Also a young guy looking for some guidance from the wiser. My car is already pretty much driver quality, runs good, paint is a few years old, I doubt the brakes/ suspension has been redone in 36 years, AC doesnt work but is there, some small rust bubbles in paint on doors and rear quarters, engine has a leak under valve covers and intake. I bought the valve cover gaskets and valley pan to replace them. But I figured since I will have the 2bbl intake off, why not go to a 4bbl? So I got the carb and rebuild kit, and have been in the market for a TA stage 1 intake. What should I do? Basicaly I have a driver, just want to improve it. Fix leaks and upgrade to 4bbl, then focus on body or brakes or what? Fix what is broken before upgrading? Need a direction to go. Thanks everyone :TU:
When I did my 4bbl upgrade, I was disappointed by the results. Unless you install a hotter cam, then you will probably be disappointed as well. Even the mildest 350 cam from TA will do wonders with a 4bbl intake.
As a matter of fact, Cason "71skylark3504v" was tellin me about that. I was thinkin of going with the TA 212? Or would that be too much and go with the smaller TA 112? Hydraulic or solid? i dont know the difference also how hard are they to install? what do you do? Thanks
cam with a 4bbl is a good idea. along with new front main seal. I'd highly recommend going thru the brake system and making sure there isn't too much rust on the lines and the rubber hoses look and feel ok along with doing a really hard stand on the brakes basicly trying to blow out a line (it should be able to handle it.) also rebuilding the front and rear suspension (front first) does amazing things. there is a thread on this board with a pic of what wasn't left on my front suspension. I had next to no rubber left after 30 yrs on the lower suspension arms and it really tightened up the handling. followed by the rear of the car. and maybe larger front and rear sway bars. nate
I have a 212 in my 9to1 70 350 runs really well. Not to radical but not stock either. i replaced the whole valvetrain at that time Made quite a difference
Generally I look at replacing parts as a perfect excuse to upgrade. Can't wait til I blow up my 305 . . . p
If you dont have it already, you need my list of cheap tricks that will give you some ideas....send me your email address... and I will send them to you....
Definitely look the brakes over - safety first! Also, I'd go with a stock 4-bbl and a TA212 cam. As soon as I return home from the sandbox I'm replacing the valvetrain, cam, water pump, radiator, and installing headers. Doc, I'll send you my email address... interested! DD
Before you break out the wrenches, you should invest in a Chassis service manual. A 1972 Buick one, from GM. It will outline almost ALL repairs to the engine, drivetrain, electrical systems, and other little things. My phone's on, give me a call, I'll be happy to outline anything you are wanting to do.:beer
Take care of suspension and brakes before considering any kind of power add ons . Much safer this way. If you can't stop it or steer it you don't need the extra power .
So im thinking intake and cam. One reason i leaned towards the aluminum intake, besides the weight, is i wouldnt have to deal w/ the cleaning of a stock one, just cuz i have never done it and would need the know how. After the 4bbl change. Going through the brake system seems to be a good idea. I have to admit, it is pretty hard to get that beast stopped when a yellow light catches me. Since the car will be faster, guess it should stop faster. Doc, i did get those cheap tricks, just havent got a chance to look it over. Guess ill do that now :beers2: Appreciate it Cason. Ill try to give you a call this weekend. Im pretty busy w/ school and work this week. Also looking into headers. How is the preformance difference? And what about those sway bars? Will keep the car from leaning in turns right? Def want to get those too Thanks guys :TU:
Don't bother with the headers unless you're going with the 4bbl intake for sure. Also, remember you will probably have to install a completely new exhaust system.
Well i know for sure that i will go with a 4bbl intake, aluminum or not. But why the new exhaust system?
Do you have dual exhaust? If so, then you could probably have an exhaust shop connect up the old pipes to the new collectors...but why stop there:grin:
After you make sure the car is safe and handles properly you can upgrade your engine...I have a 73 350 that I put poston (had I known about TA I would have used them on this engine) GS350-118 cam shaft, s-divider intake that's hard to get sealed, Quadrajet 750cfm full mechanical, hypereutectic aluminum 10 to 1 pistons, hooker supercomp headers, B&M 2,500 converter, shift kit in the original turbo 350 trans. 342 gears with P295 - 50 - 15 tires in back and P235-60-15 in front on my 73 Regal and it all works really well in this car. My 73 455 Century that I'm doing now is done with T/A parts. Good luck with your 350.
Brakes for sure! On every old car I have had we have gone through and replaced and or rebuilt them first. Who knows what condition they are in till you or a qualified person inspects them??? you don't want to find out the hard way. Brakes were the first thing I rebuilt (all new Power drum brakes and parts) on my car a couple years ago and now about to upgrade to front disc. Even though my brakes work well now i just don't trust the Power drums at the track when needed. Lots of resonable buys out there to upgrade or rebuild you brakes and not "brake" the bank. Good luck have fun and learn. Thats what I love about it all.
you will not get all the potencial horsepower out of that cam/carb/intake swap without an adequate exhaust. I think you get more hp. per dollar if you bought hedders and good flowing mufflers,you will not notice any improvement if you just put the 4b-carb on,
Sounds good!! I cant wait till spring to be finished the big block 73. 470cid. steel worked heads, scat rods balanced etc. 3,500 converter th400 373 gears. It's like being a kid waiting for santa!! Hopefully it works good. I take a beating from my friends for being a Buick guy! Can't wait to slap them around a bit!
since you asked for advice from the wiser ... I dont know if Im qualified but I'll chime in anyway As others have said, do the safety stuff first - brakes (upgrade front to discs is a big improvement) ... then suspension both front AND rear ... then once that is all done go for the power upgrades ... and Lastely, do the bodywork/paint mostly because you dont want to mess up your shiney new paint leaning all over it / accidentally banging wrenches against it That last part I do speak from experience
