I just purchased a 1976 chevy with a 400 small block. I have no experience in the motor department, and was wondering if I could get some advice from people with experience in these 1970-1980 motors. I am looking for more low end torque/power for pulling trailers and truck pulling at the local fairs in the stock class. I just want a mild upgrade and was hoping I could get some proven upgrades and results from someone with the same motor. Thanks in advance!

 

is it an 2 barrel carb on it? my suggestion is edelbrock rpm performer carb and intake, HEI distributer with MSD coil, long tube headers, and is it a california car/truck?

 

270 comp cam and headers will make it a beast.

 

i was thinking a cam but i dont know if he is comfortable swapping a cam in with no motor experience. but google is a hell of a mechanic sometimes.

 

Did a 280 (230) Isky years ago on my 406. With a mild set of heads it put out 480 lbs ft and low 400 hp on an engine dyno. Made my Vega GT a lot of fun in the early 90's.

 

Yea it has a 2 barrel on it now. I was looking at the Edelbrock performer series rather than the performer rpm, but I didn't know the difference between the two.

As for the cam, it wouldn't be a problem for me because I have a friend that has done multiple cam swaps because he works at his old mans garage. I just didn't want to go too big and lose power. Is the 270 too big? and is that a Comp Cams 'Magnum' Hydraulic Flat Tappet Cam?

I was also planning on long tube headers, but I was wondering if any of you prefer a brand, and what size of primary tubes to have.

It is a northwest Illinois truck and is going to see a lot of wood hauling, trailer pulling, and sled pulling.

Thank you

 

go performer rpm and 270 is magnum series but not too big for a 400.

 

A friend of mine has a stock intake and carb that he had and is just going to give to me, so I will use that for now.

As for the cam, what else would I have to buy and replace to match it?

Thanks

 

always call up the cam companies and talk to a tech. your trucks weight, desired power band, transmission, and gears play a huge factor in what cam fits your needs. i never recommend an off the shelf cam for an engine. what works for some may not work for you. Rochester carbs suck. good luck with that venture.

 

Thank you for the advice. What brand do you run, and how is the customer service?

Also, what carb would you run?