building 350sb

[63gmcgirl]

ok go easy on me guys, first time using a forum...
so i built a chevy 350 for my 63 gmc, just built it stock no performance parts at all
built now im looking to build it up, make a decent amount of horsepower and torque. its gonna be a street truck maybe a couple times out at the track but mostly street. im looking for the cheapest/best way to build hp.
i realize id need to change out cam/valve train, intake, exhaust but im lookin for the best specs for the cam, intake, headers, ignition sys, carb that i can get
i dont have alot of cash because im in college but hey i can save up lol.
any details on that would be helpful, i want to build it up right and not jimmyrig it together and hope for the best.

also thinkin bout changing out the 4speed granny gear trans.
any opinions on that?

thanks guys

[Captainfab]

I would recommend a set of rebuilt Vortec heads with a Performer RPM Vortec intake topped with a 600-670 cfm carb (I prefer Holley carbs). For a Cam I would go with something like a Comp XE268, or Lunati 60103. Then you will want a set of headers with 2-1/2" exhaust with good flowing mufflers of your choice.

If you don't get much response here, you might see if a mod will move this to the 'Engine and Drivetrain' section for you.

[blackedoutharley]

I would say lets start with what you have now as far as exhaust, ignition etc... and lets go from there.
For instance: if you have a set of "ramhorn" manifolds on it now perhaps you can just have a new dual exhaust system put on and not have to spend money on headers (save about $200 right there).
Does it have an HEI installed? upgrade the module and coil and not have the expense of a new distributor.
What parts did you use in the engine and what heads are on it now? If they were rebuilt you might be able to get away with not buying heads depending on which cam you select.
What transmission, rear gears, tire size etc....

There are plenty of us local to you that have had these trucks for years; learn from our expensive mistakes of the past.

[ChuckW]

I'm using 283 heads with 1.94 I valves, 1.5 E valves On a 4 bolt main 35o block. Dual plane Performer Intake. Headman Headers. Flat top pistons (Approx 9:5to1 comp ratio for pump gas) Cam has approx 480 lift with 290ish duration. Eng. Dyno came in at 343 HP/ 361 C_Tq @ 5000 RPM. 4200 RPM she did 304 HP @ 381 C_Tq... Stock Delco Dist with inop Vac advance. Carter AFB 625cfm
350's will make tons of power if you want them to... Spent < 2800$
Hope that helps you alittle?????
1966 C10 Longbed

[Rannos]

I would agree with with Captainfab. Altho I would step up to the XE274 by comp and a 2200-2500 stall converter assuming you have atleast 3.73's out back. Honestly what most people over look is a converter. A stock engine with a small stall converter can run pretty good and normally perform better then a mildly built motor with no converter.

[Rich 5150 69]

Welcome gmcgirl, another loacal ...cool, I would go with Capt fabs suggestion, although not entirely sold on a converter for two reasons, one if this is a dailey driver you`ll burn up a bit more fuel and if this more of a drag truck unless you`re running slicks, being the truck is light in the ass you`ll just go up in smoking tires, JMO..gives us a lttle more insight of the motor / trans combo.

[chevyrestoguy]

I think the combo that Captain Fab posted is an excellent one. As far as the cams, I prefer the Lunati better. Both cams are excellent, and were designed by the same guy (Harold Brookshire, who worked at Comp, then went to Lunati, and is now on his own), but the Lunati was the later iteration of the two, and has Harold's latest technical tricks added. With this cam, you can keep the stall speed at a liveable number (1800-2000) and it'll pull hard from 1500-6200 rpm. Perfect for a street driven vehicle. If anything, I would go a little bigger on the carb. Personally, I'd run a Holley 750 vacuum secondary. If that 350 combo has Captain's combo in it, it'll make an honest 400 horsepower, as long as you can get the compression ratio around 10:1. The Vortec head is a great deal, but you'll have to make sure that you order a Vortec-specific intake manifold, as the bolt pattern is different.