Spark for our small-block came from an MSD billet distributor, but a non-computer-controlled HEI is more than adequate and can be had for peanuts at the yard (especially as part of a complete engine assembly). If you are a serious yard hound, feel free to grab a Rochester Q-Jet, as they work well at this power level and will be considerably less costly than the trick Holley. Feeding the Speedmaster intake was a Holley 650 XP carburetor.

Designed to maximize power up to 6,500 rpm, the dual-plane, high-rise intake was perfect for both our stock and soon-to-be-modified small-block. The EFI was replaced by a simple dual-plane, Eliminator intake from Speedmaster. Since we ditched the factory injection and distributor, we needed both fuel and spark. When building a small-block on the cheap, it is always beneficial to start with one that makes more power.īefore running the 350 on the dyno, we had to install a few components. The previous generation TBI engines produced just 210 hp thanks to reduced compression, a flat-tappet cam, and minimal head flow, to say nothing of the less-than-stellar induction system. In addition to the impressive head flow, the 元1 also featured a hydraulic roller cam and a power rating of 255 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. For stock power production, the hot ticket is the 元1, Vortec-headed 350 offered from 1996-'02 in truck, van, and SUV applications. We like the truck section because 350 Chevys are not only plentiful, but you will likely find four-bolt main blocks there as well.

Sure, you can find pedestrian small-blocks (both 305 and 350s) in fullsize passenger cars, but you are not likely to run across anything like an aluminum-headed L98 (TPI), or even an L82, L48, or any other performance-oriented L-series small-block. If your local yard is anything like ours, the best place to find a usable small-block is in the truck section. Things didn't go exactly as planned, but that doesn't mean we didn't wind up with an impressive small-block when we were done. The idea was to pull a (hopefully) running small-block then put it through its paces on the dyno, first with the stock cam then again after a cam swap. We decided to test our theory by snatching up an engine from the yard to demonstrate how effective a simple cam swap can be. Sure, a stock truck or passenger car 350 might not pump out the ponies like those fancy engines, but the savings offered by shopping at the junkyard can provide some serious cash for upgrades.

We know, the powerplants are often caked with grease and grime and are usually a far cry from a shiny, new crate engine, but they don't cost crate engine money either, now do they! Heck, yanking an engine from the local Pick Your Part doesn't cost as much as a typical rebuild kit, let alone an assembled, ready-to-run small-block. If you are looking for the best-kept secret in the performance industry, look no further than your local wrecking yard.

Best cam for stock 350