EdPDX

My 73 C20 just got a new engine and I want to know what I can expect performance wise from it. I added a new Edelbrock performer Intake and 600cfm 1406 Edelbrock carb. Without adding a cam, what kind of permormance can I squeeze out if I tune the carb with the right jet/rod combo?

I have dual exhaust with stock exhaust manifolds, otherwise a standard OEM distributor.

Please give me some ideas on best performance- I could be talked into a cam.

Ed

maxwedge

What does best performance mean,? HP, 1/4 mile times, 0-60, all dependent on weight and gearing.

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EdPDX

maxwedge, At the risk of sounding simple, I just want better off the line response, you know light-to-light on Saturday night. It runs ok now; but I assume that it would have a bit more torque as well as HP to lay a little rubber when called upon to do so.

"but I can't back down now, cause I pushed the other guy too far"

Thanks

Ed

maxwedge

Yor differential gearing is the most critical, all else else working well, with respect to 0-60 performance, looser torque convertors help also, again weight is a determining factor, no quick simple answer here.

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EdPDX

OK, thanks.

have never put in differential gearing or a torgue conver- other than the one that came off the truck when I replaced the engine. Other than a new cam are there any other steps I can take in the top end (without new heads) that I can make before I explore gearing? What ratio might I want to start with for a 3/4 ton?

ed

maxwedge

At least 3.73 to 4.11, if you have large tires and want 0-60 performance.

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777stickman

I put a "Target Master" (that's before they were called Good Wrench) 350 crate motor in the '75 Vandura back in '85. Put the Performer intake and the Performer cam and Edlebrock double roller timing chain. Also a set of Headman headers. 3:42 gears, turbo 350 Tranny. Stock QuadraJet carb.

After 22 years and 240K miles the VanDura still runs great. Maybe a little niosy on cold mornings. I would still to this day race it from stop light to stop light, but we've only got 3 stop lights in the whole county?? With my 1st '55 Chevy I used to do that on K street in Sacramento. Only got busted once!!

An HEI ignition upgrade would be something to consider if the bigger dist head would fit in the firewall of your '73.

The higher "stall" rpm torque converters are good for racing but lousy on MPG's.

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"R57 3CAR" 210 2dr post. 420HP 355 F/I 4sp 3:42 posi. (Dale Earnhardt tribute done by me.)
75 GMC Vandura 3/4 Ton
78 Chevy K5 Blazer
98 Chevy K2500 Suburban LT/7.4
05 Dodge Ram 3500/Cummins (Wifes horse hauler)

EdPDX

777stickman, thanks for the reply. Re the HEI upgrade; is this an upgrade from a later year chevy or is there a particular model to look for?

Also what about an aftermarket buzzbox? I have never run one; but I was thinking it may be too much for a non-cammed upgrade. I am just thinking about tuning the carb, maybe adding a dist upgrade at your suggestion.

Ed

mr_mushroom

that edelbrock will do well, as long as it's not tuned too rich.

the other 'easy' things to do are:
aluminum intake manifold, edelbrock also makes several nice ones of these
as mentioned before, 3.73 or 4.11 rear gears
stage II shift kit
bigger exhaust, flows or whatever. you shouldn't have cats in that year, so cool

these upgrades do not require you to disassemble your top end.

if you're talking about doing that, save it until you can do it all at once.
with just the easy upgrades, if you're running a th350 or 700r4, you should be making 14's easy, and laying down a little rubber from time to time.

once you get into top end work, the possibilities are limitless.

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