1978 Camaro How much HP can Tranny and Rear End handle?

[bigredga]

Hi Guys, I'm another new one to the forum. I've got a '78 with a 350 bored at least .30 over (don't really know, could it be .60?) with a SpeedPro 2000 cam and a quadrajet. I'm looking to improve or replace the motor (only ~20,000 mi.) for more power. How much HP can the turbo 350 and rear end handle? Also, how do you determine the rear end gearing? Mine hits 140 around 5000 RPM. Thanks for any help.

[CORE402]

well you are probaly running 2.73:1 gears with a TH350 automatic. You are most likely running with a motor that is .030" over. You can only tell by tearing down the engine and measure the bore or pistons. Sometimes, like myself, you'll get lucky and find that your pistons are labeled .030. A 350's max over bore is .060" over. As for your rear end you need to know what type you have in the back. If you have a 8.5" Corporate 10 bolt you'll be just fine with anything you can throw at it. If you are concerned then aftermarket hardend axles will do the trick. I have a '73 Camaro with a '76 Camaro rear end. It has the Corporate 10 bolt in it I am running a pretty stout motor.

[bigredga]

Thanks! Any ideas on the best headers? I still need exhaust and intake - I'm thinking about sticking with the Q-Jet. Any thoughts?

[CORE402]

I do pretty much have the same car. I had absoluetely no problem with my Hooker Headers' headers. But I have no cats on my Camaro. They are the 1 5/8" competition style. For me, it took 30 minutes to install. I currently have the Weiand Action Plus 8004 intake manifold. I plan on going with the Edelbrock Performer RPM later on. The Edelbrock performer and the weiand action plus would work great with your Q-jet since they accecpt the spread bore design of the Q-jet. I personally like the holley 4150 carburetor with its plentiful aftermarket you can't go wrong. The Q-jet is a good carb though and can be a good performer. These upgrades will allow your engine to wind a little better, breathe better, and sound a thousand times better. Mufflers are up to you. I personally like the Hooker Headers' Aero Chamber Mufflers. Flows are good too just a little more expensive.

[bigredga]

Thank you very much for the info - that's good info to know. I'm a pretty decent mechanic, not a total gearhead, but plan on doing most all the work myself. I already have real duals w/o cats, but I need the performance exhaust component. Any other tips on good performance w/o spending the whole paycheck will be appreciated. I will post some interior questions later, I'm sure. Inside needs to be cleaned up. Thanks again.