First of all, hello to everyone. I believe Im in the right place.

I own a 1978 Z28 that I bought when I was a senior in high school. It is mostly stock. My plan is to build it to be a weekend driver. Basically, something fun that can still hold it's own. Most likely, this car will never see the track (that is the next car). Ultimately Im thinking 350-400 hp. The first part of my question is where should I start? I am not very experienced in the engine department, but I am somewhat mechanically inclined with an engineering background. I can do bolt-on parts and the like, which brings me to the second part of my question. Where did you learn to work on cars? What are some good resources (i.e. books or videos, etc.) for someone like me to learn basic engine work or component rebuilding specifically for a '78?

Thanks in advance for the replies as I've already found a wealth of information here.

 

Get David Vizard's book about building small block Chevy's on a budget. Great place to start.

Rich

 

If you can find one get a service manual for a late 70s Camaro you can obtain a wealth of information from that. They're hard to find though. I have the Haynes manuals for my 3rd and 4th Gens that i've learned a lot from. As far as learning about cars in general I've learned on my own through fixing problems on my own cars and friend's cars and before you know it that knowledge builds up. Good luck i'm fixing up a 79 myself so i can relate to you going back to the old SBC motors.