What First?

[79_MonteCarlo]

I just bought a 1979 Monte carlo with a 305. I've been looking to upgrade it for straight line performance but i don't know where to start.
The specs are as follows 160 HP, 260 Ft-Lbs and a curb weight of about 3200 lbs. Any ideas for economical ways to try to make it into the low 15's/high 14's would be greatly appreciated.

[Marc-OS]

The most common starting point when attempting to increase HP is upgrading Intake, Header(s), and Exhaust. You should probably upgrade carburator, intake manifold, and cams while you're at it too.

[MadZ]

carbs are great for raw power, but not very economical
you could try and find a tpi setup at a swap meet, should run you around $500 for the entire system including computer and wiring harness. (and tpi makes the engine look perty)
how many miles are on the 305? you might be able to find a donor car with a 350 at a junkyard or something for what you would spend on fixing up that 305

[79_MonteCarlo]

Thanks for the input guys. The 305 has about 120,000 miles on it and i have been thinking of replacing it, I'm just not sure about what to put in if i do pull the thing out. Right now there is a 302 out of a late 60's camaro (69 I think) that I have my eye on. Would that be a good match with my car? I also have a 350 rocket out of a 1975 olds cutlass sitting in my garage but it seems pretty weak for it's size. If i was to put the rocket in i would need a new tranny because the connection is different.

[-The Stig-]

OOO OOO I know all about this crap!


OK, you say you have a 302 out of a First Gen Camaro?

In 1967, Chevrolet quietly created a Z/28 option for its new Camaro. Specificaly designed to compete in the Club of America Trans Am racing series which placed a 305 cid limit on its entries, the Z-28 was available to the public solely to qualify the car for racing. What you got was a unique 302 cid small block that was created by taking the 327 block and installing the short-stroke 283 crank. Advertised horsepower was listed at just 290bhp, which was not very impressive until one hooked it up to a dyno and got actual readings of 360-400bhp. The Z/28 Camaro proved to be difficult to launch on the street because its high reving engine was lethargic under 4000rpm and worked best when it was shifted at 7500rpm (!)

So, for your car the 302 wouldnt be the best for low end torque. But if you wanted to road race it well there ya go!


You say you have a 350 sitting in your garage? Awesome! You want Best-Bang-Fer-Yer-Buck? 350 is a great start.

Lets look at some numbers shall we? Great!
Ok Make sure you're block is a 4 bolt main. Cause if its a 2 bolt, you may run into problems if you get into the 350+hp range.

With that said lets talk shop!
If you want mid 14's to 15 times? Easy!
You'll need about 300+ Hp and 350+Ft-lbs of Torque to get that heres what I recommend:
A Cast iron 4-bolt Main Block with a 4.000" bore (a 350 Duh)
A cast Nodular Crank with 3.480" Stroke
A pair of Heads like Vortec 64cc Chamber
Valves (I/E) 1.940"/1.500"
Camshaft/Lift (I/E) 0.435"/0.460" Hydraulic
Dur. @ 0.050" (I/E) 212/222 degrees
A Aluminum Dual Plane intake
A 4 barrel carb of at least 600CFM

This should give you approx. 330hp @ 5000 RPM and 380Ft-lbs of Tq @ 3800 RPM

And it shouldnt cost more than $3000 to build yourself.

You'll also need a new transmission to handle the power, and for fitting purposes too, i suggest a Turbo 350 they're a great unit that'll give you great reliablity. But if you're looking for a semi-daily driver upgrade to a 700R4 transmission, you can probably find one in an old (chevy/gmc)Pick up at the junk yard. It'll give you an Overdrive gear which will help out the MPG.

Got Posi? You'll need it, with 380ft-lbs of Torque you'll be doing Peg leg burn outs like you wouldnt believe. So a Rear end up grade is needed, Eaton makes a good unit I use one and i love mine. Make sure you have a professional do it, its easy to screw up if you dont get everything lined up correctly. Gear ratio should be around 3.27-3.90 anything higher and you start to loose streetablitly. I say for your application go with a 3.55 gear ratio. you'll launch hard and you'll still have a good freeway car. With a 700R4 and a 3.55 you should have a final gear ratio of near 2.80 something or lower.


Ok, about times with your car. weighing 3200lbs with more than double the original power you should be looking at a low 14 second car to possibly high 13s. And you should get 12-15 MPG in the City if not more if you keep the foot out of it.

A Pair of racing slicks will help, along with a proper back suspension will help you out too.

Hope i was of help and Good luck!

[Stroked it]

I would say dump the 305, those engines will last forever but dont produce any real performance. Get yourself a 327 or a 350 an you'll be set