chevy 350 ci with 350 hp+

mr gti · #1 (**permalink**) 10-02-2007, 12:42 PM

Hy there i have an engine wich is a little bit tired.

it's a chevy 350 ci, built around 1970.
i want to get out at least 350 hp, can any one tell me what parts i need and what the costs are to built my self an engine with at least 350/400 hp?

with regards,

John

WildBill3 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-02-2007, 05:23 PM

that should be pretty easysince the lt1 was a 375hp stock I think comp cams and several others have some nice grinds what heads have you got ,your id #rs are on a flat spot in front of one of the heads 202 intake valves and the 1.6 exhaust would be nice .Would you opt for aftermarket heads that makes it all alot easyer is this going to be old school or fuel injected the bottom line is whats the budget look like??WB3

RedBarchetta · #3 (**permalink**) 10-02-2007, 06:22 PM

The '70 LT-1 motors made that power with 11:1 compression (forged pistons), a solid lifter cam and 2.02/1.60 valves on straight plug (non-angle) cylinder heads. I know...I had one in a nearly bone stock '70 Z-28 and it ran 13.70's @ 106 in the qtr mile.

You could easily make that same power with 9.5:1 compression, a hydraulic cam that is ground on a better profile, and aftermarket aluminum heads that flow so much better. Heck, even the aftermarket IRON heads are better than what they offered in '70. Throw in a high energy ignition (MSD) and an Edelbrock Air-Gap intake with a decent 750cfm Holleyesque four-barrel and 400HP is very reachable.

I'd help you on cost, but I've been away from the SB chevy game too long to tell you otherwise. Go to www.hotrod.com and they probably have some good SB chevy forums over there.

-Dean

Jerry Clayton · #4 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 07:54 AM

Edelbrock has some 400 hp packages for about all types of engines---cams and manifolds--even before they started making heads

mr gti · #5 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 08:58 AM

Hello guy's, thanks for the quick respons.

I am not sure what the power output is of my engine. My car weights around 2500 lbs and i think it is not that fast with a 4 speed manualgearbox.
I was told that there are red heads (?) on my engine and i have already an electronic ignition.
It has an edelbrock intake with a holly 4 barrel on top of it. I don't know what kind of valves are in or camshaft.

Can you tell me what is a good brand for bearings for the crankshaft and so on?

With regards , John

WildBill3 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 01:30 PM

ther are casting #rs on them that might give a clue Michigan bearings come to mind.Headers?? ther are companies here that can sell you a hole kit to rebuild or a nice new rotating assembly to freshen up what you have .You might want to take a compression and leakdown test on your cylinders to get a clue on were you stand now on the wellness of your powerplant.good luck WB3

vettestr · #7 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 02:31 PM

Hey John,
From a bang for the buck and not knowing what you have or need for that matter it is very hard to give you good direction. By tired what do you mean????? New valve springs are an insurance purchase to keep them from hurting other parts if 40 yrs old now.

Are you able or willing to turn wrenches yourself? If answer is yes, pull her out and pull her apart and repair/replace as needed. If answer is no then buy a crate engine but keep your old engine until you understand what it is and what all is worth. To gear heads an early 70's hot rod engine may be full of coveted casting #'s and parts.

Buying a crate engine with 400 HP is easy to do for about 3 to 4 grand and will have a warranty of 3=36 as a side benefit. I would guess if the old engine is running now some rings, bearings and valve springs and a gasket set with oil pump while you are there will do just fine and that can be done for less than 500 bucks as a do it yourself deal VERY easy!!!

mr gti · #8 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007, 11:12 AM

Hey Jeff,

I am an aircraft engeneer, so i can handle some tools, hahaha. the problem is i can hear my crankshaft bearings. For th erest it seems pretty ok. Also i need to overhaul my holly, it is very dirty inside and the second stage did not work for a long time. it is now working.

I do not know the healthyness of the engine, but it seems not to have all the horses. but that is my feeling....

i don't believe it's burning oil. the oil leeks between the crankshaft seal and the gearbox.

So i was told by the garage i have red heads. i don't know what that means.
i have also shorty's as exhaust headers. and the rest of the exhaust is arond 2 or 2 1/2 inch tubing. i have a underslung exhaust no side pipes..... it has also no balancingtube between the to exhausts.

So what are the cost, do you think, for a set of crankshaft bearings and pistonrings and seals and so on?

Thanks for the help so far,

with regards, John

mr gti · #9 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007, 11:14 AM

sorry for my english, i am not an american, i am from holland europe...

vettestr · #10 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007, 06:52 PM

You are doing OK with English and better than me trying to speak your language. I already guessed you could freshen it up for about $500 bucks. To guess at prices I am pretty close but try looking it up at Jegs. Here is a link for you http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...10002_10175_-1 My guess at pricing is= Rings $100, gasket set $125, valve springs $75, oil pump $50, rod and main bearings $130 and chemicals $50.