how to add hp to a 1973 chevelle with a 350 for under 1,000 dolars?

Question

i have a 1973 chevelle laguna, it has a rebuilt 350 motor in it. Its probably got under 200 hp on it. Pretty much everything is stock, except for that we have a 4 barrel carb on it. other than adding headers and dual exhaust wat can i do. And i want to keep it under or near 1,000 dollars

oh yea i forgot to mention its got an automatic transmission

Answer 1

I had a 73 lemans when I was in high school with a 350 Chev engine (Factory in Canada). Factory rating was 150 hp with a 2 barrel. Low compression engine (around 8:1 with stock heads)

If you already have the 4 barrel - you are ahead of the game. Dual exhaust and headers are next ($600) - then I'd change the rear end to a posi with a 3:08 to 3.55 gear set (Used $300 @ swap meet/Ebay or junkyard) - your original one likely has a 2.73:1 ratio. The cam would be next - Look for something with a powerband 2000 to 5500 rpm $250. I'd try to find some factory heads with more compression. 9.5:1 is a maximum on a street engine with cast iron heads.

$1000 can get you the parts (Check Summit for new costs) so You'll have to install yourself. The hardest installation of all of the above is the exhaust system - especially on cars this old, on your back, on the garage floor.

Answer 2

Headers and dual exhaust are a great starting point. After that, I'd go for a performance cam - make sure it's matched to your mods. Check out Hot Rod Magazine's "Junkyard Jewel" series - they got a pretty decent amount of power out of a boneyard 350 for very little cash.

Answer 3

I would suggest cam and lifter kit. The cam for a 300 hp 327 is excellent. Not radical but very good. Sounds good, runs better and still good on gas.Ask for about 1966 or 67 327--300 hp cam for a Corvette. You should be happy with that.

Answer 4

K&N air filter, 1.7 roller rockers, an edelbrock performer RPM intake manifold, add a shift kit to the transmission and if you don't have an HEI ignition add one. All of this probably won't come to a $1,000. but you will feel the difference.

Answer 5

put a shift kit in the tranny.also if you want more power,get yourself a set of 327 heads for it.take your 350 heads off and replace them with 327 heads.what about a 3/4 cam.or you could put a drop crank in it,that will give you more horses.

Answer 6

Put in an Edelbrock performer kit. It comes with cam, intake and carb and is matched. You'll see a big difference.

Answer 7

try a K & F air filter? not much, but it works and is cheap.

Answer 8

Don't invest, it'll always be a chevy

Answer 9

NITROUS ! ! !