Conformation a 350 Engine on a Budget
The Chevrolet 350 CID engine is one of the most public engines to upgrade with aftermarket performance parts. Due to its popularity, the availability of these parts is comprehensive and costs can be relatively inexpensive compared to other engines. While a inventory 350 provides beneficial endowment output for many applications, careful choice of performance upgrades can accrual capability by 50 percent or augmented. Assuming a performance fanatic is not starting from scratch and already has a functional 350 engine on plam that is in favorable working assortment, the reward of building this engine can be mere inexpensive.
Instructions
Checking Overall Engine Health
1. Analyse the oil. Empty a slender sample--usually approximately 3 ounces is sufficient--and letter it to a testing lab for review. Analysing the engine oil for wear metals and other contaminants can fit dear drift into the overall dispute of the engines internal components. Many labs Testament care the vital probation vial (equipment) and packaging to dispatch it safely down the correspondence. An oil blue book can conclude if there are metals that demonstrate abnormal bearing, piston or cylinder wall conditions. For best kind results, the oil should accept at least 1000 miles of account. Provided results are favourable, the engine's lower cusp (shortblock) can be used for the the rest of the constitute. Oil testing can reward environing $25.
2. Perform a compression countdown. A compression test is accomplished by using a compression tester inserted in assign of the Glimmer plug and can advise the context of the upper extreme of the engine (piston rings, valves and purpose gaskets). Remove all Glimmer plugs. Disconnect power to the ignition to prevent starting and insert the tester into each cylinder, one at a time. Determine if oil analysis and compression tests are favorable and support the continued build. If so, the engine can be modified with performance upgrades. If the results are negative, overhaul/renew the engine assembly with rings, bearings and a valve job. (In many cases, an aftermarket shortblock assembly will be more cost effective.)
Lock the throttle in the wide-open position and crank the engine over with the starter several revolutions. Record cylinder pressure readings for all cylinders and compare. Some parts stores have compression testers available for rent.3.
Budget Aftermarket Performance Upgrades
4. Replace the intake manifold and carburetor. Factory intake systems are typically designed for standard performance. Aftermarket intake systems can expand upon the factory performance and provide increased output for relatively low expense. Combined with aftermarket headers and an efficient exhaust system, this can be on of the most cost effective upgrades.
5. Install an aftermarket camshaft. The camshaft is responsible for the engine's power characteristics. Factory camshafts are designed for smooth performance and reiablity, but aftermarket camshafts can also improve performance by altering the operating range the power is produced in, depending on the ability of remainder of the intake system and cylinder head capability. Many camshafts (and kits) can be purchased for a few hundred dollars.
6. Upgrade the cylinder heads. This will be the most complex upgrade and likely the most expensive, as well. One popular upgrade is to use GMs 5.7L (350 CID) Vortec cylinder heads. These heads flow better than most other standard performance GM production heads, but require an intake manifold with the Vortec bolt pattern. Alternately, several aftermarket heads are available that support increased airflow and power output.
