VandykeT/A

I've got an 80 T/A with a boat anchor Poncho 400 in it. I know alot of people like pontiac engines but I'm done with them. I'd like to replace it with a daily driveable 355 sbc. I've really only messed with Pontiacs and LS engines so this is fairly new to me. I've got a 350 engine 3970010 with crappy 882 heads from what I've read anyway. If my realistic goal would be around 300-350 hp and still be stock torque converter friendly (th350) what would my best bet be? Recommend me a combo. Thanks.

93 LT1 Vette

Holley 750
Edelbrock performer intake
Vortec heads
Flattops
VooDoo series cam lifters

Should better your goals.

87silverbullet

iTrader: (11)

^^^^He nailed it. Just make sure the vortec heads are clearanced to handle more lift. They can only handle around .450 in stock form.

Here is a link to a 440 hp build with vortec heads.

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...c_small_block/

SSellers

I made 263 whp with a cam that peaked at only 5200 RPM and 310 whtq below 3000 RPM with a flat top 355, 441 small valve heads (essentially the same as 882's), Performer RPM, Holley 670, 1-5/8" headers, full exhaust and accessories through a 33 spline 12 bolt (installed early for the next engine). Pulled a 3.42 rear off idle in 4th gear. It ain't hard to get 325hp out of a 350 that is mild.

The 400 isn't a boat anchor it's just due to the era it was built in. The place that built my 400 SBC can do a 390hp rebuild of that Olds or Pontiac engine for about $2500. They also do a stock friendly 360hp version that'll run on 87 with the timing dialed back. I'd do that and keep my original engine before spending the money on another one, although I reckon if it's a 1980 T/A it's not original.
Carolina Machine http://cmengines.com/
They're only a tank of gas away from you but do pick up and delivery all over the southeast. I'm 100 miles away and they delivered mine free when it was done.

ZONES89RS

iTrader: (25)

I would take one of two options:

1: Find a Vortec engine from the junk yard, use the elgin 230/230 roller cam with a fresh valve job and springs with the guides modded for more lift and call it a day...


or


2: carbed LS swap, 5.3 or whatever and use one of the edelbrock cams that do not really require a spring upgrade(i would at least throw in some Z06 springs for valve float) and call it a day.

Option 2 is super easy to find the 5.3 or whatever and option 1 would require a stupid distributor.

You say you have messed with LS stuff, so you should know that the gains are there to be had with stock heads without removing them from the engine.

VandykeT/A

I would 100 percent rather have a LS engine. I was just looking at cost effectiveness. I may just look around to see what I can pick up a 5.3 for.