For what you seem to want to do I wouldnt think that the 2 bolt main will be a problem. And you can stay with it to keep the car numbers matching. And yes you can make a 350 do 13's lol. You can make a 350 run single digit 1/4s mile times. 383 stroker is just a little easier to build for power with. These days you can build one of those just as cheap as building a 355. (.030 over 350)

It depends what you wanna do really. Cause if you wanted to shell out the cash you could drop a big block in really easily but its not at all necassary. But again like i said before on stock 1969 suspension your gonna have to put out a hell of a lot of hp to run a low 13. If you just spend a little cash tightning up the suspension it will make your job much easier. Its just like you said traction is your big problem, and building the motor is only gonna make that worse

 

If you have plenty(quite a bit) of money, what I would do is pull the original(numbers matching) engine out, prep it for long term storage, and put it on a stand. That way if you for some reason should hot rod the heck out of it and blow your engine, you'll still have the original if you decide to sell it down the road(worth a lot more). Then, I would either build a 350, 383, or some odd big block, or just buy a crate motor. You won't have to tear into your sweet numbers matching block or have to worry about messing it up, especially if you are like me and like to get on it quite a bit. If that doesn't interest you, or you don't have the money, or don't care about the numbers matching block, yank it and build it ground up, or at least cam and heads. Some fat tires or drag radials would probably help alot too, to avoid wheelspin or having to slip the clutch to an oblivion. A posi wouldn't hurt i'm sure, or even a locker, if you don't already have one. Good luck with the project and I hope my two cents helps a little. Oh, by the way, You should be fine into the thirteens w/ a two bolt main block if that's the avenue you choose to take. Look at all the rustangs doing it on two bolt blocks. If you choose to go with another engine though, might as well opt for four bolts if you're going to have to spend the money anyways. A little extra strength never hurt anyone.

 

Thanks for your input. Like stated previously I just cant make up my mind on what to do. Few ?'s Is it possible by getting new heads,im looking at the Edelbrock Rpm heads(http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive/index.html) and a mathing Cam I could get 13's out of it. Would you think I should change the manifold and carb also? Then could I be there. One thing I think I decided is that Im not going with a big block. A few things have to be changed to put one of those in and I dont want to get into that. Is it worth it to Stroke out my 2 bolt main 350 to a 383? Im starting to learn a little but im still confused. What Small Block Create engine will get me to 12.5 to 13's. I want to keep up and possibly take a stock Z06. Thats my main focus now cause I think I really want one but cant afford it so since I have this nice Camaro why not be able to go as fast as the vette. Where can I look at create motors? How much HP do I need to be were I want. All you guys really know your stuff and I appreciate all the help so far. I just wish it was a simple as someone saying do this,that, and this and you will run 12.5 to 13 sec. I now understand its not that easy. Thanks again for any suggestions. Cazz

 

With heads and the cam you might be able to pull a 13 on slicks. But on street tires you would probably still have to many traction problems to be where you want. Carb could probably stand to go a little bigger maybe 650 or 750, but your manifold should be alright.

For crate motors look at GM performace catalogs, summit, or Jegs magazines. You could stroke out your 2 bolt probably wouldnt have a problem with it, but you can go pick up a 4 bolt main 350 block from anywhere for not much $ at all.

You could build a motor with the same hp as a Z06 and still not be able to touch it because of 30+ years of suspension work. Ive said it before and Ill say it again. With a car from the late 60s that may very well be on the suspension it rolled off the lot with you will see much bigger gains in times if you get to work on your suspension that if you concentrate soley on the motor. Youll never get that beast to hook up otherwise.

p.s. Try to separate your thoughts a little bit using separate paragraphs lol. It gives me a headache trying to read one of your posts.

 

13's are easy in old cars. My 70 SS ran 12.90 in street trim (it did have Mickey Thompson SS tires but not slapper bars or anything) w/ ported heads and when I changed it up ran a 13.36 w/ stock long block but w/ a Lunati cam.

Since your engine doesn't need to be rebuilt, might as well use it. What you would need to do is get a better intake. Weiand Stealth or Edelbrock RPM if you. Get larger carb: 750 CFM Quadrajet or Holley. AFB's just don't do it for all out performance. Cam choice is critical. I'd suggest w/ your gears a Lunati Street master .507" lift IIRC 236* duration (any cam manufacturer's cam w/ similar specs should work), but get the correct springs and lifters for the cam. This set up w/ some softer tires (drag radials, Mickey SS, or something like that) should get you well into the 13's w/stock heads. I ran my 13.36 w/ this set up, granted I did have 4.11 instead of 3.73 but that won't make that big of difference. I was also running a th350 w/a 10" converter and HEI w/accel coil. IF you want faster, same set up w/ good flowing heads. If your looking for a manifold and are going to get heads anyway, check out the vortec heads and a manifold that'll fit them.

I agree with Darth, do some suspension work and you'll see more of what your engine can do.

 

Thanks for the advice. Ill try to seperate my thoughts a little better.
I got an appointment with the local speed shop on tuesday. Im gonna see what he suggests and go from there.

I am basicly gonna have him look this motor over and see if its running correctly then see if it's worth putting New Heads(Edelbrock Performer Rpm) mathing Cam, Performer Rpm Intake and 750cfm Holley Carb. If he thinks the bottom half of the motor wont hold up or if it's just not worth it then Im gonna have him build me a Small Block 350 4 bolt main probably stroked to 383 or something like that.

This might sound extremely dumb but what are other things that can be done to a 350 small block and what would the end result be in cubic inches.

The only thing I was told about was strokeing it out to a 383 witch to be very honest I still dont understand what that is.

What are some things that can be done to the susspension? I know nothing about the that.

Any Ideas on a web site were I can get tires for the rear that would "Hook UP"?

Greed for speed Whats AFB's?
Thanks again Cazz

 

Cazz,

Where in NY are you?

Here's my 2 cents:

1st and foremost:

Just ENJOY your car this summer by driving it.

DO NOT trust any speed shop guys yet - you're new to this, you don't know much and you might be taken for a ride! No pun intended.

Learn to tune the carburetor yourself. There's usually some power to be found.

Start reading about small block chevy's - pick up chevy hi-performance mag, hot rod, etc. to learn the basics.

Frequent the tech boards on the web. Just lurk and read along because there is plenty to learn.

Make a few visits to the local drag strip to see what your car will trap at (1/4 MILE MPH). This will give you a good idea of how much power the car has. The ET's can improve with practice and you can find the ideal shift points. Seek out others at the track with small block chevy's (plenty out there) and ask questions - most folks will be very open.

By the time the winter comes around you'll have a very good idea of what you want out of your car and how to get there. You may even find it to be a lot cheaper and easier than you thought originally. Then you have all those crappy winter months to get the car ready for next spring and drive it.

Good luck.


By the way...it's FLOWmasters not FLOORmasters.

 

Arizona302, I visited your musle car page and in one of the pic's I noticed 2 of Suffolk's finest in the back ground so we must be close. You had some cool cars. Im in Holtsville. How about you?

Thanks for your input makes alot of sense. I'll probably end up having a motor built in the winter months and be ready for next spring. Thats a great idea and gives me more time to save some loot. Also thanks for the heads up about mispelling flowmaster.
CAZZ

 

Lots of good advice here. I've always had good luck with 400sbc motors. Even mild 400's (406ci) with a good set of heads, cam, intake, carb etc. will get you in the low 13's easily. The 383 is a great engine too. It's all a matter of what you want to spend. If it were me, I'd get the current motor tuned (timing, carb etc) to see what it can do. You could be losing 50+HP just from lack of proper tuning. Are you getting full throttle? Like you and others have mentioned, if the bottom end is good, throw on a set of aftermarket heads (under 200cc) and a cam like a 270 Magnum.

Most of all, have fun with it and enjoy your classic Camaro. Ask some of the other guys here, getting your car exactly how you want it is usually a long term project. It takes time. Good luck!

 

I live in Huntington. Have you been to Bald Hill on Tuesday nights? I was down there this past Tues - it was packed. Let me know if you're planning on going. Would love to see your car. 1st gen Camaro's rock!

 

Arizona302 , Absolutely I was there Tuesday night great turn-out. I have been there a couple of times last year. Last Tuesday was my first this for this year. I try to make it there when I can. Maybee I will run into you up there. CAZZ

 

An AFB carb is an Edelbrock or Carter. Its just a certain design of carb.

I agree w/arizona. Learn some stuff before you jump in. This limits the amount of "D'OH!"s. I got bent a few times when I was new to the game. Definately get some car mags like he said. I'm getting rid of my old ones, too bad you're not close. I'd give them to ya.

The 383 is a 350 block bored .030 w/a crank out of a 400. These engine make great torque at lower RPM. Don't live too well on oval tracks. Prolonged high RPM isn't their forte anyway.
Other SB engine combos that you can do: 377, its a 400 block w/350 crank. This is a higher revving combo great for road racing, oval track, etc. You could also build a long rod 350. Basically 6.0" rods instead of 5.7". I've seen a 6" rod 350 run circles around a 5.7" rod 350 on an oval track, and the 5.7" had the larger cam. I'm not sure there is as much benefit to it in drag racing.

In all seriousness, if you need a rebuild. Don't think you have to have a 4 bolt main. Also if you need a crank your 350 can use a 305 crank. They're usually cheaper for some reason and are the same throw etc. I've heard they're balanced better, but have no proof. Also, don't limit your parts choices to Edelbrock. There are many others out there. Shop around. Check out summitracing.com and get a free catalog if you want. This is a good sorce for parts or just to browse. Lets you see more of what is out there.

As for hooking, there are a lot of tricks. Common things, lift or slapper bars, adjust pinion angle, sticky tires. If you want to really hook up, get some subframe connectors BEFORE or you'll get those nice cracks in your paint at the body area above your side windows (towards the rear) from body flex.

To make it handle better: poly urethane bushings, larger diameter sway bar. There are also tubular A-arm kits for 1st gens if you want to go that far. Also larger/wider rims and lower series tires. FYI: Shorter sidewalls aren't a good thing for hooking up on launches.

 

gtech pro's are actually really accurate. i have one myself, i found 2 things though, you have to have it perfectly .00 level.
and take off about .5 of a second if u go to a track because of traction. i can only launch at 1200 on the street, where at the local strip i launch at 2500 cuz of the rubber.

i took it to the strip when i ran, it said i ran a 15.10 @ 95 mph. when in actuality i ran a 15.23 @91.2. the mph's are known to be about 3-5% to high. but the time's are very accurate.

i can't wait to go back this year, i dumped about $1500 since the 15's.

my 0-60 on the street is 5.8 so im happy with that considering traction problems.

 

Ok well I was bored one day and I took my Gtech with me to the drag strip. I ran a 13.8 and my gtech told me a 13.6 but where it was WAY off was the MPH it told me 108 Mph where i ran a 102.

If you want to run 13s. Get the heads worked on and put a hot cam kit in. The car will sound a bit rumpy and be totally drivable with your 3.73s. A good dual plane intake will work best with a hot cam and a 650 to 700 carb will more than likely put that thing into the miod 13s which is a respectable time for an old camaro.