I've been trying to de-mystify my motor. From what I've been told and what I can figure out its a 350 from the early 70's...from a van or whatever. A really low compression, low h.p. motor. Then they added a mild cam, headers, a Carter 4 bbl, and a Weiand 180 2p intake. The compression is so low, that when I installed a power booster to help with the front disc brakes, I had to install an electric vacuum pump!...which works great by the way) The engine runs fine.
A 3.08 open rear end from a Nova(!). The thing is not quick off the line, but I can cruise at 95 no prob on low octane. I'm having the correct gauges and tic toc tach installed even as we speak. But when it comes time for a tune-up, I'm gonna be in deep doo doo. I'm going to change from points to the Ignitor II points eliminator and hotter coil. That should help. I repaced the worn out tranny with a B&M and new torque conv w/ 2400 stall. The rest of the car is like new.
I wonder...at some point can I have this motor built up a bit, or go for the crate 350? I'm not gonna race, but would like some decent power for cruisin'. I'm not gonna burn rubber..but a little "chirrp" from time to time is fun`.
;) Suggestions?

Just talked to a guy with a 68 SS350 basicly stock Camaro witha little cam added. Ran very good, it had 3:08 rear gears with spool and a 2400 stall. he told me the 2400 stall was alittle much for the street and when driving around town the trans feels like it's slipping (well it is with the high stall) He said he wished he went with about an 1800 stall. He likes the 2400 when racing it, but as he said it's not a fun driver with it.

I feel that this will wear out the trans quickly due to heat build up, might want to keep the stall in the 1800 range if it's going to be a 90% street driver. Now the spool that s differant story. He said he loves it, it's a bit noisy turning and backing up but very effective and cheaper than a posi. Just a few ideas i just happen to hear over the week end.

Joe

Thanks Joe,
My car is a 100% street driver, no racing for me. And I keep it in 2nd gear around town, 3rd is for freeway driving, so I don't think the stall speed will be an issue...we'll see. Thanks for the tip. I was thinking about changing the rear end, just a little more jump off the line, (oh, that explains 2nd gear around town) without sacrificing too much top end. What would you suggest? And can I just replace the gears in the rear end?
Thanks again.

Oh, by the way Joe, did I forget to mention that I absolutely HATE you. "Bought the car for 500.00 and have less than 1000.00 into it!"
Just kidding! And yeah, keep the car ugly for awhile! But how about a few more pics?
Thanks again!