Please give tips on "cheap ways to add HP to a engine"

[deeboe78]

Any one got any ideas????

Thanks

SSG D

1970 chevelle 350

[70bird]

If your starting point is a stock motor, you could start with a free flowing air filter, K&N etc. Also, look to add a less restrictive exhaust system with headers. Maybe a good set-up for the distributor including a more aggressive timing curve. That would get you started, and probably free up a few ponies. After that, it's all gonna cost more.
Reminds me of the old saying:
"Speed cost money, how fast you wanna go?"

Actualy, It would be helpful for you to post your current specs if you want some more specific suggestions.
Mark

[the camtender]

juice it :smoke:

[Benoit23]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/130_0608_54_znosintercooler_spray_bar-1.jpg

[eville]

induction, exhaust, then spray.
personally, I'll never have a spray'd engine tho.

[justincat]

nos is the cheapest way

[Damn True]

The Tornado!

[deeboe78]

Tornado?

[1969CamaroRS]

nos is the cheapest way

Yep cheapest way to go :drive2: on a stock motor not built for it.

[gordonquixote]

Stickers and a tall metal spoiler!

[Tony_SS]

Leaf blower on the drivers seat, dryer vent tubing and duct tape.

[Adam's 55 Chevy]

How fast can you afford to go then start from there. Getting air and fuel in then out is first on the list then ignition. Then converter and gears then back to the engine.

[deeboe78]

what parts do you recommend? where can I get them from. Im not ashame I am pretty new at this, but you have to start somewhere.

thanks

SSG D

[70bird]

Get a few of the countless books on HP small blocks, subscribe to Chevy I mean, Car craft, PHR, and Hot Rod etc. Actualy read the tech articles and you will learn much. Order a Summit catalogue, Jeg's etc. Soon you will start to see the common threads of what is done to these engines.

Once you are a little more familiar with this stuff, start posting specific questions, and you will get lot's of help here.

Oh, start saving money now, you'll need it!

[monza]

Great advice above. Not knowing what carb you have... a new "modern" carb is quick and easy, adds power but really helps drivability/tuning IMO.

[justincat]

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/motobooks_1986_26615021 I kinda like this one for 14 bucks

[matdean]

Thought I would link this together for you.
https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39766

Also, there is tons of info on the web, yes some of the book are great and I encourage you to buy one or two as well. Its alot cheaper to do research and spend a little on that than throw down $5K and not like it or the MPG after its finished.

[deeboe78]

thanks for the advice!!!

[Adam's 55 Chevy]

Just check out when these books were first printed. Some of them were over 30 years ago and although the info is relevant there have been great strides that overshadow them nowdays.

If your motor is a stock 350 go with an edelbrock performer rpm intake and an edelbrock 600 cfm carb. A set of headers that fit your car (not generic ebay headers). swap the rockers from 1.5:1 to 1.6:1 (stamped steel is good enough). Fit an msd 6AL ignition box and possibly a new vac adv (for street use) distributor.

Thats pretty much bolt on read the instructions and follow type upgrades you can do at home.

That should net you an extra 40-50hp from your engine which you will feel and be able to use.

Next step is a cam change (something in the .484 lift area with no more than 280* advertised duration) and maybe roller rockers.

Then your going to have to think about switching to an 11" converter like a Sat night special or if you intend to go further like fitting ally heads a 10" street fighter. Your rear gears should be in the 3.55:1 - 3.70:1 range as you have a heavy car or somewhere your running around 23 mph per 1000 rpm. (tire height x rpm x 0.002975 / gear ratio = speed)

This will give you a strong street car that can turn good RWYB numbers. It won't be a race car but it won't be a grocery getter either. IMO it would be a strong, reliable and dependable street machine.

[deeboe78]

Good stuff man!!! thanks