358w swap for my 89
 

After looking into every possibility for more power and taking lots of rides in different cars I've come to a decision. It's time to stop messing around with EFI and small displacement engines and time to get some carbed cubes under the hood. So let me know if this sounds like a decent plan. I found a 358w shortblock that was put together by a local shop with a great reputation for work, and only has 30-40 passes on it and has forged pistons and rods but a cast crank. The guy wants $700 for it. I planned on getting some AFR 205 heads, a custom cam, and a decent carb and intake, and try to keep the CR about 10-10.5 to 1 so it still runs on pump gas. Most likely this will all get done after September racing when the car comes off the road. I also have the whole rear suspension planned out to work with the DRs I have, and I plan on upgrading axles, gears, and the LSD. The trans might hold up because the PO had a 347 in the car and he showed me receipts for a semi built T5. If not I will be making a few calls. All these changes should result in about a 400-425 whp car that should be capable of high 11s with me behind the wheel. And all this is getting done for a little more cash than just the turbo I had planned not including the fuel mods and tuning.:p Let me know what you think, or if you see any areas I could work on.

P.S. I get the shortblock next week.

If you are going carb and it is a stick car put a Victor Jr intake on it and look at an HP style Holley carb Like one from Pro Systems. They will build you the RIGHT Size carb for your application. Camshaft Innovations would be the place I would go for a Custom cam and if I were you I would discuss cylinder heads from there as well. TFS TW or TFS High Ports set up for your ride from Camshaft Innovations would out run the AFR 205 heads. You will also want a very good set of Large primary long tube headers. The car will be spankin fast if you research my advice.

Joe

I've been told by quite a few people that the AFRs will outperform any trick flow head. I'm just going on what I've heard.

you heard wrong, dear wrong

im not just starting something but yes afrs are good but to what you said no. a set of massaged highports with a vic jr ,good headers and a well tuned carb will easily be a 11 second ride

Thanks for the suggestions.

trick flows are a little cheaper price as well, but everything you just said is the exact setup that i have planned out except for the intake i want a weiand stealth because its more useable for me from idle to 6800

Is your ride a stick car? Mine is and I run and open plenum intake. Trust me, if it is a 5 spd with that type of head abnd a good custom cam you will not be disappointed with a vic jr. You will leave power at the table with a dual plane. Been there and done it.

Joe