I've read many times here that the power for an engine is all in the heads. Currently running an original, stock 350-4V, works like a dream. Looking forward to a winter project, will be pulling the engine to detail & freshen a bit, in the Fall. Car is a # matching Skylark. While it's less sought after than the GS, it works really well & I'd like to keep it all original. I've come this far to drive & enjoy. Driver only, no racing. I have a pair of NOS stock heads for this engine. Looking for a little more "grunt" from the car leaving from stop. Running the stock TH350, just completely rebuilt, stock rear @ 2.56. Paramount for me is reliability & a smooth, quiet idle. Don't drive the car enough to worry about economy in gas mileage. Questions: Can I have the NOS heads ( or possibly the existing heads which seem fine) worked a bit to improve the "grunt" factor? Possibly I'm better off looking at a different rear gear set-up?
Your best bet for better off the line is to install a set of 373 gears and a posi unit. You will launch off the line like never before and think you are driving a different car. The nice thing is you will spend less than having the heads reworked which will not help your bottom end you can maintain the idle quality. The gas bill will go up and freeway driving will be a bit of a bare but you will really enjoy the light to light city driving.
Thanks for the input. Might be possible to get a rearend from a '71 Custom parts car I looked at couple months ago. Fellow asking way too much for it as he honestly thinks it's restoreable. Sheetmetal,interior all shot. Front bumper, grille, hood & nose piece all broken/bent. Owner " claims" it has a 3.08 posi in it. Think I'll pay him another visit & bring the coveralls to have a look at the axle. The rearend components will fit into my existing 8.5?
