So I have a sbc 350 pretty much stock in my 50 pont . Now my debate is between a vortech super charger or like an edlebrock top end kit (aluminum heads, intake , cam , ect) my motor at the moment has an edlebrock intake so it would be just a new carb and supercharger kit orrrr whole top end kit . I can't spend my tax return fast enough. What would you other small block guys do ??
Sounds like you want to go fast. I'd probably go the edelbrock route, mostly because a vortech would look out of place on a 50 Pontiac. (Remember this is the HAMB, we are trad to the core). Also, if you are going to have high perf heads, go with dual 4's.
Edelbrock also sells the 3x2 intake... just throwing that idea out there. Either a 2x4 or 3x2 would look bad *** on your ride!
What he said. Dual quads, with aluminum heads, a healthy cam w/ decent compression, and a decent ignition will be 425-450hp easily, and that won't cost a fortune. I would go this route and dress it w/ some finned aluminum goodies.
A Pontiac motor, while super cool, would cost at least double to make comparable power. Speed parts aren't as readily available, and his car (although originally Pontiac) is now set up for Chev. I would stick with the SBC (although I'm partial, and it's obvious).
Maybe O/T but if you're getting enough of a tax refund to pay for the Edelbrock supercharger kit you need to rethink your payroll deduction. Getting money back means you are letting the Government use your money interest free.
A tad more for equal HorsePower out of the poncho, not double. The poncho is going to make 2x the torque for 1/2 the money you'll need to spend on the the Chevy to do that.
I thought about going with a 3x2 set up but I don't know a lot about syncing the carbs though I wouldn't mind learning I just don't know anyone who's knows a lot about a set up like that
Rochester 2bbls - end carbs converted or factory end carbs & progressive linkage. Easy peazy No sync, 2 idle screws, and that's it.
Before you decide to go either way, there is a lot of different stock 350's, which do you have? A zz4 crate, a Hecho en Mexico rebuild, a 70's smog motor etc. depending on what it is it might not be the best platform for either kit due to low comp. and sloppy tolerances. An intake, cam, and carb or carbs matched to your bottom end and driving needs will give you more bang for your buck than a kit meant for something you might not have. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
The Pontiac would be cool, and also more torque, but there's the initial purchase price, and then the cost of building it up. Hardly compares to a pair of heads, cam, and intake for the SBC, as you'd probably have those for the Pontiac also after buying it. I'd go for the SBC build, but forget the supercharger. Plenty of power in your 350 once you put on good Edelbrock heads, a cam, and intake. The tri power would add ultra cool factor to it, and be extremely low maintenance/high performance with progressive linkage.
Coming from a Pontiac family and racing them for years, I had to say that. Yet in my '37 truck, I have a stock old 250 inline Chevy. It fit the budget at the time. Decide what you really want and how you are going to drive it. I would guess 90% of all driving is at or below 2500 rpm. Do you really need 450 hp for that? Do you have the skills to keep it running? Do you want to buy costly fuel everywhere you go? Someone mentioned the short block. Will it accept the added power? Are the rings and bores still in good shape? What about bearings? Cost will add up fast so you might look into a crate motor already built with a warranty. Other considerations, fuel system, will it handle the extra load? Cooling system, will it keep up, same with the ignition system. While under the hood, better upgrade the charging system to keep up with the new ignition and cooling fan. And for the record, a bone stock Pontiac 455 will move that car down the road easier then most any other engine out there because of the low rpm torque. Add a $100 Summit cam, set of headers and you got really good, low rpm, high torque engine that will run on any fuel available and still be able to pull a low 3.08 gear ratio with decent milage. Joe
If the SBC just came out today, cheap, fast, easy, light weight horsepower, the first few guys who had one would be braggin', cause I was there and that's what happened back in the day. Fifty-eight years and a zillion units later, most don't respect them because they're just too cheap, too easy, too common. Decide how fast you really drive your rod. From experience, I'm betting the times you can hold your current build wide open through two gears are few and far between. With more horsepower, you'll just be hitting the brakes to slow to cruise sooner. Having said that, I build weird-**** horsepower because it's fun; not because it makes any economic sense. Follow your wallet and your bliss. jack vines Studebaker-Packard V8 Limited
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