tubes that will fit an '82 Camaro with a small block. There should be tons of choices. Write down all part numbers that fit, then go shopping for the best price.
http://www.roadsters.com/engines/#Headers

i will get the casting numbers on the heads, but it might take a while

i will post when i get it, also i will get the intake numbers too and look it up and post my findings... (that shouldnt take as long)