Brakes, then suspension(that'll still be more fun to drive once it has better stopping and handling), then drivetrain(differential, trans, u joints etc) then engine.

 

400 *eventually* ... i take that as "I have $2000 right now to prepare"...small detail.

 

I think you can get close to 400HP forclose to2K if the engine is in good shape to start with.

Heads $1,200, intake $220, cam & lifters $350, carb $450.

You will alsoneed new rockers and pushrods $250, gaskets $50, misc BS $100.

so a little over $2,500, I am guessing thatthe right selection of partscan get you into the 360hp range, and maybe a little better.

If your engine is tired you can't really do this for this money though.

 

If it is just a start, then the OP might begin withthe heads and intake, and do the cam as soon ashe gets the dough.

 

that makes sense to me. but, so does a brake up grade! haha. would be nicebe ableto stop.

 

Yea, it is always good to be able to stop... the OP didn't ask about this so I went on the assumption that his brakes were ok, and maybe even factory disc brakes as far as I know...

 

10 Grand is pretty close. I'm gearing up to put 400 crate in mine after paint.

1. Front End Upgrade $1k
2. Rear End Trac Locks ang Gears $1k
3. Disk brakes up front $700
4. Performance c4 $1k
5. Crate Motor $5 to 7k
6. Misc - Cooling, drive shaft, etc. $1.5k

 

Heres what you need to do. This is what I did- I spent $1700 on the Edelbrock Performer RPM total power package. If your engine isnt too worn then you can make about 350-360hp at the crank depending on headers, carb, and ignition. It comes with RPM Heads, cam kit, airgap intake, timing chain, and ARP head & intake bolts, and all gaskets needed to do the install. You will need at least 1.5" primary headers and at least a 600 cfm carb, (I got a 650 Demon) to make the power. The stock rotating assembly will handle up to around 450 HP as long as you dont turn it over 7000 rpm. Just make sure you have good oil pressure. Iended up spending 3200 bucks, butI bought ceramic coated headers, anew Demon, polished aluminumn valve covers &air cleaner, and a full MSD ignition system, none of which youreally need. You will however need some type of roller rocker (I chose proforms $159 inJegs), and hardened pushrods ($39 for Edelbrock brand in Jegs).I had already done a power disc brake swap on my car using factory disc parts (its a 72 coupe). I had also put in new shocks and sway bar bushings too to help freshen up the suspension. If you have an auto, you will want to get a 2600-2900 stall torque converter in the near future. I havent done this yet and my car bogs if you stand on it at a dead stop, but if im rolling it will absolutly haul ***. Too bad I cant drive it, the factory oil pump went out on me after I drove it less than 5 miles. I put a new one in but still poor oil pressure and lifters are full of trash now.

 

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+1 to this post,,, with a good starting point, (good engine), and good shopping, performance does not always have to cost an arm and a leg.

As long as you have a plan, you can always add performance parts as the cash becomes available,, hot rodders have been doing this for years.

Tyler,,, your oil pressure problems do concern me a little though. Hope it is the pump, but there is a risk in hot rodding a motor that might be a little tired. I think you might need to roll in some rod and main bearings...

 

Yeah, unfortunatly thats what is going to happen. I hate to have to pull the motor out and go through it, but thats what it needs and is going to get. It just stinks because the bottom end only has maybe 6000 miles on it and like I said, the top end is all brand new.I know the pump is good, it had 45 lbs at idle, cold, right after I put the new high volume pump in. It had ok pessure for a while, but i drove it some more (about 50 miles) and I know the lifters are full of trash and the valves are out of adhustment now, so it doesnt have much power. Anyway, it has gradually gotten to the point that now when I stop at a light, the oil light will come on if its in gear. If I give it gas, it will go off. I think the bearings are getting worn from the metal shavings that are in the block now. I mean, I did flush it, but you cant get it all without complete dissassembly.Im going to definately put in all bearings including cam bearings. I have been considering a 347 stroker kit though, just tryog to come up with the money. What do you think?