What could I expect?

[cweber]

Im building a 350 for my 84 Chevy, and Im wondering if anyone could tell about how much hp I could expect. Im running vortech heads ported and polished, gm performance intake, roller rockers and cam, specs are 288/308, Lift .431/.451, edelbrock 600 carb, and longtube headers. It will be a huge upgrade from the sick 305 thats in it, i hope. Thanks

[Blackbird66]

350 HO crate motor is similiar and makes 330hp. I'd guess between 300-350, probably closer to 300.
May not sound like much, but you should feel a real improvment.

[cweber]

Thats about what I thought. This is my first toy so Im not sure what to expect. It has a 700R4 and I am planning on 3.90 or 4.10 gears. You think it will have enough to be a "street machine" or just a tire burner?

[Blackbird66]

I think a 3.9 or 4.10 is a lot of gear for a motor that won't need to spin more than 5 grand. 700r4 has a steep low gear. I have a 3.73, and five speed with 275/60 15 back tire.
Performance is relative. I think anything with four wheels is slow. For around 10k you can have a bike that will run 9.x 1/4 , top out around 185, get 40+ mpg, and have a full warranty.
That said, I think you have potential for a fun ride.

[cweber]

I have no desire to go much faster than 100mph. Im more into 0-60, if i can get close to 5.5 seconds that would be awesome but i dont think it will happen. My buddy has a 350Z and I want to at least hang with him for a while. So would you suggest 3.73 rearend instead?

I mainly want somthing that will turn some heads, sound good, and get up and go a bit.

[Blackbird66]

yes 3.73 or 3.55
hang with a 350z? dunno
350z has more hp, but less torque
better traction
less weight
better weight distribution
good luck

[team39763]

Well, you'll definately need some sticky tires...if you sit there spinning, it's over for you.

[cweber]

True. Tires will be coming soon.

I have been reading on the GM 330 horse motor and the advantages i have over that one is all roller valve train and port and polish heads. How much extra horse is that good for? I think I may be closer to 350, but I dont know. I would like to put it on a dyno just for my own research.

I think I have decided on going with a 3.73, plus I thinik a friend has one in his garage.

I only have 3 more valves to put in to finish the motor. We will finish that tommorrow and pull the junkie 305 out, Saturday put the new one in. Im excited, not to mention driving around with open headers till Sunday when I rebuild the exhaust.

[ripdog28]

The 330 hp motor is tested and tuned by GM RnD. Your motor if put together without all the testing. Port and Polishing can sometimes hurt performance. Also the 330 hp motor has new casting heads. How old are yours? the 1st gen Vortech were good (also cracked after a while) but the newer ones are better. There isnt much diffrence but it is a diffrence in the casting/chamber. IMO, your probly close to 330hp, 350 is not out of the question. maby 380tq.

[cweber]

Ok thanks. Mine are probably older ones. I believe they came off a 98 model.

[Hottrucks]

well then theres always just DO NOT TELL ANYONE..then learn when to use it!!

[cweber]

A stock bottom end can hold a small shot cant it? Somthing like a 50-100? And not blow up of coarse.

[Hottrucks]

if the botttom is in decent shape and you dont hold it to long.....

[cweber]

I doubt nitrous will be anytime soon. We got the old one pulled out tonight. Tommorrow, swap accessories, clean engine bay, and drop in new motor. Im pumped!

[djracer]

Sweet. Their is a lot of power in tweaking and tuning.

[cweber]

The motor is in, and i couldnt be happier! I got to do a little open header action, and even got my exhaust done as well. Now to just take her easy for a little while and start tuning next week. You can tell its not quite stock, has a nice aggressive tone. Im going to bed 6:30am - 2:30am is to long to be up.

[Super73]

Personally, I like a steeper gear with a taller tire..

Examples, all things being equal, 7% verter slip, 3rd gear and 6k rpm:
26" tall tire with 3.73 = 116mph
27" tall tire with 3.90 = 115mph
28" tall tire with 3.90 = 119mph
28" tall tire with 4.10 = 113mph
30" tall tire with 4.30 = 116mph

A couple things to think about for the taller tire steeper gear.
A taller tire has more roll out allowing it to last longer than a shorter tire.
A taller tire has more contact patch, allowing you to hook better.
A taller tire has more sidewall, again can be an aid in hooking on the initial hit.

If it were me, I'd go 4.30 with a 30" tire over a 26" tire with 3.73's..

[djracer]

Originally Posted by cweber

The motor is in, and i couldnt be happier! I got to do a little open header action, and even got my exhaust done as well. Now to just take her easy for a little while and start tuning next week. You can tell its not quite stock, has a nice aggressive tone. Im going to bed 6:30am - 2:30am is to long to be up.

Congrats good luck finding a few more ponies when you get to tuning on it.

[cweber]

Thanks, I dont think its going to be a drag truck, but definatly plenty to play with.

Super73- thanks for the info, I think I will go for the taller of my choices on tires.

[dan42]

Sounds like it's going to be a great ride. Once it gets running, you'll need to get get used to driving it, eh? Just hold on loosely, and don't let her go...

[cweber]

LOL

I think I have some carb troubles, i used the edelbrock 1406 from the 305. If you romp it it falls on its face, up until yesterday i havnt been gettin on it hard. I think there may be some trash in it or something. My buddy wants to build a holley for it.