I'm wanting to keep it all motor, no laughing gas, if possible.

ColdZ71 hit on what I've been really thinking about, which is putting in a nice healthy small block.

I would like to be putting something out in the area of 350rwhp/350rwt (if it's more, I won't mind). This along with a gear swap would do wonders, and I should still be able to use the stock torque converter, correct?

 

whatever you do, I would go with an aftermarket torque converter. You could probably use the stock one, but with the aftermarkets being so cheap and the gains being huge, I would go aftermarket. I personally would build a mild 383 stroker, or a built 350. Bare blocks are very cheap, and Eagle make a fully balanced rotating assembly for either application for under a grand. I would go with some model of world products iron heads. I would say RPM air gap intake and a good carb of your choice. The cam would be the only thing that you would really have to look at for duration/lift. It would be totally up to you what RPM range you would want the power to be in. GM makes a crate HT383 (high torque). It has 435 ft/lbs at 5200 rpm I beleive. It makes over 400 ft/lbs at 2200 rpm. I would look into a cam like that if you want good streetable tq. A jegs catalog would be a good start.

 

I know most people throw out the Q-jet, but would it be a good idea to rebuild mine and put it on a 350? Or is it a better idea to go with an aftermarket carb?

As far as the torque converter goes, does anyone know of a good one?

 

ive always heard that the qjet carbs are good brand new but suck when they get several miles on them

i would just get a new holley

 

GO demon.... billet metering blocks make them more consistent..... if your looking for something powerful, fun, and reliable, go demon. I love holleys on racecars, but when your talking street their metering blocks are pitted which makes for inconsistent fuel metering.

i would toss the qjet, or sell on ebay. they are a great carb, but are a real pain to work with.

 

Well, some time within the next six months I might be putting in a 350 crate motor with around 20,000 miles on it. Since the carb and torque converter issue has been addressed, what would be a good intake, set of headers, and mufflers?

 

Anybody?