Guest Anonymous Posted February 23, 2002 Share Posted February 23, 2002 I have a 1978 Datsun 280z w/ a '74 Chevy Nova 350 engine, auto 350turbo tranny, stock rear-end, and 4-barrel carb. Don't ask what other stuff there is, because I'm mechanically-challenged and am just aware of the common sense stuff. Anyhow, what sort of mods can I get for more torque? I'm looking to spend around $600 CDN.....i.e. what are the best-boost-for-the-buck? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kc6wfs Posted February 23, 2002 Share Posted February 23, 2002 Hi JA What cam do you have in there? Soes it sound stock? lumpy? If it's stock a cam would prob be your best bang for the buck. Thanks. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike C Posted February 23, 2002 Share Posted February 23, 2002 Cam and lifters will set you back $80 US for a Crane Energizer, go with the 272 for a mostly stock motor. A Weiand 8004 or Edelbrock performer intake manifold is $100 US, a set of shorty headers will also be $100 US, and the rest I would spend on ignition. I like the ready-to-run MSD billet distributor for $250 US which will give you a magnetic pickup you can add a CDI to at a later date. Which all is a little more than you wanted to spend, but should be worth an easy 50hp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Modern Motorsports Ltd Posted February 23, 2002 Share Posted February 23, 2002 "i.e. what are the best-boost-for-the-buck?" 1) Carb and timing tuned up if not already optimized (easy power in timing and mixture), both you can potentially play with yourself 2) Cam kit (assuming valve springs in good shape, if not they must be replaced as no cam will make up for them) 3)if above two go well or are done then an intake, should be able to find one used easily as chevy intakes are being swapped ALL the time good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grumpyvette Posted February 24, 2002 Share Posted February 24, 2002 a carefully matched cam, lifters and full length headers will give you the most hp/torque for your money, but keep in mind that any cam that will give you a big boost in hp/tq numbers may also require that you get better valve springs and have extra clearances machined on your cylinder heads.a crane # 113841 solid lifter cam and headers can easily get you up to 80hp on a stock 350 chevy (depends on which cylinder heads you have) BUT YOU WILL NEED THE BETTER SPRINGS< AND CLEARANCES MACHINED ON MOST STOCK CYLINDER HEADS TO GET IT TO WORK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Bayley Posted February 25, 2002 Share Posted February 25, 2002 If you don't know much about motors... you sure will after rebuilding your 350 when a rod shoots out the block after a 250hp shot. Always educational! -Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grumpyvette Posted February 25, 2002 Share Posted February 25, 2002 Andrew Bayley is correct nitrious gives you the most hp per dollar but if the engines not built to handle it stick to a 100hp shot max! and the big problem is your only superman as long as the bottles full! (you will be surprised how fast that bottle needs refilling) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Bayley Posted February 25, 2002 Share Posted February 25, 2002 Oh yeah, I've experienced how well an empty bottle works. I tried out my LT1 dry system with an empty bottle (grabbed the wrong one from the garage). "Hmmm... I thought there would be mnore of a kick than that." Nitrous is cheap and easy, but it's also the biggest pain in the butt as far as power adders go. Refilling the bottle after a few runs is quite annoying. I guess I'm glad I only run the 125hp shot. I can get about 10 - 12 runs (depending on the bottle pressure) before the tank starts getting low. -Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fl327 Posted February 26, 2002 Share Posted February 26, 2002 for 600.00 nitrous is the way to go, just dont overdo it and have someone install and dial it in for you so you dont blow yourself to pieces if you are not experienced in this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pparaska Posted February 27, 2002 Share Posted February 27, 2002 Andy - you forgot that when you go into the speed shop to refill, you need to ask for TWO bottles of NAWS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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