I recently bought a 79' camaro for $2300 body is in great condition but the engine could use some work. What suggestions do you all have for performance ups on a budget? I was able to pick up an Edelbrock performer intake manifold and a four barrel Holley 600 cfm carburator. I don't want to spend over $1000. Any help is appreciated.

 

Exhaust, as in headers and good set of pipes/mufflers, would be best bang for the buck. Do you live in an area that does emissions testing? Watch out for the cam having rounded cam lobes. Mid/late 70s SBCs are infamous for factory installed cams going bad. And welcome to the board.

 

new cam and timing set, headers and exaust....check to see if your dist. is worn

 

number one and cheapest upgrade is find another engine. buy an old truck with a 350 or 400 and swap it out. you can get another engine and camshaft with a gasket set cheap. the number one performance upgrade would be gears. i bet you have 2.72 and it goes 45mph in first gear

 

Dude I have a buddy who scored a 454 for 600 bucks, big block is the best way to go for power. you could crank some serious horses especially if you live in a state that doesn't smog.

 

I agree. Take that 305 and dump it at the nearest automotive recycler. Any money spent on a 305 is a waste.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I have an '87 G20 with a 350 in it would I be able to use the engine from that?
P.S. Thanks for the warm welcome

 

Any standard small block chevy should drop right in and all of your accessories bolt up without problem (assuming it is carburated).

I also think '87 blocks use roller cams, which is a plus.

 

I think that your 305 would make a great boat anchor. For a G note you can get a pretty good 350.

 

drop in the 350 and enjoy, bolt the intake carb and get some headers. i just installed a jegs 3" exhaust for header with some flowmaster on a slightly built sbc and it sounder better than my bbc chevelle w 3" exhaust

 

Will do thanks again everyone